Cribbage Pegging Strategy
Pegging (the play) usually adds 3–6 points per hand. Good pegging decides close games.
What to lead
- A 4 or lower is the safest lead, since your opponent cannot make 15 with one card.
- Avoid leading a 5: any 10-value card makes 15 for your opponent.
- If you hold a pair, leading one of them can set up a pair royal if your opponent pairs you.
Avoid dangerous counts
Try not to leave the count at 5 or 21, since a 10-card scores 2 for your opponent. Be careful leaving the count at 11 or less where they can hit 15 exactly.
Pairing
Pairing your opponent's card scores 2, but they may answer with three of a kind for 6. Pair more freely when the matching cards are likely already gone.
Runs
Playing a card one rank away from the last card can give your opponent a run. Play a card two ranks away only when you can complete the run yourself.
Winning the go
Hold low cards for late in each count so you can play after your opponent says go. Getting to exactly 31 scores 2 instead of 1.