In cribbage, you score points by finding combinations in your 4-card hand plus the starter card (5 cards total).
1. Pairs
Two cards of the same rank = 2 points
Example: Two 5s = 2 points
2. Three of a Kind
Three cards of the same rank = 6 points
Example: Three 7s = 6 points
3. Four of a Kind
Four cards of the same rank = 12 points
Example: Four Jacks = 12 points
4. Runs
Three or more consecutive ranks = 1 point per card
Example: 5-6-7 = 3 points
Example: 4-5-6-7 = 4 points
Example: 3-4-5-6-7 = 5 points
5. Flushes
Four cards of the same suit (in hand) = 4 points
Five cards of the same suit (hand + starter) = 5 points
Example: Four hearts in hand = 4 points
6. His Nobs
Jack of the same suit as the starter card = 1 point
Example: Hand has Jack of hearts, starter is Queen of hearts = 1 point
7. 15s
Any combination of cards that add up to 15 = 2 points
Example: 5 + King = 15 (2 points), or 7 + 8 = 15 (2 points). Multiple 15s can be scored!
Important Notes
- Cards can be used in multiple combinations (e.g., a pair can also be part of a run)
- Face cards (J, Q, K) are worth 10 points for 15s
- Aces are worth 1 point for 15s
- All combinations are counted, so a hand can score many points!