Cribbage: Play Online for Free (Solo & Multiplayer)

Cribbage is a classic 2-player card game that combines luck, skill, and quick-witted thinking. If you enjoy two-player games like Gin Rummy, you'll appreciate Cribbage's strategic depth. With over 300 years of history, this beloved British pub game has spread throughout the English-speaking world. Players score points by forming card combinations during play and in their hands, racing to be the first to peg out at 121 points on the cribbage board.

Play free Cribbage online against the computer or challenge other players. No signup required to get started. You can either join a public table or create your own private table to play with friends and family. So shuffle the deck, deal the cards, and let the pegging begin!

Cribbage by the numbers

Real totals from every game of Cribbage played on World of Card Games, updated July 2026.

Rules

Here's everything you need to play your first game. For the complete reference and an interactive tutorial that walks you through a real hand, see our guide on how to play Cribbage.

Objective

Cribbage is a race to 121 points. You score by playing cards to a running count and by holding combinations like fifteens, pairs and runs. Points are marked with pegs on a cribbage board, and the first player to peg past 120 wins on the spot.

The deal and the crib

Two players each get 6 cards from a standard 52-card deck. For counting, Aces are worth 1, number cards their face value, and Jacks, Queens and Kings 10 each. Each player discards 2 cards face down into the "crib", an extra hand that the dealer scores at the end. The non-dealer then cuts the deck and the dealer turns up a start card. If that card is a Jack, the dealer immediately pegs 2 points, called "two for his heels". The deal alternates every hand.

The play

Starting with the non-dealer, you take turns playing one card at a time while announcing the running count, which can never pass 31. You peg 2 for bringing the count to exactly 15 and 2 for pairing the card played just before yours. If a third card of that rank follows right after, it pegs 6, and a fourth pegs 12. Completing a run of three or more cards pegs 1 point per card. If you can't play without passing 31, you say "Go" and your opponent keeps playing. The last card scores 1 point, or 2 if it lands the count exactly on 31. Then the count resets to zero and play continues until both hands are empty.

Scoring and winning

After the play comes the show. The non-dealer counts their hand first, then the dealer counts theirs, and finally the dealer counts the crib. The start card joins all three as a fifth card. Every combination totaling 15 is worth 2 points, pairs are 2, and runs score 1 per card. Four cards of one suit in your hand score a 4-point flush, or 5 if the start card matches, while a crib flush needs all five cards in one suit. A Jack matching the start card's suit pegs 1 for "his nobs". The game ends the moment someone reaches 121, whether during the play or the show. Win while your opponent is still under 91 points and you've "skunked" them.

How to win at Cribbage

Two skills decide most Cribbage games. Choose your crib discards well, and play the count with your opponent's likely replies in mind.

Discarding:

• Count before you toss. Add up what each possible four-card keep is worth, and remember the start card can improve it.
• When the crib is yours, feed it. Fives are the best cards to give yourself, since they make 15 with every ten, Jack, Queen and King.
• Pairs and connected cards that could grow into runs also do well in your own crib.
• When the crib is your opponent's, starve it. Never give them a 5 if you can help it, and avoid handing over pairs or connected cards.
• Wide cards like a 9 and a King are safe discards. They can't form a run together and don't add up to 15.

The play:

• Lead a card below 5. Your opponent can't reach 15 on their reply, because no single card is worth more than 10.
• Don't lead a 5. Any ten, Jack, Queen or King makes 15 on top of it.
• Be careful pairing your opponent's card. If they hold a third card of that rank, the pair royal pegs them 6.
• The last card of every count scores at least 1 point. Hold on to low cards so you can keep playing after your opponent says "Go".
• Watch for run traps. When the recent cards sit close together, your next card can hand your opponent a run.
• Near the end, remember the game stops the instant someone hits 121. Pegging out during the play beats a big hand that never gets counted.

Frequently asked questions

What is the crib?

The crib is an extra four-card hand made from the two cards each player discards after the deal. It belongs to the dealer, who scores it after both players have counted their own hands. The deal alternates, so you score the crib every other hand.

What does "Go" mean?

When you can't play a card without pushing the count past 31, you say "Go". Your opponent then keeps playing as long as they can. The last player to lay a card pegs 1 point, or 2 for hitting 31 exactly, and the count resets to zero.

What is a skunk?

A skunk is a lopsided win. If the loser finishes below 91 points they've been skunked, and finishing below 61 points is a double skunk. On World of Card Games, skunks are noted at the end of the game but don't change the scoring of a single game.

How do I play Cribbage with friends?

Create a private table and tell your friend its name. Click the Menu button, check Private Table, then click Change next to Name and enter a table name. A friend who enters the same name at their own private table lands at your table. Cribbage tables seat two, so it's just you and one friend.

Can I play Cribbage against the computer?

Yes. Click the little grey robot next to the empty seat to invite a bot. It's a good way to practice the counting and pegging before you face live players.

Can more than 2 people play Cribbage?

No. Cribbage on this site is strictly head to head, with exactly two seats at every table. If a group of friends wants to play, spread out over a couple of private tables.

How long does a game of Cribbage take?

About 28 minutes on average across the games played on this site. A game runs until one player pegs past 120 points, which takes several hands.

Is Cribbage free to play here?

Yes. Cribbage is free in your browser with no download and no signup. You only need an account if you want to keep long-term stats or play ranked games.

What games are similar to Cribbage?

If you enjoy Cribbage, try the site's other family favorites, such as Go Fish, Old Maid and Crazy Eights.