Cribbage Rules and How to Play
Cribbage is a classic card game that combines strategy, luck, and a bit of mathematical thinking. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you learn and enjoy this timeless game.
Objective of the Game
The goal of cribbage is to be the first player to score 121 points. Points are scored by creating specific card combinations and by pegging on a board. Each player tries to reach the end of the board first by moving their pegs along its track.
Setup
Players and Deck: Cribbage is typically played with two players, though it can accommodate three or four. You’ll need a standard 52-card deck and a cribbage board for scoring.
Crib: Each game includes a “crib” (an extra hand) that alternates between players each round and scores additional points for the dealer.
Dealing: Each player is dealt six cards. After looking at their hand, each player discards two cards into the crib, leaving them with four cards each for play.
Gameplay
Cutting the Deck: After discarding to the crib, the non-dealer cuts the deck, and a starter card is revealed. This card contributes to scoring combinations for both players.
Counting Play: Starting with the non-dealer, players take turns playing a card, adding its value to the cumulative count without exceeding 31. Points are awarded during play for specific actions:
Fifteen: Adding a card to make a total of 15 scores 2 points.
Pairs and Runs: Playing a card that pairs or forms a run with previous cards scores additional points.
Go: If a player cannot play without exceeding 31, they call “Go,” allowing the other player to continue until they reach 31 or also cannot play.
Hand and Crib Scoring: After play, each player counts points in their hand, followed by the crib. Points are scored for combinations such as pairs, runs, flushes, and fifteens.
Winning the Game
The first player to reach or exceed 121 points wins. If the opponent’s score is significantly lower, it’s considered a “skunk,” adding an extra layer of victory.
Our Story: How We Created Our Cribbage Board
Our journey into designing games began with an exploration of cribbage. We saw an opportunity to create a travel-friendly cribbage board that balanced simplicity with elegance, making the game more accessible for on-the-go moments while honoring its rich history.
Creates Cool was initially focused on architecture and interior design, but we wanted to expand our creative boundaries. Cribbage felt like a perfect challenge: a game that required careful design and could fit seamlessly into various settings, from a cozy coffee shop to a weekend campsite. Our goal was to design a cribbage set that would be compact and portable without sacrificing craftsmanship.
The process was both challenging and rewarding. We began by researching traditional cribbage boards and identifying features that could be reimagined. Working with Antiform, a soft goods creator in Salt Lake City, we created a board that could roll up for travel while maintaining durability and aesthetic appeal. Partnering with a skilled manufacturer helped us refine our ideas, making each detail of the board functional yet visually appealing.
Ultimately, our cribbage set came to life as a travel-friendly game that’s as practical as it is beautiful. Each element, from the stitching to the pegging track, was carefully crafted with the same attention to detail that we bring to our architectural projects. This cribbage set reflects our philosophy of design: thoughtful, high-quality, and versatile.
As Creates Cool grows, we look forward to bringing more products like this to life—where design meets play and creativity knows no bounds.