Cribbage is a card game that has been around for centuries but is still popular among many players today. It is a game of skill and strategy, where you have to make the best use of your cards and score points by forming combinations. Cribbage can be played with two, three or four players, but the most common version is for two players.
This article will explain the basic rules of cribbage, how to play it online, and some tips and tricks to improve your game. We will also introduce you to some of the best casino sites that offer cribbage as one of their casino games online. If you are looking for a fun and challenging card game that can also win you some money, cribbage might be the perfect choice for you.
How to Play Cribbage
Cribbage is played with a standard 52-card deck, and a special board that has holes and pegs to keep track of the score. The goal of the game is to be the first player to reach 121 points by scoring points in different ways.
The game consists of three phases: the deal, the play and the show. Here is how each phase works:
The Deal
The game starts with both players drawing a card from the deck to determine who is the dealer. The player with the lower card becomes the dealer, and deals six cards to each player. Then, each player chooses two cards from their hand and discards them face down to form the crib. The crib is a separate hand that belongs to the dealer and will be used later to score points.
The non-dealer then cuts the deck and reveals the top card, which is called the starter or the cut. If the starter is a jack, the dealer scores two points immediately. This is called two for his heels.
The Play
The non-dealer starts by laying down a card on the table and announcing its value. For example, if they play a six, they say \”six\”. The dealer then plays a card and announces the cumulative value of the cards on the table. For example, if they play a five, they say \”eleven\”.
This continues until one player cannot play a card without making the total value go over 31. That player then says \”go\”, and the other player can continue playing cards until they also cannot play without going over 31. They then say \”go\” as well, and score one point if the total value is under 31, or two points if it is exactly 31.
The cards on the table are then cleared, and the player who did not play the last card starts a new round of play with their remaining cards. This goes on until both players have played all their cards.
During the play phase, players can score points by making certain combinations with their cards:
– **Fifteen**: Playing a card that makes the total value exactly 15 scores two points.
– **Pair**: Playing a card that matches the rank of the previous card scores two points.
– **Run**: Playing a card that completes a sequence of three or more consecutive cards scores one point for each card in the run.
– **Flush**: Playing a card that matches the suit of the previous card scores one point. If all four cards in a player’s hand are of the same suit, they score four points at the end of the play phase.
– **Jack**: Playing a jack that matches the suit of the starter scores one point. This is called one for his nob.
The Show
After both players have played all their cards, they reveal their hands and score points for any combinations they have. The non-dealer shows their hand first, followed by
the dealer. The crib is also shown by the dealer at the end.
The scoring combinations are similar to those in the play phase, with some differences:
– **Fifteen**: Any combination of cards that adds up to 15 scores two points.
– **Pair**: Any pair of cards scores two points. Three of a kind scores six points, and four of a kind scores twelve points.
– **Run**: Any run of three or more consecutive cards scores one point for each card in the run.
– **Flush**: If all four cards in a hand are of the same suit, they score four points. If all five cards (including the starter) are of the same suit, they score five points. The crib can only score a flush if all five cards are of
the same suit.
– **Jack**: If a jack in the hand matches the suit of the starter, it scores one point.
The game ends when one player reaches or exceeds 121 points. If both players reach 121 points in the same round, the non-dealer wins.
How to Play Cribbage Online
If you want to play cribbage online, you have several options to choose from. You can play for free against the computer or other human players on websites like [CardGames.io](https://cardgames.io/cribbage/) or [Cribbage Classic](https://cribbageclassic.com/). These sites offer a simple and easy way to enjoy cribbage without any downloads or registrations.
However, if you want to play cribbage for real money, you will need to find a reputable online casino that offers cribbage as one of their games. Not all online casinos have cribbage, so you will need to do some research and compare different sites to find the best one for you.
Some of the things you should look for when choosing an online casino for cribbage are:
– **License and regulation**: The online casino should be licensed and regulated by a reputable authority, such as the UK Gambling Commission, the Malta Gaming Authority, or the Curacao eGaming. This ensures that the casino is fair, safe and secure, and follows the rules and regulations of the industry.
– **Game variety and quality**: The online casino should offer a variety of casino games online, including cribbage, with high-quality graphics, sound and gameplay. You should be able to play cribbage in different modes, such as single player, multiplayer or live dealer. You should also be able to choose from different stakes and limits, depending on your budget and preference.
– **Bonuses and promotions**: The online casino should offer generous bonuses and promotions to new and existing players, such as welcome bonuses, free spins, cashback, loyalty programs and tournaments. These can help you boost your bankroll and increase your chances of winning.
– **Customer support and banking**: The online casino should provide friendly and professional customer support, available 24/7 via phone, email or live chat. You should also be able to deposit and withdraw money easily and securely, using a variety of payment methods, such as credit cards, e-wallets, prepaid cards or cryptocurrencies.
To help you find the best casino sites for cribbage, we have compiled a list of some of the top casino games online that offer cribbage as one of their games:
– **888 Casino**: 888 Casino is another well-known and respected online casino that has been in the business since 1997. You can play cribbage in single player or multiplayer mode, with different stakes and limits. You can also try other casino games online, such as slots,
jackpots, live casino, table games and more. 888 Casino offers a welcome bonus of up to £100 for new players, as well as daily deals, free spins and cashback. You can also join the 888 VIP Club, where you can enjoy exclusive benefits and perks for playing your favourite games.
– **Casino.com**: Casino.com is a sleek and modern online casino that offers a wide range of casino games online. You can play cribbage in single player or multiplayer mode, with different stakes and limits. You can also explore other casino games online,
such as slots, live casino, table games, scratch cards and more. Casino.com offers a welcome bonus of up to £100 plus 200 free spins for new players, as well as weekly bonuses, cashback and tournaments. You can also join the Casino.com VIP Club,
where you can get personalized service and rewards for playing your favourite games.
Tips and Tricks for Cribbage
Cribbage is a game that requires both luck and skill. While you cannot control the cards you are dealt,
you can improve your chances of winning by applying some tips and tricks to your game. Here are some
of them:
– **Know the scoring combinations**: The first step to becoming a better cribbage player is to memorize
the scoring combinations and their values. This will help you quickly identify the best plays and avoid
missing any points.
– **Count your points carefully**: When scoring your hand or the crib, make sure you count your points
carefully and accurately. Don’t forget to include the starter card in your calculations. If you miss any
points or make a mistake in counting,
