Cribbage Scoring: A Comprehensive Guide to Mastering the Game

Cribbage, a classic card game steeped in tradition, is beloved for its unique scoring system and strategic depth. While the rules are relatively straightforward, mastering the scoring can be the key to consistently winning. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every aspect of cribbage scoring, from the basics to more advanced combinations, ensuring you’re well-equipped to dominate the cribbage board.

## Understanding the Cribbage Board

Before diving into scoring, it’s essential to understand the cribbage board. The board consists of two tracks, each with 120 holes, plus a hole for the game-winning peg. Players use pegs to track their score as they progress around the board. The board is typically laid out so that the peg tracks go up one side and down the other. Each player has two pegs. As they score points, they move the rearmost peg to the location of the foremost peg, then leapfrog the rearmost peg over the other. This makes it easy to track the score, and also shows the last score made, which is important when a player needs to check their opponent’s score.

## The Phases of Scoring

Cribbage scoring happens in two distinct phases:

1. **The Play (Pegging):** This phase occurs after each player has been dealt their hand and discarded cards into the crib. Players alternate playing cards from their hands, one at a time, trying to create scoring combinations while preventing their opponent from doing the same. The play continues until no one can play without exceeding a total count of 31.
2. **The Show:** This phase occurs after the play. Each player, starting with the non-dealer, scores their hand by combining the cards in their hand with the “starter” card (also called the “cut card”). The dealer then scores their hand, and finally scores the crib (which is the dealer’s private hand). The show can be a powerful swing in points, and is a major difference between cribbage and most other card games.

## Scoring During the Play (Pegging)

During the play, players score points for specific card combinations and plays. Here’s a breakdown:

* **15:** If a player plays a card that makes the cumulative count of played cards 15, they score 2 points. For example, if the current count is 8, and a player plays a 7, they score 2 points.
* **31:** If a player plays a card that makes the cumulative count of played cards 31, they score 2 points.
* **Pair:** If a player plays a card of the same rank as the previous card played (e.g., a Queen after a Queen), they score 2 points. This is a pair.
* **Three of a Kind (Trips):** If a player plays a third card of the same rank in a row, they score 6 points. For example, if there are two Queens played in a row, and then a player plays a third Queen, they score 6 points.
* **Four of a Kind (Double Pairs Royal):** If a player plays a fourth card of the same rank in a row, they score 12 points. This is a rare but significant score.
* **Run:** If a player plays a card that forms a run of three or more cards in sequence, regardless of suit, they score 1 point per card in the run. For example, if the current cards played are 5, 6, and a player plays a 7, they score 3 points. The cards do not need to be played in order, so if the cards were played 6, 5, and then 7, the player who played the 7 would still score 3 points.
* **Go:** If a player cannot play a card without exceeding a count of 31, they say “Go.” The other player then continues to play cards, adding to the count, and scoring any combinations they can. If the other player reaches 31, they score 2 points. If they cannot reach 31, they score 1 point for “last card”.

**Example of Pegging:**

Let’s say Player A leads with a 4. Player B plays a 6 (count is now 10). Player A plays a 5 (count is now 15) and scores 2 points. Player B plays a 10 (count is now 25). Player A plays a 6 (count is now 31) and scores 2 points. The play ends, and Player B scores 1 point for “last card”, since Player A reached 31.

## Scoring During the Show

After the play, each player scores their hand in combination with the “starter” card. This is where cribbage scoring gets particularly interesting and strategic. Remember that the combinations below apply to both the hand and the crib, although the rules for scoring the crib are different (more on that later).

* **15:** Any combination of cards that add up to 15 scores 2 points. Face cards (Jack, Queen, King) count as 10, and Aces count as 1. The same card can be used in multiple fifteens. For example, a hand containing 5, 5, 5, and a Jack with a 5 as a starter would score 8 for fifteens (5+10, 5+10, 5+10, 5+10). If you have 5, 5, 5, 5 and a 5 turns up as the starter you will score 16 points just for the fifteens.
* **Pairs:** A pair of cards of the same rank scores 2 points. Three of a kind scores 6 points (three pairs). Four of a kind scores 12 points (six pairs).
* **Runs:** A run is a sequence of three or more cards in consecutive rank, regardless of suit. The cards don’t have to be in order in the hand. Each card in the run scores 1 point. For example, a hand containing 4, 5, 6, 9 and a 7 as a starter would create a run of 4, 5, 6, 7 which scores 4 points. A hand containing 8,9,10,J and a 7 as a starter would not score a run, because there is no 6.
* **Flush:** A flush is when all four cards in the hand are of the same suit. This scores 4 points. If the starter card is also of the same suit, the flush scores 5 points. A flush cannot be scored in the crib unless the starter card is of the same suit as all four cards in the crib. Therefore, a flush in the crib can only score 5 points.
* **Nobs:** If a player has the Jack of the same suit as the starter card, they score 1 point for “Nobs.” This is sometimes referred to as “His Heels” when the dealer cuts the Jack for the start card.

**Example of Hand Scoring:**

Let’s say a player has the following hand: 5 of Hearts, 5 of Spades, Jack of Diamonds, 7 of Clubs. The starter card is the 5 of Diamonds.

* **Fifteens:** There are four combinations that make 15: 5+10 (Jack), 5+10 (Jack), 5+5+5. So that is 8 points.
* **Pairs:** Three 5s scores 2 points for a pair, and a third 5 makes that 6 total points.
* **Runs:** 5, 5, 7 does not make a run.
* **Flush:** The hand does not have a flush.
* **Nobs:** No Jack of Diamonds.

Total score for the hand: 14 points.

## Scoring the Crib

The crib is a special hand that belongs to the dealer. The dealer scores the crib after both players have scored their hands. The rules for scoring the crib are the same as for scoring a hand, with one key exception: flushes. A flush in the crib only counts if all five cards (the four crib cards and the starter card) are of the same suit. If only the four crib cards are of the same suit, it doesn’t count as a flush.

**Important Crib Scoring Considerations:**

* The crib can be a powerful advantage for the dealer, so you should aim to put cards in the crib that are less likely to score points for your opponent, but more likely to score for you.
* Avoid putting face cards (Jacks, Queens, Kings) into the crib, as they can easily be combined with other cards to make 15s.
* Avoid putting a 5 into the crib, since 5s are good for making 15s.
* Suited cards can be risky, as they could contribute to a flush for the dealer.
* Low cards (2, 3, 4) can be relatively safe to put in the crib, as they are less likely to form scoring combinations.
* If you are not the dealer, try to remember which cards you put into the crib. This can help you predict the dealer’s hand, and make better plays.

## Strategic Scoring Tips

Mastering cribbage scoring goes beyond simply knowing the rules. It requires strategic thinking and an understanding of probabilities. Here are some tips to improve your scoring skills:

* **Prioritize 15s:** 15s are the most common scoring combination in cribbage. Look for opportunities to create 15s during the play and in your hand.
* **Watch for Runs:** Runs can be valuable, especially longer runs. Pay attention to the cards that have been played and try to set up runs for yourself.
* **Consider Your Opponent’s Hand:** Try to anticipate what cards your opponent might have and play accordingly. For example, if you know your opponent needs a specific card to complete a run, try to prevent them from getting it.
* **Control the Count:** During the play, try to control the count to your advantage. Force your opponent to play cards that are less likely to score points.
* **Think Long-Term:** Don’t just focus on the immediate score. Consider the long-term implications of your plays and try to set yourself up for future scoring opportunities. If you are nearing the end of the game and have a large lead, playing defensively and avoiding risks may be a good strategy. If you are behind, you may need to take more risks to catch up.
* **Pay Attention to the Crib:** As the dealer, be mindful of the cards you put in the crib. As the non-dealer, try to give the dealer cards that won’t help them.
* **Practice Makes Perfect:** The more you play cribbage, the better you’ll become at recognizing scoring opportunities and making strategic decisions.

## Advanced Scoring Concepts

Once you’ve mastered the basics of cribbage scoring, you can delve into some more advanced concepts to further improve your game:

* **The Value of a Four-Card Run:** A four-card run is very valuable because it is difficult for the other player to disrupt a run of this length.
* **The Importance of Holding a Five:** A five is valuable because you can pair it with a 10, Jack, Queen, or King to make 15.
* **Counting Outs:** Counting outs is the process of determining how many cards are left in the deck that can help you complete a scoring combination. For example, if you have 4, 5, 6 in your hand, you have a certain number of outs to make a 4-card run. If you have three of a kind, you have a certain number of outs to make four of a kind.
* **Understanding Probabilities:** Knowing the probabilities of drawing certain cards can help you make more informed decisions. For example, if you know there are only a few 5s left in the deck, you might be less likely to hold a 10, Jack, Queen, or King in the hopes of making 15.

## Common Scoring Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced cribbage players can make scoring mistakes from time to time. Here are some common errors to watch out for:

* **Missing Fifteens:** Always double-check your hand for all possible 15 combinations.
* **Incorrect Run Length:** Make sure you accurately count the length of your runs.
* **Forgetting Nobs:** Don’t forget to claim your point for Nobs if you have the Jack of the same suit as the starter card.
* **Miscounting Pairs:** Double-check that you’re counting pairs, three of a kinds, and four of a kinds correctly.
* **Incorrectly Scoring Flushes in the Crib:** Make sure all five cards in the crib (including the starter card) are of the same suit before claiming a flush.

## Variations in Scoring Rules

While the basic rules of cribbage scoring are generally consistent, some variations exist. Be sure to clarify the scoring rules with your opponent before starting a game.

* **Muggins:** In some variations, if a player fails to claim a scoring combination, their opponent can claim it for themselves by calling “Muggins.” This adds an extra layer of vigilance to the game.
* **Variations on the Goal:** The goal is traditionally 121 points, but some play to 61 points, especially in shorter games.

## Conclusion

Cribbage scoring may seem complex at first, but with practice and a thorough understanding of the rules, you’ll be scoring like a pro in no time. Remember to focus on creating 15s and runs, control the count during the play, and always be mindful of the crib. By mastering these scoring strategies, you’ll be well on your way to dominating the cribbage board and enjoying this classic card game to its fullest. Good luck, and happy pegging!