Cribbage Scoring Guide
Complete reference for all cribbage scoring combinations, from basic 15s to the elusive 29-point hand.
Quick Scoring Reference
| Combination | Points | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Fifteen | 2 | 7 + 8 = 15 |
| Pair | 2 | K-K |
| Pair Royal (3 of a kind) | 6 | 7-7-7 |
| Double Pair Royal (4 of a kind) | 12 | 5-5-5-5 |
| Run of 3 | 3 | 4-5-6 |
| Run of 4 | 4 | 3-4-5-6 |
| Run of 5 | 5 | A-2-3-4-5 |
| Flush (4 cards) | 4 | 4 hearts in hand |
| Flush (5 cards) | 5 | 4 hearts + starter heart |
| Nobs | 1 | Jack matching starter suit |
| His Heels | 2 | Jack as starter (dealer only) |
Counting Fifteens
Any combination of cards totaling exactly 15 scores 2 points. Face cards (J, Q, K) count as 10, Aces as 1.
Example: Hand of 5-5-5-J with Starter 5
How many 15s can you make with four 5s and a Jack (10)?
- 5 + 5 + 5 = 15 (four ways to pick 3 fives) = 8 points
- 5 + J = 15 (four ways to pick one 5) = 8 points
Total from 15s: 16 points
Common Card Values for 15s
- 5s are valuable - they combine with any 10-value card
- 7+8, 6+9, 4+5+6 - memorize these common combos
- A+4+K, 2+3+K - three-card 15s are easy to miss
Pairs and Runs
Pairs
A pair is two cards of the same rank. Pair scoring is based on combinations:
- Pair (2 cards): 2 points (1 combination)
- Pair Royal (3 cards): 6 points (3 combinations)
- Double Pair Royal (4 cards): 12 points (6 combinations)
Runs
A run is three or more cards in sequence. Suits don't matter for runs. Each card in the run scores 1 point.
Double Run Example: 4-4-5-6
With a pair in a run, you score multiple runs:
- Run 1: 4-5-6 = 3 points
- Run 2: 4-5-6 (using other 4) = 3 points
- Pair: 4-4 = 2 points
Total: 8 points
Double Double Run
If you have two pairs in a sequence (e.g., 3-3-4-4-5), you score four runs of 3 (12 points) plus two pairs (4 points) = 16 points.
Flushes
A flush occurs when cards share the same suit.
Hand Flush Rules
- 4 cards same suit in hand: 4 points
- 4 cards + starter all same suit: 5 points
- The starter alone matching 3 cards doesn't count
Crib Flush Rules
Flushes in the crib are stricter: all 5 cards must match (including the starter) to score 5 points. A 4-card flush in the crib scores nothing.
Nobs and His Heels
Nobs (1 point)
If you hold a Jack that matches the suit of the starter card, you score 1 point. This is called "nobs" or "one for his nob."
His Heels (2 points)
If the starter card is a Jack, the dealer immediately scores 2 points. This is called "his heels" or "two for his heels."
Pegging Scores
During the play phase, additional scoring opportunities exist:
| Play | Points |
|---|---|
| Reaching exactly 15 | 2 |
| Reaching exactly 31 | 2 |
| Go (last card before 31) | 1 |
| Pair during play | 2 |
| Pair Royal during play | 6 |
| Run during play (per card) | 1 |
The Perfect 29 Hand
The highest possible hand in cribbage is 29 points. It requires:
- Three 5s in your hand
- The Jack of the same suit as the fourth 5 (which is the starter)
Breaking Down the 29
- Fifteens: 16 points (8 different combinations of 15)
- Four of a kind: 12 points
- Nobs: 1 point (Jack matches starter suit)
Total: 29 points
The odds of getting a 29 hand are approximately 1 in 216,580.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you count 15s in cribbage?
Count every unique combination of cards that adds up to exactly 15. Each combination scores 2 points. Face cards (J, Q, K) count as 10, Aces as 1, and number cards at face value.
What is the maximum cribbage hand score?
The maximum possible hand score is 29 points: three 5s plus the Jack of the same suit as the starter card (which is the fourth 5). This gives 16 points from 15s, 12 from four of a kind, and 1 for nobs.
Do runs have to be in order in cribbage?
No, runs don't need to be in sequential order. Cards 4-6-5 still score 3 points as a run. However, during pegging, the run must form from the cards just played.
What's the difference between counting the hand and the crib?
The only difference is flushes: in your hand, four cards of the same suit score 4 points (5 if the starter matches). In the crib, you need all 5 cards to be the same suit to score 5 points for a flush.