It’s only natural then to start to wonder: 

Can Cribbage be played competitively at a professional level? 

Competitive Cribbage offers cash prizes but isn’t a sustainable career. Weekly clubs, regional, and national tournaments with good cash rewards exist globally. Online play is competitive but less financially rewarding.

For more details, let’s read on! 

Check out our comprehensive guide on the rules of cribbage and how to play with examples, scoring breakdowns, and vocabulary guide.

Learn how to play Cribbage

Places To Play Cribbage Competitively And Make Money

Local Clubs

In the U.S., there are numerous clubs scattered across the country. Depending on your location, you may have several within driving distance. 

Some regions, like Wisconsin, boast more clubs than others, but you’ll likely find at least one nearby. 

These local clubs typically meet once a week or every other week. 

You participate in a 7 or 9-game mini-tourney and often pay to play. Usually, the fee is quite low; for example, in my local club, it was $5. The winner and runner-up split the pot 2-1. 

Many players also engage in small side bets, often adding another $5 per game. 

Additionally, clubs may have a 29-hand prize, with a Skunk penalty requiring a dollar contribution to the 29 pot if you get skunked. 

Over weeks or even years, the pot can accumulate substantially. If you achieve a 29-hand (the highest hand in Cribbage), you win the pot. 

Club play can be challenging, but you can earn a bit of extra cash to cover your drinks or the next week’s match.

In-Person Tournaments

n-person larger tournaments are less common and often more challenging to attend. In my home state of Michigan, there aren’t many, and they’re typically located on the opposite side of the state from where I reside. 

However, if you manage to attend, it’s an opportunity for top-notch play and significant prizes. 

These tournaments often draw large crowds, prompting organizers to include a “Consy” or consolation tournament for those who don’t qualify for the finals, which also offers prizes in many cases. 

Prize amounts vary widely depending on the tournament’s scale, ranging from smaller local events to large regional or national competitions. While the prizes aren’t enough to sustain a living, they’re still noteworthy. 

For more details, check out the specific tournament you’re interested in via the provided link.

Online Play

There is no shortage of online platforms to play Cribbage, with the American Cribbage Congress (ACC) hosting their own tournaments and tracking ratings on partnered platforms. 

However, some of the ACC platforms are less user-friendly, requiring downloads to adapt the old system to new devices. 

I recommend opting for newer apps like Cribbage Pro, which offers competitive multiplayer with seasonal events and a rating system to match you with players of similar skill levels. 

While many apps feature online play, the competition can vary. Cribbage Pro stands out with its organized competitive seasons, boasting over 2,000 participants weekly and even offering small prizes for top performers. 

Some online platforms, including Cribbage Pro, allow for monetary play or organize tournaments for cash prizes, albeit with additional legal complexities.

Other Ways To Make Money With Cribbage

Make Cribbage Boards

If you have a talent for woodworking, Cribbage Boards may be a great way to make a little extra money around the game you enjoy. 

It seems like Cribbage boards and chess boards are a rite of passage for woodworkers, and as someone with some small skill in the area, I hope to make my own someday! 

Pegs can be purchased online for dirt cheap, even the nice metal ones! 

Write A Book

People who love Cribbage (like me) also love to read Cribbage books, and there is no shortage of them out there. 

Don’t expect to make a lot of money, but if you feel like you have something to offer to the game, write it down and sell it. 

You can publish online as a PDF or even self-publish through Amazon. I’d love to read what you have to offer! 

Offer Lessons

This one is a big long shot, but I’ve heard of it happening before. If you’re a strong player, you can present at local clubs or even be hired to give private lessons. 

You won’t make much money for this, but if you love the game and want to help others, it’ll certainly be rewarding! 

Conclusion

While Cribbage can be played competitively, it’s not typically considered a profession due to limited financial rewards. 

Nevertheless, opportunities exist to test your skills and potentially earn some extra cash. 

Whether through local clubs, in-person tournaments, or online play, there are avenues to compete and challenge yourself. 

Additionally, if you’re looking to further your Cribbage knowledge and strategies, check out our comprehensive article.

Explore other avenues like crafting Cribbage boards, writing books, or offering lessons for additional ways to engage with the game and community. 

So, continue enjoying Cribbage, and who knows, you might just find your own unique way to make it even more rewarding!

The post Can Cribbage Be Played Competitively At A Professional Level?  appeared first on Huddle Around Games.

Well, firstly, get yourself ready for a lifetime of fun! With a board and cards, you’ve got an almost infinite number of games you can play with anyone who can add up to 15. 

But as far as setting up the Cribbage board and cards, there are a few easy steps to follow. 

To set up a Cribbage board and cards, you first need to get your standard deck of 52 cards shuffled. Jokers are not part of this game. After this, put two pegs in the holes before the starting hole. Cut the deck and low card deals. 

After this, it’s a matter of playing the game! If you need more details, the rest of this article is for you. 

Want to take your Cribbage game to the next level? Check out this massive list of strategies for improving your game!

Click to get Cribbage Strategies

What Equipment Do I Need To Play Cribbage?

• Cribbage Board: A specialized game board with rows of holes for pegs to keep score during gameplay.
  • The cribbage board serves as the central scoring tool in cribbage, providing a visual representation of each player’s progress throughout the game.
• Deck of Cards: A standard deck of 52 playing cards, excluding Jokers.
  • The deck of cards is used for gameplay, with players using the cards to form combinations and score points during each hand.
• Pegs: Small pegs typically made of plastic or metal, used to track scores on the cribbage board.
  • Each player requires two pegs, one for tracking their current score and another for tracking previous scores. Pegs are inserted into the holes on the cribbage board to indicate points earned.

How Do I Get Ready To Play Cribbage? 

Once you’ve gathered the materials, you’re almost ready to play. The setup is simple, but I’ll spell it out for you in detail here. 

Placing The Pegs On The Cribbage Board

Most boards will come with 3 pegs per color and 2 or 3 colors, one for each player.

Two of the pegs go into the hole before the starting hole. It is critical that you place these before the start; otherwise, you’re cutting the game short and messing up the math and odds of the game.

The third peg is typically used to track wins in a match. You may find a series of holes elsewhere, unattached to the main track of 121 holes.

Place the third peg in the first hole and move it one spot every time you win (two if you skunk them).

If you’re just playing a single game, leave the third peg back in its storage area.

Special rule: If you’re playing a three-player game with only two tracks on your board, the third player must begin before the final hole and go backward.

Deck Shuffling

Shuffling the deck is actually an essential part of the setup, at least for most serious players. 

If a deck isn’t shuffled well, a savvy player will know to either expect similar cards or have the previous hand’s cards missing from this round, depending on how the shuffle went. 

Technically, a player must shuffle at least four times for there to be enough variety in the cards. Seven times is preferred. 

Who Deals First In Cribbage? 

In cribbage, determining who deals first is a crucial step before gameplay begins. 

The player who deals first is usually determined by cutting a card from a shuffled deck. 

Each player cuts a card, and the player with the lowest card becomes the dealer for the first hand. 

This process ensures fairness and adds an element of chance to the game, setting the stage for an exciting match of cribbage.

The person who has the first deal gets a sizable advantage in their game, which is why most matches are a best of 3 or more. 

How To Deal Cards In Cribbage

Dealing is simple in Cribbage. Each player gets 6 cards when playing with two people. 

Alternate cards starting with the non-dealer until each player has 6. 

For three players, each player gets 5 cards, and one goes into the crib automatically. Start with the player to the dealer’s left. 

Other Related Questions

How Many Tracks Should A Cribbage Board Have?

The typical Cribbage board will have either two or three tracks. 

Most basic ones will have two tracks and maybe a place to track games. 

Other more advanced boards will have three or even four tracks for players! 

They’ll also have a whole host of other holes for tracking data, from points to skunks. 

Here’s a picture of an advanced one here: 

How Many Cards Do You Start With In Cribbage?

For each hand, you get the same number of cards. The number of cards you get depends on how many players you have. 

• For 2 Players – 6 cards each
• For 3 Players – 5 cards each, 2 go in the crib
• For 4 Players – 5 cards each

Why Are There Three Holes On A Cribbage Board?

In some cases, a board will have three holes BEFORE the starting hole. What is this for? 

They are simply the place to leave your pegs before the first game of a match. Here’s what I mean: 

• Two holes are for the pegs you use in counting your score each game. 
• One hole is for your game peg. The one you use for tracking wins. 

You have to start at zero, and these three holes are the place to put your pegs when you’re at zero. 

The alternative is to leave them on the table, and let me tell you, these pegs can be hard to keep track of! 

Conclusion

Setting up the cribbage board and cards is the essential precursor to an enjoyable game of cribbage. 

From shuffling the deck to determining who deals first, each step contributes to the fairness and excitement of the gameplay. 

With the right equipment in hand and a clear understanding of the setup process, players can embark on a journey of strategic gameplay and friendly competition. 

So, gather your cribbage board, deck of cards, and pegs, and get ready to dive into the world of cribbage. 

Check out this list of Cribbage boards that I think look really cool, too!  

Let the cribbage games begin!

The post How Do I Set Up The Cribbage Board And Cards? appeared first on Huddle Around Games.

“Why are 15s so important?”

“Why is it called pegging?”

“How does a flush work?”

However, one question that surprises me quite a bit is:

What happens if there is a tie in Cribbage?

In Cribbage, there is no possibility of a tie. The game concludes when a player reaches the score of 121, regardless of whether the opponent has completed their turn to count their hand or peg. It’s a race to the end, and tying is impossible.

Still, despite the simplicity of this answer, there are always individuals who attempt to debate it. In the rest of this article, I will endeavor to settle this debate once and for all.

Want to take your Cribbage game to the next level? Check out this massive list of strategies for improving your game!

Click to get Cribbage Strategies

How Does A Cribbage Game End?

A cribbage game ends when one player reaches or exceeds a score of 121 points. Throughout the game, players accumulate points through various means, including scoring during the play, pegging during the pegging phase, and counting their hands and the crib.

The goal is to be the first player to reach the target score while also preventing the opponent from doing so. 

During each hand, players play cards and score points based on combinations such as pairs, runs, and fifteens. 

The non-dealing player also scores points during the pegging phase based on the value of cards played. After both players have played their cards, they count the points in their hands and add them to their running total. 

Once a player reaches the score of 121, they declare victory, and the game ends immediately. 

Do You Have To Finish Exactly At 121 In Cribbage?

In Cribbage, players do not have to finish exactly at 121 points to win the game. Instead, they can go over the target score. 

The game ends when one player reaches or exceeds 121 points, regardless of whether they surpass the target by a small margin or a significant amount. 

This rule allows for decisive conclusions to games and eliminates the need for players to precisely calculate their final plays to end on an exact score of 121.

Is It Possible To Tie In Cribbage? The Counter Argument

Some individuals insist on the possibility of a tie in Cribbage, often due to misinterpretations or house rules. 

If you’ve played with a house rule where the entire last hand must play out and the highest point value wins, then yes, a tie could occur. 

However, it’s essential to note that this deviates from traditional Cribbage rules. 

Nonetheless, if these are your house rules, it’s your prerogative. Just be prepared for potential conflicts in official settings like online play or tournaments. 

This scenario represents the only plausible way a tie could occur in Cribbage. 

If this rule is in place, breaking a tie typically involves playing one more tiebreaker hand, going through the entire process of dealing, discarding, pegging, and counting points again to determine the winner. 

If another tie arises, players may continue until one emerges victorious or agree to share the win.

Conclusion

In conclusion, tying in Cribbage is virtually impossible within the traditional ruleset. 

However, variations and house rules can introduce this possibility, though it’s against the standard gameplay. 

Understanding the official rules and variations can enhance your enjoyment and skill in the game. 

For a deeper dive into Cribbage rules, strategies, and alternative variations, check out our article on Cribbage variations or view the resources at the American Cribbage Congress’ website.

By delving into the intricacies of Cribbage, you can enrich your gameplay experience and appreciate the nuances of this beloved card game. 

Keep exploring and enjoy your journey through the world of Cribbage!

The post What Happens If There Is A Tie In Cribbage? appeared first on Huddle Around Games.

But of course, everyone wants to know what the top Cribbage hands are and how to get them.

Truth be told, it’s a huge amount of luck, but it’s still important to know how to get them and count them when they show up, so let’s talk about it!

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Enter the One Deck, Endless Fun eBook.

It contains 15 of my favorite card games you can play with a single deck of cards and a brief description of how to play each one.

I also include a handy table, breaking down each game in terms of difficulty, number of players, and the time it takes to play.

Download the eBook and start playing now!

The 29 Hand: The Best There Is

The top hand is, of course, the illusive 29-hand.

The odds of getting this are 1 in around 200,000. Some people go their whole lives without ever getting it!

It requires a very specific set of circumstances.

You 3 fives in your hand and a Jack. The Jack must NOT be the same suit as the fives in your hand.

Then, the final five must be cut. When this happens, you have a 29 hand!

In brief, it counts like this:

1. Jack-Five 15s for two = 8 points
2. Five+Five+Five 15s for two = 8 points
3. Four of a kind (fives) = 12 points
4. Nobs for one points = 1 point

All this adds up to 29!

If you want more details on the counting, check out my 29 hand counting guide.

28 Hand: Close, But No Cigar

The second-highest hand is very similar to the highest, just without the nobs.

It’s much (much) easier to get this hand.

All you need is ANY combination of 4 fives and a ten-value card.

Any Ten, Jack, Queen, or King will work.

The fives can be in all in the hand or three in the hand and one in the cut card.

It doesn’t matter.

As such, the odds are higher of getting this, though it’s still tough.

In all my playing, I’ve gotten it once! My grandpa (whose gotten a 29 hand) wasn’t so impressed!

The counting for this one goes like this:

1. Jack-Five 15s for two = 8 points
2. Five+Five+Five 15s for two = 8 points
3. Four of a kind (fives) = 12 points

As you can see, it’s the same as a 29-hand, without the nobs.

The Impossibles: 27, 26, and 25

The number 19 gets a lot of ironic love in the game of Cribbage. It’s often slang for a zero-point hand.

Why? Because it’s impossible to get! No hand or crib can add up to 19 exactly!

Read more: Cribbage slang dictionary

But despite the love the 19-hand gets, it’s not the only one!

27, 26, and 25 are all equally impossible to get!

24-Point Hand: A Grab Bag Of Options

The final top Cribbage hand we’ll cover is the 24-point hand. From here on down, it gets more common and there are many more combinations that make up those hands.

Here we’ll go over the hands that’ll get you to 24, which is still a massive hand and disheartening to be on the opposite side of.

Ace & 4 Sevens

The first set of hands here are when you have four of a kind and a bunch of three card 15s.

The Ace and 4 Sevens perfectly demonstrates this.

Let’s look at this one in detail (and it’ll show how the others work too!).

We have:

First, let’s do the 15s. 7+7+Ace(1) = 15.

So all in all, we have 12 points like this:

• Ace + 7S + 7C
• Ace + 7S + 7H
• Ace + 7S + 7D
• Ace + 7C + 7H
• Ace + 7C + 7D
• Ace + 7H + 7D

Now, we have four of a kind or six sets of pair for another 12 points. In detail, it goes like this:

• 7S – 7C
• 7S – 7H
• 7S – 7D
• 7C – 7H
• 7C – 7D
• 7H – 7D

12 points for the 15s and 12 points for the pairs make 24 points altogether!

Three & 4 Sixes

This one is just like the Ace-Seven example.

We have 12 points for all the 15s with 3+6+6 = 15.

And we have 12 points for the 4 sixes.

Seven & 4 Fours

Here’s another one like the Ace-Sevens.

We have 12 points for all the 15s with 7+4+4 = 15.

And we have 12 points for the 4 fours.

Nine & 4 Threes

Ace-Seven format works here too.

We have 12 points for all the 15s with 9+3+3 = 15.

And we have 12 points for the 4 threes.

Four-Five-Six Double Double

Now, we’re digging into double-double territory.

A double-double run is four sets of three-card runs. Use this video if you don’t believe me, but I’ll go into a bit more detail in a second.

This combination works with any set of 4-5-6 as long as you have two pairs.

Let’s use 4S-4C-5S-6H-6D for example.

First, we’ll tackle the 15s. We have 8 points here.

• 4S + 5S + 6H
• 4S + 5S + 6D
• 4C + 5S + 6H
• 4C + 5S + 6D

Now, we need to tackle the runs. I know this format is a double-double run and worth 16 points between the runs and pairs, but for detail’s sake, I’ll break it down.

First, the runs:

• 4S – 5S – 6H
• 4S – 5S – 6D
• 4C – 5S – 6H
• 4C – 5S – 6D

There are four distinct runs of three for 3 points each, making it 12 points. Now, we add the pair of fours and the pair of sixes for four more points.

This is where we get 16 points for a double double run.

Adding the double double with the 15s, we get 16+8 = 24 points total.

This works whether the pairs are in the fours, fives, or sixes in this case.

But we need to be a bit pickier in the next two examples.

Six-Seven-Seven-Eight-Eight

This example is similar to the 4-5-6 one, but we can’t use just any double double with 6-7-8. The sevens and the eights HAVE to be the pairs.

Why? We need those sevens and eights to add to 15.

Breaking the counting down, we have 8 points for the sevens and eights matching up. We also have 16 points for the double double run (look to the previous example for a break down of how this special run works).

8+16 is 24!

Seven-Seven-Eight-Eight-Nine

This one is exactly like the previous example EXCEPT the nine is in the run instead of the six.

If scoring is tough for you, don’t worry! I have something that can help!

Check out my Cribbage scoring breakdown with a FREE pdf download.

The post Top Cribbage Hands: What Are They & How To Count Them appeared first on Huddle Around Games.

Unless it’s on the other side of the board, then you hate to see it. 

But why is the Jack in Cribbage so valuable? 

On the surface, it’s not much more special than the other 10-value cards. 

As you’ll see in the rest of the article, it’s actually much more than that. 

Jack’s Value

The pip value or numerical value of the Jack is a ten-card. In slang* terms, this is called a dime. 

This doesn’t mean it’s worth ten points, but when counting during pegging and counting during the Show, it’s worth 10. 

Combined with a five or a value that adds up to five, it makes the 15, which is worth two points in both the Play (pegging) and counting hands (Show). 

If this was where it ended, the Jack would be just like the 10, Queen, or King, but it’s not! 

There are some special rules and considerations to consider. 

*Read more Cribbage slang in our list of common sayings here. 

What Happens When You Cut A Jack? (His Heels, Nibs)

After both players discard their two cards into the dealer’s crib, the non-dealer or Pone must cut the deck. 

The dealer then flips over the top card after the cut. This is called the Starter Card, Cut Card, or Turn-up card. 

If this card is a Jack, then the dealer counts two points right away. 

This is called nibs (less common) or his heels (more common). The phrase you often say to remember it and take your points is: “Two for his heels.”

Nobs Rules With Jacks

The other special rule with Jacks is called nobs. When a player has the Jack in their hand or crib, AND the suit of the Jack matches the cut card, they get one bonus point. 

This bonus point is counted during the Show or the counting phase of the game. 

For this reason, many people consider the Jack as always having a value of ¼ points. At any time, the cut card can match and add a single point. 

The ¼ figure comes from the odds of turning up the matching suit. 

When you have the matching Jack for nobs, it’s called having the “right Jack.”

Note: Nobs can’t happen when the cut card is a Jack. 

The Jack In Cribbage As A “Super Connector”

George “Ras” Rassmussen is a Life Master and official Cribbage Hall-of-Famer who loves to teach and talk about Cribbage. It’s from him that I first heard about this concept of Super Connectors. 

When you discard into a crib, certain cards tend to “fill out” runs and add a lot of points to the crib. 

If you’re the dealer and you have a choice, throw a super-connector. If you’re not, avoid it if possible. 

5s are always good for the Crib, but the Super Connectors are 3s in the low cards, 7s in the middle cards, and Jacks in the high cards. 

Why is the Jack a super connector? It sits in the middle of the high cards (10, Jack, Queen, King). 

But so does the Queen, right? So why is the Jack better? 

Well, the Pone or non-dealer isn’t always happy to toss a Jack into a crib. It has that chance of making a point for nobs, after all. 

So, they’ll throw other things, and quite often, it’ll be some ten-cards that don’t fit the rest of their hand. 

If they’re throwing things around the Jack, and you throw the Jack…now you have a run and even a potential double run! 

How The Jack Makes A 29 Hand

The Jack is the only ten-card that plays a role in the elusive 29-hand. This is the highest hand possible in Cribbage. 

It can only happen in the following scenario: 

• Three 5s in your hand
• The Jack that doesn’t match the suit of the other 5s also in your hand
• The non-dealer cuts the last 5 (it matches the suit of the Jack)

Any other combination of four 5s and a ten-card results in a 28 hand, which is still quite good! 

But we need that nobs with the Jack to take us to the maximum 29 hand. 

It counts out like this: 

1. 5-J makes 15 for two four times. So 8 points here. 
2. Three 5s add up to 15. The combinations with this happen four times. So another 8 points here. 
3. Four of a kind works out to six pairs. So 12 points here. 
4. The Jack matches the starter card, so we get 1 point for nobs. 

8+8+12+1=29! 

For this reason, when we see a Jack with a bunch of fives, it’s best to keep it around. 

Jack In Pegging

The Jack in pegging is a fun one to keep and be aware of. 

Non-dealers are more likely to hold onto the Jack out of the other ten-cards because they don’t want to give nobs to the dealer’s crib. 

On the flip side, the dealer is MORE likely to throw the Jack because it’s a key connector. 

So when you’re the Pone, the Jack is a somewhat safer lead if you only have ten-cards. 

When you’re the dealer, a Jack isn’t a great play because the Pone is likely to pair it. 

This isn’t a hard and fast rule, but it’s an added layer of thought you need to consider when pegging that doesn’t show up with the other dimes. 

The post What Is The Jack In Cribbage & How Does It Work? appeared first on Huddle Around Games.

There are a ton of Cribbage slang words that mean something completely different depending on your area. 

To make your life easier, I compiled this list of 21 common slang terms you may come across. 

Note: After you check these out, head over to the massive Glossary of Cribbage Terms for official definitions of all Cribbage-related words.

19 Hand

A 19-point hand or Crib is impossible. When someone says they have 19 points, they actually have zero. 

15-2 and the Rest Won’t Do!

Cribbage has a ton of little sayings like this. When you only have two points, tacking on a little “…and the rest won’t do” is pretty common. 

15-2, 15-4 and There Ain’t No More

Even my grammatically correct retired English teacher of a grandfather says this one all the time. I’ve heard a few people switch it out for something like “…and there is no more,” but I kind of like this version best. 

It’s important to note with all these sayings around points that it doesn’t have to be 15s. They could be pairs too. 

2, 4, 6 and the Rest Won’t Mix

Here’s another saying for counting points. I’d never heard this one growing up.

When I started playing in Grass Roots clubs, I heard it, and now I love it! 

2, 4, 6, 8, and the Rest Won’t Mate

Another counting one for 8. This is the least said one of all that I’ve listed above. 

Bust Hand

A zero-point hand. Usually not in reference to a Crib. 

Well, this is a bust hand!

Cards

The point for playing the last card during the Play or pegging is called “Last Card.” It’s common to says nothing and just take your point.

But it’s also common to simply say “Cards.” Not that Last Card is much longer, but it’s just one of those things. 

28 and 1 point for cards.

Consy

Slang for consolation tournament. Large tournaments have two days; one for the qualifying round and one for the playoffs. 

If you end up knocked out in the qualifiers, you can join a consolation tournament for another chance to win something. 

Well, I got knocked out of the qualifier, but maybe I’ll do better in the consy.

Corners

Parts of the cribbage board to help determine board position. They are the 30, 60, and 90th holes. 

My cut was awesome. I ended up around the first corner after the first hand!

Dimes

Another word for a card with a pip value of 10. This includes Tens, Jacks, Queens, and Kings. It can also refer to two cards adding up to 10. 

I got a double run of Dimes here. I hope I get a 5 cut!

Double Double Run

A slang term for a special type of run. This is built off of a single run with two sets of pairs. 

An example is: A-A-2-3-3. In the end, this is worth 16 points. 

I’ve got a double double run for 16.

Double Run

One of the common “large” hands. A double run consists of a single run with a single pair in it. 

An example is: A-2-2-3. This is worth 8 points in the end. 

If you have a single run of four with a pair (A-2-2-3-4), then it’s worth 10 points. 

15-2, 15-4, and a double run is 8 more for 12.

Gift in Crib

As the non-dealer, if you have to throw good cards into the dealer’s crib, it’s common to say you gave them a gift in their crib. 

*Sigh* Gift in your crib.

Kitty

A slang term for the Crib, the extra hand the dealer gets to count at the end of the round. 

My hands was junk, but now for the Kitty.

Muggins

A common mode of play. This is where miscounting costs you points. If you underpeg, the opponent may take the missed points. 

If you overpeg, your opponent gets the same number of points, and you have to go back. 

Muggins. You missed two points.

Nibs

A term for when the non-dealer cuts a Jack. The dealer gets two points right then and there. 

Also called Two For His Heels. 

That’s a Jack! Thanks for the nibs.

Check out our guide to the Jack in Cribbage and what you need to know.

Nickels

A slang term for 5s. It may also be used in reference to two cards adding up to a value of 5. 

I love throwing a pair of nickels into my crib.

Nobs

When the Jack in your hand matches the suit of the cut card (starter card), you get one bonus point for Nobs when you count your hand or crib. 

15-2, 15-4, a pair is 6, and nobs is 7.

Par Hole

Positonal holes for determining your board position and if you need to be aggressive, defensive, or play down the middle. The Par Holes are considered: 18, 44, 70, 96. If you’re the first to these (or within 10 after a Pone deal), you’re in good shape. 

I didn’t make my par hole here. I need to be more aggressive now.

Raggedy Andy

The lesser version of the Raggedy Anne worth 11 points. The hand is 2-2-6-7-8. Also valuable for its pegging value. 

Raggedy Anne

Also called a Raggedy 13. 

A special and rare hand worth 13 points. Some clubs have a side pot for those who make it. 

It goes A-A-6-7-8.

Rock

A zero-point hand or Crib. Usually referring to a Crib. 

Royal Pair

A slang term for three of a kind. It’s worth 6 points. Also called a Pair Royal. 

Salting The Crib

Another slang for when you have to give the opposing dealer some good cards in their crib. 

Stink Hole

The 120th hole in the game. It’s one away from winning, and it doesn’t feel good to lose a game from there. In fact, it stinks! 

Streets

Related to the corners, streets help you tell board position. 0-30 is First Street. 31-60 is Second Street. 61-90 is Thrid Street. 91-121 is Fourth Street. 

The Box

Another slang term for the Crib, the dealer’s extra hand. Popular in the U.K. 

Triple Run

A slang for a special type of run. It consists of a single run where one card is triple or three of a kind. 

An example: A-A-A-2-3. For the runs and the pairs, you get 15 points. 

Turn-up Card

Another term for the starter card or cut card. This one is popular in the U.K. 

Two For His Heels

A term for when the non-dealer cuts a Jack. The dealer gets two points right then and there. 

Also called nibs. 

The post 21 Cribbage Slang Words: Talk Like A Pro Player appeared first on Huddle Around Games.

But there are some that pop up you may not know. 

I did an exhaustive search to find every one of the Cribbage Terms used in common play and presented it here in Glossary form. 

If I forgot one, send me an email at HuddleAroundGamesATgmailDOTcom, and I’ll get it on there. 

Hint: Use the table of contents to sort through the long article by letter. 

Symbols

15

The base block of getting points in Cribbage. Adding the pip value of cards up to 15 results in two points. This happens in the play and the show. 

31

During the play, or pegging, if a player gets the count up to 31 exactly, they get 2 points. 

!

A mark in a Cribbage book or article that denotes a good move. 

!!

A mark in a Cribbage book or article that denotes an excellent move. 

?

A mark in a Cribbage book or article that denotes a questionable move. 

??

A mark in a Cribbage book or article that denotes a blunder or big mistake.

*

A mark in a Cribbage book or article that denotes who is the dealer. You are always the first number. 

For example: 30-35* means that you have 30 points, the opponent has 35 points, and the opponent has the deal. 

X

This is another note in Cribbage shorthand for a book or article. It means a ten-card of some kind. 

It assumes that runs aren’t important in this specific context.

19 Hand

A joke. 19 points are impossible in Cribbage, so if you say you have a 19 hand, you really have zero points. 

This also features on our list of Cribbage slang words.

21-24 Rules

A tool for help in deciding if you can lead the low card from a hand with 1 low card and 3 mid cards. 

If the pip value is between 21 and 24, it’s generally safe. 

For example, A-6-7-8. The value is 22. 1+6+7+8 = 22. In this case, the Ace is safe to lead. 

But with 3-7-8-9 (adds to 27), it’s better not to. 

26 Theory

The 26 Theory is the prevailing board strategy and positional understanding put forth by Delynn Colvert. It’s based on how the pone usually gets 10 points, and the dealer usually gets 16 points. 

Of course, these are averages, but it does wonders for determining the strength of your position. 

28 Hand

The second highest hand. A 28 hand occurs when you have all 5s and any ten-card. 

The odds of such a hand are 1 in 15,028. 

29 Hand

The 29 hand is the highest single hand in Cribbage. It only happens when you have three 5s in and a Jack in your hand. Then, the last 5 is cut, and it must match the suit of the Jack for nobs. 

The odds of a 29 hand are 1 in 216,580. 

A

ACC Internet Cribbage

The American Cribbage Congress has a whole category of rating points dedicated to sanctioned internet play. 

As of this writing, daily tournaments are hosted on either eCribbage or GameColony.

Addition Method

The simplest and quickest method for figuring out what the best combination of cards are as the dealer. Looking at your options for the discard, add the points in your hand with the points you keep in the crib (that you know of). 

Most of the time, this will match the expected average (a more in-depth calculation), so it’s the best way to toss your cards. 

American Cribbage Congress

The national organization for Cribbage players in the United States. 

This group handles rating points in three channels: 

• Main or Master Tournaments
• Grassroots (local clubs)
• Internet Cribbage

Joining gets you access to tournaments and clubs as well as a monthly pamphlet with Cribbage news, stories, and tips. 

Anderson Average

The average value of the cards in your hand without considering the tossed cards at all. This is a quick way of figuring out the general odds of what a cut would give you. 

This includes the potential cut cards, but it doesn’t weigh the odds in regard to what is tossed in the discard. 

Anti-cribbage

A variation of Cribbage where the goal is to get the fewest points possible. The first one to reach 121 loses. 

Average Crib

The average worth of the two cards you discarded. For example, a 5-5 is generally considered to be worth 8.9 in the crib. 

Average Hand

Same as the Anderson average, but this one considers the two cards you tossed in the crib. 

B

Bad Eleven

Magic Eleven’s evil twin. This is for the non-dealer. If the non-dealer has two cards adding up to 11 and leads one, the dealer may make off with 31 for two points if they have two ten cards or dimes. 

For example, the play may go 4-10-7-J and 31 for two. 

Bad Sixteen

The evil twin of the Magic Sixteen. In the pone’s hand, this is worse. This is two cards whose pip value adds up to 16. 

In this case, the dealer may answer with a 10 and 5 to make 31 for two. 

Balanced

This is the normal play for Cribbage. You want to maximize your scoring chances in the play and show while minimizing the opponent’s. 

Here you are neither aggressive (accepting risk for a big reward) nor defensive (passing up on higher averages to lower the opponent’s average). 

Barlow’s Rule

This applies to the non-dealer. 

When you want a cut to put you out and win, toss the dealer cards that go with that cut. 

When you can’t go out but will get you close, toss cards NOT helped by that cut. 

Board Position

An awareness of where you and your opponent are on the board and who has the deal. A quick assessment of board position informs board strategy. 

Board Strategy

Using board position to determine if you want to play balanced, aggressive, or defensive. Also affects when you go all out for pegging in the endgame.

Break Card

A card that is wide away from others in a sequence. Useful during pegging to get out or break away from pegging run traps. 

Bronze Award

An award for Grassroots players who earn 1,000 rating points over their lifetime. 

Bust Crib

A crib with zero points. 

Bust Hand

A hand with zero points. Another slang for a 19 hand. 

C

Canadian Doubles

This is a variant of doubles in Cribbage, and a very quick one too! 

The dealer and opponent to their left get ten cards. The other players get none. They pick four to keep, four to give to their partner, and four for the crib. 

All other rules are the same as doubles and Cribbage in general. But the added control of the dealer and left pone having ten cards to look at results in some stellar counts! 

Case

Case is used in reference with another card value. It refers to when you hold three of a card in your hand and the fourth is cut. This last one that’s cut is called the “case 5” (or whatever the value is). 

It can also be referred to whenever the opponent has the fourth card to your three and ends up playing it during the play for a big gain in points. 

Cat

Cat and sometimes Kitty are another slang word referring to the Crib. 

Cautious Offense

Cautious offense is another word for balanced or optimal play. It’s when you just want to make the best tosses and pegs for the best overall average gain to yourself and limit to your opponent. 

Chambers Average

When calculating a discard, this average is the value of your hands plus or minus the two cards you tossed. If you’re the dealer, you add the crib to the average. If pone, subtract the average. 

Close Cuts

During the end game, a close cut refers to the number of cards that will put you within three holes of winning the game. It’s used to help you determine how you need to peg in this phase and what cards to toss. 

This is the count for the number of specific cards that will do this for you. 

Close Ranks

This is like the close cuts count, but instead of the individual cards, you just look at the pip value of the card. 

Colvert Average

Colvert’s Expected Average calculations and numbers for discards to your crib and the opponent’s crib. 

Colvert Exception

When you play in a desperation defense situation, lead the low card. This is unless you have a middle card (6,7,8,9) with only one more loser than the low card. In this situation, you should lead the middle card.  

Colvert’s Rule

In pegging, you may end up with a 5-X (any ten-card) and have to lead. If your opponent has shown ten cards prior to this, play a ten-card yourself. If not, play the 5. 

Consolation Tournament

During a weekend tournament, the second day is for qualifying players in the main event. For those knocked out, they can play in the Consolation Tournament (also called a consy). 

This is a one-day event for those who still want to play for a small prize and more rating points.

Typically, a Consolation Tournament is a 9-game tourney with Best of 3 matches for the playoffs. 

Consy

Slang for Consolation Tournament. 

Count

During the Show, this means to say the number of points you have and move your peg those points. 

During the Play, the count is the pip value added up. Cannot go over 31. 

Crib

The extra hand the dealer gets, which is counted at the very end of each round. 

Cribbage Board

The wooden board Cribbage is played on. It typically has 121 holes with two or three tracks. It may also have rows for keeping track of games in a match. 

Cribbage To Lose

Same as Anti-Cribbage. The loser gets to 121 first. 

Cut

The cuts happen in two places. 

1. At the beginning of the game, both players cut the deck and look at the bottom card. The low card wins the first deal. 
2. During every round, after both players toss their discards to the dealer’s crib, the non-dealer cuts the deck. The dealer flips over the top card and places it on top of the deck for the cut card or starter card. 

Cut Card

The cut card, or starter card, shows up after it’s cut before the Play phase of the game. This card comes into use during the Show or counting phase of the game. 

Both players use this card as if it were part of their hand to count. This goes for the crib as well. 

Cut Jack

A rare slang for His Heels. When the non-dealer cuts a Jack, the dealer pegs two points right then. 

Cutthroat

Another term for muggins play. In this mode of play, you get penalized if you count your pegs wrong. 

If you underpeg and the opponent points it out, they get the points you missed. 

If you overpeg and the opponent points it out, you move back, and the opponent gets the extra points. 

D

Dead Hole

Another slang for stink hole. This refers to the 120th hole in the game of Cribbage. 

It doesn’t matter how close you are to the end; the first one to reach 121 wins. 

Dealer

The person who shuffles and deals the six cards, starting with the non-dealer one at a time. The dealer gets the crib (extra hand), pegs second, and counts second. 

Starting the game as dealer offers an advantage because they typically end up with an extra hand compared to the non-dealer over the course of the game. 

Delta

In advanced Cribbage statistics and calculation, delta refers to the amount by which the average of your four cards will vary. 

For example, in the case of 4-4-6-6, the low is 4 points and the high is 24 if a 5 is cut. But the average is still 7.1. 

The delta speaks to the difference between the average and the extremes. 

Desperation Defense

This is a strategy the dealer may want to adopt in the end of the game on their last deal. 

In this case, the dealer gives up on caring about their own points and goes out of their way to avoid giving the non-dealer ANY points at all. 

This is a hail mary strategy where they pray the pone has a big fat 19 hand (no points) and they can count their hand and crib. 

Desperation Offense

This is the opposite of the previous one. The non-dealer is far behind on their last deal. 

They look at their hand in terms of count and pegging and take the riskiest discard option. 

Dime

Any card with a pip value of 10. This includes the 10s, Jacks, Queens, and Kings. 

Discard

To get rid of two cards from your hand into the dealer’s crib. When you have the deal, add the points from the crib to your hand to get the average. 

When you’re not the dealer, subtract them from your hand.

Double Double Run

A single run of 3 where two cards are paired. 

A-A-2-2-3 for example. 

This is worth 16 points for the runs and pairs, but don’t forget to look for 15s or nobs! 

Double Pairs Royal

This is an older terms for four of a kind, which is worth 12 points in Cribbage. 

Double Run

A single run of 3 cards where one of the cards is paired. 

A-A-2-3 for example. 

A double run is worth 8 points for the two runs and pair. Don’t forget to look for 15s or nobs. 

Double Run of Four

A single run of 4 cards where one of the cards is paired. 

A-A-2-3-4 for example. 

This is worth 10 points for the two runs and the pair. Don’t forget to look for 15s or nobs. 

Double Skunk

The Double Skunk sits at the 60 point line. If someone is still at or behind the 60 point hole when the other player pegs out and wins, they get double skunked. 

In casual play, this may mean they have now won three games in a match. 

Double skunks aren’t recognized in official play. 

Read more about skunks in Cribbage in detail.

Doubles

Another term for four-player, partner Cribbage. 

In this variation, partners sit across from one another. Everyone gets five cards and discards one to the dealer’s crib. 

Play continue like normal after this. 

Partner peg off the same pegs and work together to get to 121. 

E

Edge Card

Edge cards refer to the A-2 and Q-K combinations. These are on the edge of the string of cards, therefore have a lesser chance of getting cut or added to to make a run or sequence. 

Endgame

Final stage of the game. Sometimes considered after fourth street (91st hole) or when someone is within 10 points of winning. 

Endgame Count

A counting method to use as the non-dealer in endgame situations. This gives you the best opportunity for pegging and counting your hand to win the game. 

Expected Average

The calculated average of your hand and the crib based on your discards. 

For the dealer, you add the averages together. For the non-dealer, you subtract the average from your hand. 

F

False Claim of Game

When someone overpegs to win the game by more points than they earned. 

This is a big deal in tournament play and needs a judge called right away. 

The player who claims a false game must go back the overpegs and then also suffer a 15-point penalty.

First Count

The non-dealer counts first during the Show after pegging. This is critical in the endgame.

First Dealer

The first person to have the deal at the start of the game, determined by who cuts the low card before the game. 

This person has a significant advantage in the game. 

First Pone

The person who is the first non-dealer to start the game. They’re behind from the beginning (due to the average number of hands being around 9 to get through a game). 

First Street

From hole zero-30. The Dealer starts by playing optimally OR slightly defensively to limit the Pone. 

The Pone must make up points and may start out a little aggressive. 

Flush

When you have all four cards of your hand in the same suit, you get four points. 

If the starter card also matches, you get five points. In the crib, it must be all five cards. Flushes don’t count during the Play.

Four Of A Kind

Four cards of the same rank. (Four 4s for example.) This grouping of pairs is worth 12 points. 

Fourth Street

The endgame street and last corner. From holes 91-120. It’s here that the most interesting play happens as players count out what they need to win and adjust their play. 

G

Game Hole

The 121st hole and the one needed to peg to in order to win the game! 

Game Points

Points awarded for winning a game during tournament play. The most common method goes like this: 

• 0 points for a loss
• 2 points for a win
• 3 points for a skunk

This helps determine who is on top when not everyone plays each other. Ties are broken by point spread.

Gift in Crib

A phrase used to mean you had to toss a good discard into the opponent’s crib. 

Go

When your pegging during the Play and the count is too close to 31 for you to play and not go over. If both players Go, the player who played the last card gets the one point. 

Gold Award

The award for reaching 4,000 life points during Grassroots play. 

Grand Master

A title for players who have 4,000 Master Rating Points, or points earned during tournaments. 

Grand Slam

Winning every game in a tournament. 

Grass Roots

One “lane” of Cribbage play. Grass roots clubs are the local clubs you can join and play at on a weekly or biweekly basis. 

Grass Roots Rating Points

Points earned by playing in your grass roots club. Different from Master Rating Points or Internet Rating Points. 

Gut Shot

When the starter card fills in the other cards in your hand to make a run. Usually, it adds many points. An example is if you have a 2-2-4-4 and you cut a 3. 

H

Hand

The four cards you keep for yourself to peg with and count. 

Hauling Lumber

Hauling Lumber or Hauling Wood is a form of cheating in the game of Cribbage. This is referred to as intentionally overpegging, hoping your opponent won’t notice and getting extra points here and there. 

This is why there are strict rules for laying your cards down where the opponent can see. 

Helper Card

A cut card that increases the value of your hand. 

High Card

High cards refer to the 10, Jack, Queen, and King. 

His Heels

A special rule in Cribbage also called Nibs. His Heels happens when the non-dealers cuts a Jack for the starter card. 

At this point, the dealer immediately gets to peg two points. 

His Nobs

The opposite of His Heels or Nibs. When the Jack in your hand matches the suit of the starter card, you get one bonus point.

Read more about his nobs and his heels in our article here.

I

Internet Cribbage Program

One of the “lanes” of official Cribbage play. The ACC hosts daily internet tournaments for points. As of now, play is only official on eCribbage and Game Colony. 

Internet Rating Points

Points tracked during official Internet Cribbage play. 

J

Judge

A trained and certified person who is called in to settle rule breakings and disputes during sanctioned play. 

L

Ladder

Organized play, mostly done online, where rating points are tracked and as players win, they move higher up the rankings. Most notable during Cribbage Pro’s competitive season play. 

Last Card

The last card played during pegging gets one point UNLESS it happens to hit 31 exactly. 

Lead

The first card played during a pegging sequence. The non-dealer starts the pegging. 

Life Master

The title for someone who has earned 6,000 master rating points at official tournaments. 

Loser

Any card your opponent can play off of at the end of pegging to get extra points. 

Loser’s Cribbage

Another name for Anti-Cribbage. In this variation, the first one to go out loses.

Low Card

The low cards are Ace, 2, 3, and 4. These are also the most valuable set of cards for pegging. 

Lowball

Another name for Anti-Cribbage. In this variation, the first one to go out loses. 

Check out our massive list of Cribbage variations.

Lurched

Another term for Skunked. When you are behind the 91st hole when the opponent goes out, you’re Skunked. This means you lose two games (or your opponent gains three points in tournament play). 

M

Magic 11

When you have a combination of cards adding up to a pip value of 11. If you’re leading, three cards work well. If you’re second, the two-card combo works. 

It’s not guaranteed but it works well against Ten Cards or Dimes. 

Magic 16

This combination, like the Magic 11, works well in pegging. 16 will often let you play with a 5 when you get to 26 and make 31 for 2 points. 

Magic 5

A two-card combo adding up to 5. This works well for the non-dealer. The dealer often responds with a ten-card letting you make 15 for two. 

For example, if you have a 2-3-X-X. You play a 3. They play a 10. You play a 2 and make 15 for two points. 

Main Event

The Main Tournament. It typically takes place over two days. The first day is a 22-game qualifying round. Those who score high enough continue the Main Event and play in a best of 5 match playoff round. 

Those who don’t are given the chance to play in a Consolation Tournament or Consy. 

Main Tournament

See above. 

Master

The title awarded to someone who has 2,000 Master Rating Points. 

Master Rating Points (MRP)

Points earned in tournament play. Considered a higher level than grass roots play. 

Match

Two people playing each other repeatedly until one of them reaches a set number of wins. Common venues are Best of 3 and Best of 5. 

In a best of 3 match, the player to reach two wins is the winner. In a best of 5 match, the player to reach 3 wins is the winner. 

Michaelis A-2-3-4

When you have the hand of A-2-3-4-X-X and you throw the 2-3 in the Crib. This makes it so your expected average is higher due to the 2-3’s power in the Crib. 

Only works when you’re the dealer. 

Mid-card

Mid Cards or Middle Cards refer to 6, 7, 8, and 9. These have medium pegging value but are often cards that end up with high-scoring hands after the cut. 

Minimal Average

Another word for Chamber’s Average. 

When calculating a discard, this average is the value of your hands plus or minus the two cards you tossed. If you’re the dealer, you add the crib to the average. If pone, subtract the average. 

Mueller Average

The expected average of your hand (plus or minus the crib) and the value of your pegging hand assuming balanced play. 

Muggins

The same as Cutthroat. 

In this mode of play, you get penalized if you count your pegs wrong. 

If you underpeg and the opponent points it out, they get the points you missed. 

If you overpeg and the opponent points it out, you move back, and the opponent gets the extra points. 

N

Near Cards

Cards near each other in a sequence or run if only they had the right card in between them. Examples of near cards include: 

• A-3
• 2-4
• 3-5
• 4-6
• 5-7
• Etc. 

Nibs

Nibs is another names for His Heels. His Heels happens when the non-dealers cuts a Jack for the starter card. 

At this point, the dealer immediately gets to peg two points. 

Nickel 

A common name for 5 cards or even any two cards that add up to five. 

Nobs

See His Nobs. The opposite of His Heels or Nibs. When the Jack in your hand matches the suit of the starter card, you get one bonus point.

Non-dealer

Same as Pone. The non-dealer does or doesn’t do the following: 

• Doesn’t deal the cards. 
• Tosses two cards to the crib. 
• Cuts the starter card. 
• Leads first in pegging. 
• Counts first during the Show. 

O

Old Faithful

A pegging trap named by Joseph Wergin when you are the non-dealer and have the following cards: 4-5-6-6. 

Play usually goes like this (you are underlined): 6-X-6-5-4 (31 for 5); X-5 (15 for 2) – X. 

Opening Lead

First card used in a Pegging or Play series. Given by the non-dealer. 

Out Card

See also Break Card. A card that is wide away from others in a sequence. Useful during pegging to get out or break away from pegging run traps. 

Overpegging

When you take more pegs than you earned. In Muggins or Cutthroat, you go back the pegs you went over by AND the opponent gets to move forward by that same number. 

If you overpeg to win the game, you enter a False Claim of Game. In this case, you go back AND suffer a 15-point penalty. 

P

Pair

Two cards of the same rank. 2-2, 7-7, Jack-Jack, etc. 

Pair Royal 

Another name for three of a kind. Three cards of the same rank. 2-2-2, 5-5-5, Queen-Queen-Queen, etc. 

This is worth 6 points for the pairs. 

Par Holes

Another term for Positional Holes. This is Delynn Colvert’s term for it. 

These are four holes on the board that give you hints as to whether you’re in good position to win (or at least match your opponent. 

The exact number is debated, but it’s considered to be around the 18th, 44th, 70th, and 96th holes. This is based on the average of 26 points earned from your three counts (Pone hand, Dealer Hand, Crib). 

If you’re first to these holes, you’re in good shape.

Pegging Out

A term for going out or reaching the 121st hole and winning the game. Doesn’t have to be related to the Play phase of the game. 

Pegout

The specific situation where someone gets their points to win during the Pegging or Play phase of the game. 

Pegs

The little markers used to keep track of points during a game. 

Pip Value

The numerical value of the cards. Numbered cards match their number (i.e., 5 = 5). Aces are always 1. Face cards are worth 10. 

Pips

The numerical value on the cards. Pips refer to the suit shapes on numbered cards.

Play Series

During the Play, this is a series of cards laid from zero until 31 or Go. There may be 1 Play Series in the pegging phase or 3. It all depends. 

Playing Off

A defense mode of play where you’re clearly in the lead and you want to limit your opponent’s chances to catch up. 

Playing On

Aggressive play. This is when you want to overcome being behind or reduce your opponent’s positional surplus. 

Playoffs

A series of matches at the end of a tournament to determine the winner of a tournament. If you make it to the Playoffs, you’ll get Master Rating Points and often cash prizes based on what place you finish. 

Pone

Another word for non-dealer. 

Positional Advantage

The higher chance of winning based on where you are on the board at the start of the deal. The Dealer has the advantage in almost any setting unless the Pone has reached or will reach in 10 points a par hole the dealer isn’t at yet. 

Positional Deficit

After counting your hand as Pone, look at where you are compared to the next par hole. If you’re behind, then you’re at a positional disadvantage.

If it’s the start of a deal (as Pone), assume 10 points for this turn to determine your position. 

So if you are at the 40th hole after counting as Pone, you are -4 in position to the 44th par hole.

Positional Disadvantage

Opposite of Postional Advantage. When you are the dealer OR if you are the Pone and you’re within (10 points) or reached a Par Hole the Dealer hasn’t reached yet. 

Positional Hole

Another word for Par Holes. This is John Chambers word for it. 

These are four holes on the board that give you hints as to whether you’re in good position to win (or at least match your opponent. 

The exact number is debated, but it’s considered to be around the 18th, 44th, 70th, and 96th holes. This is based on the average of 26 points earned from your three counts (Pone hand, Dealer Hand, Crib). 

If you’re first to these holes, you’re in good shape.

Positional Parity

When you have the positional advantage AND you’re exactly at the next par hole. 

Positional Standing

Taking into account your positional deficit or surplus and whether or not you have the positional advantage. Critical for determining play style to increase your winning chances going forward. 

Positional Surplus

The amount by which you’re over the par hole (or expected) after counting your hand as Pone. If you’re at the 48th hole after counting as Pone, you are +4. If you’re also in the lead, you have the advantage. 

Prevent Defense

Doing your best to limit the play and counting of the opponent. Do this when you’re in the lead and have a clear positional advantage and surplus. 

This may entail giving up smaller points (such as 15 for 2) during play to avoid bigger points (such as runs or Trips). 

Q

Q-Pool

Qualifying pool. A side pot of cash rewards for those who finish at the top of the qualifying round in a tournament. 

Quadruple

A fancy word for making four of a kind while pegging. 

Qualify

If in a main tournament for MRP, to qualify means to move onto the next round of playoffs. 

In your grass roots club, it means to finish in the top 20% of players and earn points for the tournament that night. 

Qualifying Round

The first one of a major tournament. Usually, it’s the top 25% of players who qualify, and the top 12.5% earn Master rating points then and there. 

R

Raggedy 13

Also called a Raggedy Ann.

A special and rare hand worth 13 points. Some clubs have a side pot for those who make it. 

It goes A-A-6-7-8.

Raggedy Andy

The lesser version of the Raggedy Anne worth 11 points. The hand is 2-2-6-7-8. Also valuable for its pegging value. 

Raggedy Ann

Also called a Raggedy 13. 

A special and rare hand worth 13 points. Some clubs have a side pot for those who make it. 

It goes A-A-6-7-8.

Ras Average

The Average value of discards using discard numbers from actual play by Life Master and Hall of Famer George Rasmussen. 

Renege

To avoid playing a card you should have played during the play earlier. For example, if the count is 28 and you have a two, yet you say Go, you’re reneging. 

There is a penalty for this in ACC play. 

Reverse Cribbage

Same as Anti-cribbage. In this variation, the player who goes out first loses. 

Right Jack

The Jack matching the suit of the starter card. Having the right Jack in your hand or crib gives you one point for nobs. 

Rock

Another word for a zero hand or crib. 

Royal Pair

Pair Royal, Three of a Kind, or Trips. Three cards of the same rank. 2-2-2, 5-5-5, Queen-Queen-Queen, etc. 

This is worth 6 points for the pairs. 

Rule Of Eight

If you have 3 low cards and 1 high card in your hand, you play your low card. If the dealer responds with a ten-card, you should pair the card if possible only if the added pip value of your low cards is 8 or less. 

Run

Three or more consecutive cards. The points gained equal the number of cards in the run. 

Ace can only make a run with 2-3. King can only make a run with Queen-Jack. 

S

Sanctioned Event

An official ACC tournament for Master Rating Points. Usually consists of a qualifying round, playoffs, and consolation tournament. 

Satellite Event

Other mini-tournaments at sanctioned tournaments that don’t earn rating points and aren’t part of the greater, official games. 

Schempp Average

Tim Schempp’s algorithmic average for four cards in a hand. 

Second Street

Holes 31-60. 

Silver Award

A title for a Grass Roots player with 2,500 rating points. 

Single Run

A run of 3 cards. 

Skunk

To win by 31 points or more. Another way of looking at is if one player is behind the 91 hole when the other goes out. 

In ACC play, this means the player wins 3 game points. 

In casual play, this means the winner has won 2 games. 

Skunk Line

The line between the 90th and the 91st hole. 

Skunk Positional Hole

The holes for determining if you should be OK in getting past the skunk line. The hole are 14, 40, and 66. Reach these holes before the opponent reaches the normal par holes (18, 44, 70, 96). 

Skunked

To lose by 31 points or more. 

Specific Count

In the endgame, when you discord in such a way that you have exactly what you need to go out.

Starter Card

Another word for cut card. The cut card, or starter card, shows up after it’s cut before the Play phase of the game. This card comes into use during the Show or counting phase of the game. 

Both players use this card as if it were part of their hand to count. This goes for the crib as well. 

Steal Last Card

Stealing the Last Card point from a dealer by making them say Go! And then playing one more card. 

Sticks

A tie at the end of a hand. Can happen at any time. Also called up-sticks. 

Stink Hole

The 120th hole. You don’t win here, and it hurts if you lose while you’re there. 

Strategy

Planning over the long-term. Usually in reference to board position. 

Supercut

A way of looking at potential cuts to the discard. Look for cuts that add a lot of points, such as pairs and close cards. 

Superranks

Same as supercuts, but now you’re just considering cards by their rank, not each number of specific cards AND suits.

T

Tactics

Short-term tricks to win points. Usually in reference to the Play. 

Ten Card

Any card with a pip value of ten points (10, J, Q, K). 

The Play

Another word for pegging. 

The non-dealer leads and then alternates with the dealer. They play cards off each other counting and adding their pip values. 

If pairs, runs, or 15s happen, the players take points. The count can’t go over 31. If it hits 31 exactly, the player who played the card gets two points. 

If no player can go, they say Go! And the last player to lay a card gets one point. 

The last card played in the whole Play gets one point for Last Card. 

The Show

Another word for the counting phase of the game. Here, the players show and count their hands in this order: 

1. Non-dealer hand
2. Dealer hand
3. Dealer crib

Third Street

Holes 61-90. 

Three Counts

A set of two rounds or three hands (non-dealer, dealer, crib). On average, this takes 25-26 points, forming the basis for 26 theory. 

Three Of A Kind

Same as Pair Royal, Royal Pair, and Trips. Three cards of the same rank. 2-2-2, 5-5-5, Queen-Queen-Queen, etc. 

This is worth 6 points for the pairs. 

Toss

To discard.

Touching Cards

Cards next to each other in a sequence without completing the run. 

Tournament Trail

The schedule of official ACC tournaments. These earn MRP or Master Rating Points. 

Triple Run

A single run where one of the cards is a three of a kind. For example, A-A-A-2-3. 

This is worth 15 points. 

Triple Skunk

To lose while behind the 31 hole. Very rare. Not official in any capacity, but most casual players accept to lose this bad is to lose an entire match.

Trips

Same as Pair Royal, Royal Pair, and Three of a Kind. Three cards of the same rank. 2-2-2, 5-5-5, Queen-Queen-Queen, etc. 

This is worth 6 points for the pairs. 

U

Up Sticks

A tie at the end of a hand. Can happen at any time. Also called sticks. 

V

Valley Cards

Another term for middle cards, used by Joseph Wergin. 6-7-8-9. 

W

Weekend Tournament

The standard official tournament of the ACC. This one earns MRP. Consists of a qualifying round, playoffs, and a consolation tournament. 

Wide Cards

Cards that are at least two ranks apart. Good for playing in Pegging and discarding as they aren’t easily connected into a run. 

Winner

Any card your opponent plays during pegging that you can play off of and score. 

Winning Cuts

The number of cards that will help you when cut. 

For example, if you have 5-5-5-5 in your hand, then any 10-J-Q-K will help you. These are the winning cuts. Count up each one (4×4=16) and you have your number of winning cuts. 

Winning Ranks

The number of ranks that will help you when cut. 

For example, if you have a 5-5-5-5 in your hand, then any 10-J-Q-K will help you. There are 4 winning ranks in this example. 

The post 201 Cribbage Terms: Complete Glossary Of Used Words appeared first on Huddle Around Games.

The way the cards work is pretty normal…mostly. 

As a Cribbage enthusiast and competitive player, I hear these questions about the cards (and the Ace is particular) more than any other. 

I’ll go over them for you with clear, concise answers. Let’s dive in! 

Check out our comprehensive guide on the rules of cribbage and how to play with examples, scoring breakdowns, and vocabulary guide.

Learn how to play Cribbage

Is The Cribbage Ace High Or Low?

The Ace is Cribbage is always low. It has a value of 1 and can only be made into a run using the 2 and the 3. 

Is An Ace 1 Or 11 In Cribbage?

In Cribbage, the Ace has the value of 1, and it’s low. The numbered cards have the same value as what’s printed on them. Face cards (Jack, Queen, King) all have a value of 10. This makes 10 the most common value, and it makes up 4/13th or almost a quarter of the deck. 

How Does The Ace Play In Cribbage?

The Ace is of low-moderate value in the game of Cribbage. In pegging, it’s often used to make 31 for two points. It works with low cards for pegging in general, but it isn’t often part of massive hands. 

Is Ace King Queen A Run In Cribbage?

Ace-King-Queen isn’t a run in cribbage as Aces are low and Kings are high. They can’t wrap around to meet. By the same token, 2-Ace-King isn’t a run either. 

What Does Ace High Or Low Mean?

When someone says Aces are high or Aces are low, they’re referring to the rank of the card in a specific game. Ace-high means the card sits atop the deck (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Jack, Queen,  King, Ace). Ace-low means the card is a 1 and at the bottom (Ace, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Jack, Queen, King).

Different card games have different uses for the Ace, so it always pays to take note of it. 

In cribbage, the Ace is low. In poker, the Ace is high. 

Mixing the two up would make for a really bad poker hand! 

What Cards Do You Play Cribbage With?

To play Cribbage, you don’t need special cards; a normal deck of 52 cards will do just fine. A cribbage board is recommended to play and keep track of points, but it technically isn’t required as long as you know you need to get to 121 points to win. 

What Is A Cribbage Card Called?

The Cribbage card is another name for the card you cut after discarding into the dealer’s hand. This card is more commonly referred to as the “cut card” or the “starter card.” Some people will rarely call it the “cribbage card.”

This is one of those things in Cribbage that doesn’t really matter. 

People confuse nibs, nobs, his heels, and other terms all the time. 

There isn’t a true standard definition, just accepted rules.

Do you call three Aces a Royal Pair, Three of a Kind, or Trips? 

It doesn’t matter. Any which way, it’s worth 6 points. 

As long as you’re following the rules, it doesn’t matter what you call it. 

How Many Cards Do You Start With In Cribbage?

In traditional modern Cribbage, you play with two players and start with 6 cards each. Then, you discard two cards into the dealer’s crib each round. After this, you cut the deck and being the Play or Pegging. 

3 Person Cribbage (see our rules article) gives the Pones 5 cards each and the dealer 6 cards. 

Partner Cribbage gives each player 5. 

5-Card Cribbage (the “old” way of playing) is a shorter version of the game going to 61 points. 

In this one, each player gets 5 cards and still discards two into the dealer’s crib. 

What Is A Joker In Cribbage?

Though some people may use a Joker as a wild card in some Cribbage variations, the Joker generally has NO use in most Cribbage games. It’s not even put in the deck. 

Do You Get 3 Points For 31 And Last Card In Cribbage?

You do not get 3 points if you land on 31 and you have the last card during the play. In this case, you’d only get two points for making 31 exactly. This is one of the most often mistaken rules in the game. 

The only time you get one point for Last Card is if you have the last card during the Play or Pegging and you didn’t make 31. It’s more of another Go! than a truly different point. 

The post Is The Cribbage Ace High Or Low? & Other Card Questions appeared first on Huddle Around Games.

3 player Cribbage is fun, too, though it requires a few adjustments to the standard rules. 

I wanted to help clear this up for you and get you back to playing cards with friends right now, so I wrote this guide to the 3 person Cribbage rules. 

Major Difference In A Nutshell: 3-Person Cribbage

Compared to the standard six-card, two-player Cribbage, here are the main rule differences: 

• The Pones get 5 cards on the deal and must discard one to the dealer’s crib. The dealer still gets six and must discard two. 
• The player to the right of the dealer cuts the deck after everyone discards. 
• The player to the left of the dealer starts The Play or Pegging. 
• The player to the left of the dealer starts counting during The Show. 
• Play passes to the player left of the dealer after the turn or round is over. 

Outside of this, it’s pretty much the same. If you want more details on the whole game of cribbage, either head over to the article linked below OR keep reading for a brief rundown of the game. 

Check out our comprehensive guide on the rules of cribbage and how to play with examples, scoring breakdowns, and vocabulary guide.

Learn how to play Cribbage

What Do You Need To Play 3-Person Cribbage?

• A deck of 52 cards
• A cribbage board

When picking a cribbage board, it’s easier to find one with three tracks for pegging. 

If you don’t have one, that’s OK. 

Just have two players start at the beginning, and the third player start at the end and work their way backward. 

Read more about three-track cribbage boards and other questions in our article here.

Objective Of 3 Player Cribbage

The first player to move their peg 121 holes wins! It doesn’t matter where the other players are in the game. 

As a shorter version, you only need to get to 61 points. 

Phases Of The Game

Each phase of the game moves us along and allows us to score points in different ways. 

It’s here that we see the minor differences between the standard two-player Cribbage and this variation. 

Speaking of Cribbage variations, I have a massive list in the article at the link. 

Starting The Game

Each player cuts the deck. The player with the lowest card (Aces are low) gets to be the first dealer. 

Dealing The Cards

The dealer deals five cards to each player. Then, they give themself an extra sixth card. 

The Discard Phase

The two Pones or non-dealers must discard one of their five cards into the dealer’s Crib. This will be a bonus hand for the dealer at the end of the turn. 

The dealer has six cards; therefore, they must pick two cards to get rid of. These two cards go into their crib for use, with the other cards tossed by the Pones. 

Once all four cards (one from each Pone and two from the Dealer) are tossed in the crib, the player to the right of the dealer cuts the deck. 

The Dealer flips over the card and places it on top. 

This is the cut card or Starter card. This will be used for counting in the last phase of the turn, called The Show. 

Note: If a Jack is cut, the Dealer gets two points for “His Heels” and pegs them right away. 

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The Play Or Pegging Phase

During the Play, each player takes turns laying a single card and adding the value of the cards together. 

Remember, all 10s, Jacks, Queens, and Kings are worth ten in value.

If players pair, make runs, or get 15 exactly, they get points just like they normally would and peg them right away. 

Play cannot go over 31 in counting. If no one can play, they say, “Go!” If all players Go, then the person who played the last card gets one point. 

Play resumes with the player left of this last person. 

If someone adds a card to make 31 exactly, they get two points. 

Note: Flushes don’t work in this phase. Neither do Nobs. Runs don’t have to be in order, but you can’t have double runs. 

When everyone runs out of cards, the last person to play gets one point for the last card. 

Then, you move on to The Show. 

The Show Or Counting Your Hands

The player to the left of the dealer starts by counting the number of points in their hand. They may use the cut card or starter card to help them. 

If they miscount, it’s the other players’ job to correct them. 

If you’re playing cutthroat or muggins, you may even get points for this. 

Let’s say the player overcounts (they say they have 5 when they have 4). Both other players get one point extra as a penalty to the player who counted wrong. 

Let’s say the player counted low (they have 5 but only say 4). The player who corrects them gets that extra point. 

Once the first player counts and pegs, we move to the other Pone. They count and peg. 

Now, the dealer counts and pegs their hand. Then, they count their crib as an extra hand. 

The cards are given to the player left of the dealer who shuffles. 

The round starts again with this new player becoming the dealer. 

Repeat turns until someone gets to 121 points and wins the game! 

Counting Cribbage Hands

This is a huge part of the game. I won’t go into huge detail here. 

If you want a full guide, check out my Printable Cribbage Scoring Cheat Sheet. 

Otherwise, he’s a *very* brief rundown of the points: 

The post 3 Person Cribbage Rules: Explained By An Expert appeared first on Huddle Around Games.

It’s not hard with practice, but for those who are new to the game, it’s pretty tricky! 

One of the scoring issues my sons had the hardest time with at first was in counting runs, especially double runs. 

This is why I decided to write a guide for how to count runs in Cribbage with every variation covered. 

Look ahead for the information! 

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Counting Runs In Cribbage Basics

For each card in a run, you get one point. Runs have to be at least three consecutive cards in length and can be at most 5 cards long (since you only get four cards and the cut card to help you out). 

Aces are low and can only connect to the 2. Kings are high and can only connect to the Queen. Aces and Kings cannot be next to each other to make a run. 

Cards used in a run may be used in another run as long as one card is different. 

For example:

If you have the Ace of Hearts, 2 of spades, 2 of clubs, and 3 of spades, you can use the Ace and the 3 with both 2s to count two runs. 

But you can’t split a run of four to make two runs of three. 

For example: 

If you have the Ace of hearts, 2 of spades, 3 of spades, and 4 of diamonds, you only get four points. You can’t count the A-2-3 and 2-3-4 as separate runs. 

There’s nothing wrong with counting each run one point at a time, but as you gain more experience, you’ll notice different patterns of runs are always worth the same amount of points. 

This will speed up your play and make games go faster. 

It’ll also help you with determining the correct discards faster. 

Look ahead as I cover the common run combinations with examples. 

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Click to get Cribbage Strategies

Single Runs

Single runs are when you don’t have any pairs in the run. It’s the easiest run to count. 

You just count the number of cards in the run. 

Single runs can come in the form of 3, 4, or 5 depending on the cut card. 

An example of a single run of 5 is: 

• 9 of hearts
• 10 of hearts
• Jack of spades
• Queen of spades
• King of clubs

*A single run of 5 is only possible if you get the cut card to fit.

Check out our complete glossary of Cribbage terms.

Double Runs In Cribbage

A double run in Cribbage is the bread and butter of the hand. In fact, there is a common saying in Cribbage: 

“Never break up a double run.”

Double runs are when you have a single run, and one of the cards is a pair. 

Here’s an example of a double run: 

• 2 of hearts
• 3 of clubs
• 3 of spades
• 4 of hearts

The count goes like this: 

1. 2H-3C-4H for three
2. 2H-3S-4H for three more (six total)
3. A pair of 3s for two more (eight total)

Double Run of Four

A double run of four is the same as a double run, but now you add a fourth card to the single run. This is only possible with the cut card included. 

This is worth 10 points (excluding potential 15s). 

Here’s an example: 

• Ace of hearts
• 2 of clubs
• 3 of spades
• 3 of clubs
• 4 of diamonds

Here’s how you count it: 

1. AH-2C-3S-4D for four
2. AH-2C-3C-4D for four (now eight)
3. A pair of 3s for two more (now ten)

Double-Double Run

A double-double run is when you have single runs and two sets of pairs inside it. 

This one is worth 16 points! 

Here’s an example: 

• Ace of hearts
• Ace of clubs
• 2 of spades
• 2 of hearts
• 3 of diamonds

Here’s how it’s counted: 

1. AH-2S-3D for three 
2. AH-2H-3D for three (six total)
3. AC-2S-3D for three (nine total)
4. AC-2H-3D for three (twelve total)
5. A pair of Aces for two (fourteen total)
6. A pair of 2s for two (sixteen total)

Triple Runs In Cribbage

The triple run in cribbage is when you have single runs and three of a kind of one of the cards. 

Three of kind is also know as trips or a Royal Pair. 

Triple Runs are worth 15 points when all is said and done. 

Here’s an example: 

• 10 of spades
• Jack of hearts
• Queen of hearts
• Queen of diamonds
• Queen of clubs

Here’s how it’s counted: 

1. 10S-JH-QH for three
2. 10S-JH-QD for three (six now)
3. 10S-JH-QC for three (nine now)
4. Royal Pair* of Queens for six (fifteen total)

Check out our article on counting pairs in Cribbage here. 

Counting Runs In Pegging or The Play

In The Play or Pegging phase of the Cribbage game, runs count as points too. 

Like with hands, you get one point per card in the run. 

In pegging, the cards don’t have to in numerical order. 

For example, let’s say someone plays this: 

1. Pone starts with 2. 
2. Dealer plays 4. 
3. Pone plays a 3 and gets three points. 

2-3-4 is a run, and it doesn’t matter if it’s in order or not as long as they’re connected. 

Note: When 31 or Go is hit, the counting of the pegs start over. In this case, you can’t connect a run with the cards that came before. 

Deadly Run Traps In Pegging

There are two big run traps I’ve seen in my play so far. 

Once is the combination of 4-5-6 in the beginning (in any order). 

If you start at zero, this puts you at a count of 15 (4+5+6=15). 

You get two points for making 15 and three more for making the run. 

Five points in pegging like this are killer. 

Another common run sequence I’ve seen uses an 8 or 7 card to start. 

If the Pone or non-dealer starts with a 7 (for example), the dealer may play an 8 for 15 and get two points. The Pone may then fire back with a 6 or 9 to make a run of three. 

But if you’re prepared, you can then fire back with another card to make even more points. 

Pegging and runs go hand in hand, so be prepared for anything! 

Further Reading: Frequently Asked Cribbage Board Questions

The post How To Count Runs In Cribbage (Every Variation) appeared first on Huddle Around Games.