Cribbage

How to play Cribbage

Two players race to 121 on Alderwick’s carved board. A standard 52-card deck is used. Aces count as 1; picture cards count as 10. Each player receives six cards and chooses two, face down, for the dealer’s four-card crib. The dealer alternates each hand.

The starter and pegging

A starter card is turned up after both discards. A Jack gives the dealer 2 points immediately. The non-dealer plays first. Alternate laying cards while keeping a running total of 31 or less. A total of 15 or exactly 31 scores 2. Consecutive equal ranks score 2 for a pair, 6 for three alike, or 12 for four alike. A run at the end of the played sequence scores its length; the cards need not be played in order.

If you cannot play without exceeding 31, say Go. The other player continues while able. The last card before the count resets earns 1, unless it made 31 and already earned 2. The player opposite the last card leads the new count. The final card of pegging also earns 1 unless it made 31.

Count the hands, then the crib

After pegging, count the non-dealer’s hand, the dealer’s hand, then the crib. Each uses the same starter. Every combination adding to 15 earns 2; each pair earns 2; each longest run earns its length, including duplicate runs. Four matching suits in a hand score 4, or 5 with the starter. A crib flush requires all five. A Jack in the hand matching the starter’s suit earns 1 for nobs. Glintwick counts automatically and does not use muggins. The first player reaching 121 wins immediately, even before all hands are counted.

Alderwick’s tips

Think about whose crib you are feeding. Keep cards that can score in several ways. During pegging, watch the running total and save a small card when you can. The score panel shows each scoring combination before you count the next hand.

Solo, private tables and Quick Match

Solo matches save on this device. Choose Easy, Normal or Hard computer play before entering. Private rooms open in a Ready lobby: the creator starts once everyone is ready, and open seats become computer guests. Review the result, then return to the lobby for another match. Quick Match searches for 20 seconds and fills empty seats with computers. No open chat, no coins and no wagering.

Settings include Relaxed, Normal and Fast animation pace, optional soft sounds, light/dark and flat mode. Tap the table to hurry an animation. Reduced motion is respected.