Cribbage

Lay away two cards, cut the starter, and peg your way to 121 before your opponent counts out.

How to play

Cribbage is the classic two-player card game played to 121 points. Each hand you are dealt six cards and lay away two to the crib — an extra hand that scores for the dealer. A starter card is cut, then you alternate playing cards before counting your hands. The dealer alternates every deal.

• The cut: a starter is turned; a Jack as the cut scores the dealer 2 ('his heels').
• The play: lay cards in turn, calling the running total — score for hitting 15 or 31, pairs, and runs.
• Can't play without passing 31? Your opponent pegs 1 for the 'go'.
• The show: count your hand plus the starter — fifteens, pairs, runs, a flush, and his nobs (the Jack of the cut suit).
• Non-dealer counts first, so counting ahead lets you peg out before the dealer does.

Game modes

• Vs CPU: play the computer on Easy, Normal, or Hard.
• 2-Player: pass-and-play with a privacy cover between hands.
• Online: create an invite, join with a code, or quick-match.

Controls

• Desktop: click two cards then 'Lay away' to discard; click a legal card to play it; use the buttons to advance the deal.
• Phone & tablet: tap cards to select and play — illegal plays stay disabled so you can't misclick.

Tips & strategy

• Keep cards that combine for fifteens and runs; pairs and a flush add up fast.
• If you deal, salt the crib with helpful cards; if not, throw your opponent's crib the dross.
• In the play, lead from a count that denies easy fifteens and avoid setting up runs for the other player.

About Cribbage

Cribbage is a centuries-old pegging card game blending arithmetic and card-craft. This is an original, free browser version with three CPU levels, pass-and-play, and online matches — no download or sign-up needed.

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