The starter is not used in the play phase of Cribbage, but is used later for making various card combinations that score points.Īfter the starter is turned, the non-dealer lays one of his cards face up on the table. This card is the 'starter.' If the starter is a jack, it is called 'His Heels,' and the dealer pegs (scores) 2 points at o nce. The dealer turns up the top card of the lower packet and places it face up on top of the pack. The crib belongs to the dealer, but these cards are not exposed or used until after the hands have been played.Īfter the crib is laid away, the non-dealer cuts the pack. The four cards laid away together constitute 'the crib'.

(Some games are to 61 points.) Players earn points during play and for making various card combinations.Įach player looks at his six cards and 'lays away' two of them face down to reduce the hand to four. The goal is to be the first player to score 121 points. The dealer distributes six cards face down to his opponent and himself, beginning with the opponent. (In some games, there is no cut at this time.) The non-dealer for the cut prior to the deal. The dealer has the right to shuffle last, and he presents the cards to Thereafter, the turn to deal alternates between the two players, except that the loser of the gameĭeals first if another game is played. The player with the lower card deals the first If both players cut cards of the same rank, each draws again. K (high), Q, J, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, A.įrom a shuffled pack face down, each player cuts a card, leaving at least four cards at either end of the pack. But Cribbage is basicallyīest played by two people, and the rules that follow are for that number. Or four people can play two against two as partners.

21 points card game