So you’ve got yourself a Cribbage board and a deck of cards…what do you do now?
Well, firstly, get yourself ready for a lifetime of fun! With a board and cards, you’ve got an almost infinite number of games you can play with anyone who can add up to 15.
But as far as setting up the Cribbage board and cards, there are a few easy steps to follow.
To set up a Cribbage board and cards, you first need to get your standard deck of 52 cards shuffled. Jokers are not part of this game. After this, put two pegs in the holes before the starting hole. Cut the deck and low card deals.
After this, it’s a matter of playing the game! If you need more details, the rest of this article is for you.
Want to take your Cribbage game to the next level? Check out this massive list of strategies for improving your game!
Table of Contents
What Equipment Do I Need To Play Cribbage?
- Cribbage Board: A specialized game board with rows of holes for pegs to keep score during gameplay.
- The cribbage board serves as the central scoring tool in cribbage, providing a visual representation of each player’s progress throughout the game.
- Deck of Cards: A standard deck of 52 playing cards, excluding Jokers.
- The deck of cards is used for gameplay, with players using the cards to form combinations and score points during each hand.
- Pegs: Small pegs typically made of plastic or metal, used to track scores on the cribbage board.
- Each player requires two pegs, one for tracking their current score and another for tracking previous scores. Pegs are inserted into the holes on the cribbage board to indicate points earned.
How Do I Get Ready To Play Cribbage?
Once you’ve gathered the materials, you’re almost ready to play. The setup is simple, but I’ll spell it out for you in detail here.
Placing The Pegs On The Cribbage Board
Most boards will come with 3 pegs per color and 2 or 3 colors, one for each player.
Two of the pegs go into the hole before the starting hole. It is critical that you place these before the start; otherwise, you’re cutting the game short and messing up the math and odds of the game.
The third peg is typically used to track wins in a match. You may find a series of holes elsewhere, unattached to the main track of 121 holes.
Place the third peg in the first hole and move it one spot every time you win (two if you skunk them).
If you’re just playing a single game, leave the third peg back in its storage area.
Special rule: If you’re playing a three-player game with only two tracks on your board, the third player must begin before the final hole and go backward.
Deck Shuffling
Shuffling the deck is actually an essential part of the setup, at least for most serious players.
If a deck isn’t shuffled well, a savvy player will know to either expect similar cards or have the previous hand’s cards missing from this round, depending on how the shuffle went.
Technically, a player must shuffle at least four times for there to be enough variety in the cards. Seven times is preferred.
Who Deals First In Cribbage?
In cribbage, determining who deals first is a crucial step before gameplay begins.
The player who deals first is usually determined by cutting a card from a shuffled deck.
Each player cuts a card, and the player with the lowest card becomes the dealer for the first hand.
This process ensures fairness and adds an element of chance to the game, setting the stage for an exciting match of cribbage.
The person who has the first deal gets a sizable advantage in their game, which is why most matches are a best of 3 or more.
How To Deal Cards In Cribbage
Dealing is simple in Cribbage. Each player gets 6 cards when playing with two people.
Alternate cards starting with the non-dealer until each player has 6.
For three players, each player gets 5 cards, and one goes into the crib automatically. Start with the player to the dealer’s left.
Need a Cribbage board to get started?
Check out this classic one here!
Other Related Questions
How Many Tracks Should A Cribbage Board Have?
The typical Cribbage board will have either two or three tracks.
Most basic ones will have two tracks and maybe a place to track games.
Other more advanced boards will have three or even four tracks for players!
They’ll also have a whole host of other holes for tracking data, from points to skunks.
Here’s a picture of an advanced one here:
How Many Cards Do You Start With In Cribbage?
For each hand, you get the same number of cards. The number of cards you get depends on how many players you have.
- For 2 Players – 6 cards each
- For 3 Players – 5 cards each, 2 go in the crib
- For 4 Players – 5 cards each
Why Are There Three Holes On A Cribbage Board?
In some cases, a board will have three holes BEFORE the starting hole. What is this for?
They are simply the place to leave your pegs before the first game of a match. Here’s what I mean:
- Two holes are for the pegs you use in counting your score each game.
- One hole is for your game peg. The one you use for tracking wins.
You have to start at zero, and these three holes are the place to put your pegs when you’re at zero.
The alternative is to leave them on the table, and let me tell you, these pegs can be hard to keep track of!
Conclusion
Setting up the cribbage board and cards is the essential precursor to an enjoyable game of cribbage.
From shuffling the deck to determining who deals first, each step contributes to the fairness and excitement of the gameplay.
With the right equipment in hand and a clear understanding of the setup process, players can embark on a journey of strategic gameplay and friendly competition.
So, gather your cribbage board, deck of cards, and pegs, and get ready to dive into the world of cribbage.
Check out this list of Cribbage boards that I think look really cool, too!
Let the cribbage games begin!
