Intro
Master the classic card game with our easy-to-follow Cribbage Rules Made Easy Printable Guide. Learn the basics, scoring, and gameplay strategies. Understand the crib, hand, and starter card rules, and get tips on counting points, pairs, and runs. Perfect for beginners, our guide makes learning cribbage rules a breeze.
Cribbage is a classic card game that has been enjoyed by people of all ages for centuries. While it may seem intimidating at first, the rules of cribbage are actually quite simple and easy to learn. In this article, we will break down the rules of cribbage into a simple, printable guide that you can use to get started with the game.
Number of Players and Deck
Cribbage is typically played with 2-4 players, although it can be played with more. The game uses a standard deck of 52 cards, without jokers.
Objective of the Game
The objective of cribbage is to be the first player to score 121 points or more. Points are scored by combining cards in pairs, runs, and combinations of 15.
Setup and Dealing
To set up the game, each player is dealt 6 cards. The remaining cards are placed face down on the table, with the top card turned over to form the discard pile.
The Starter Card
The top card of the deck is turned over and placed beside the deck. This card is the starter card and determines the direction of play.
Gameplay
The player to the left of the dealer goes first, and then play moves clockwise. Each player's turn consists of two parts: the play and the crib.
The Play
During the play, the player draws a card from the deck and discards one card from their hand face up on top of the discard pile. The player then tries to form combinations of cards in their hand that score points.
The Crib
After the play, the player sets aside four cards from their hand to form the crib. The crib belongs to the dealer and is counted as part of their score at the end of the game.
Scoring
Points are scored in cribbage by combining cards in pairs, runs, and combinations of 15.
Pairs
A pair consists of two cards of the same rank. Pairs score 2 points.
Runs
A run consists of three or more cards of the same suit in sequential order (e.g., 3-4-5 of hearts). Runs score 3 points for three cards, 4 points for four cards, and so on.
Combinations of 15
A combination of 15 consists of two or more cards that add up to 15. Combinations of 15 score 2 points.
Counting the Crib
After the play is finished, the dealer counts the crib as part of their score. The crib consists of the four cards set aside by the player, plus the starter card.
Winning the Game
The game continues until a player reaches a score of 121 or more. That player is the winner.
Cribbage Rules Printable Guide
Here is a printable guide to the rules of cribbage:
- Number of players: 2-4
- Deck: Standard deck of 52 cards
- Objective: Score 121 points or more
- Setup: Each player is dealt 6 cards
- Gameplay: Players take turns drawing and discarding cards, trying to form combinations that score points
- Scoring: Points are scored for pairs, runs, and combinations of 15
- Crib: The dealer sets aside four cards to form the crib, which is counted as part of their score
- Winning the game: The first player to score 121 or more points wins
We hope this guide has helped you to understand the rules of cribbage. Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting out, cribbage is a fun and challenging game that's sure to provide hours of entertainment.
Cribbage Image Gallery
We hope you've enjoyed this comprehensive guide to the rules of cribbage. Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting out, we hope you'll find this guide helpful in improving your gameplay. Don't forget to share your thoughts and experiences with cribbage in the comments below!