Cribbage scoring involves a combination of card arrangements, both during the play of the hand and in the show (the scoring of held cards, plus the starter card, after play). Here’s a comprehensive list of every possible scoring combination in Cribbage:
During the Play (Pegging)
- Pair: 2 points for any two cards of the same rank.
- Pair Royal (Three of a Kind): 6 points for three cards of the same rank.
- Double Pair Royal (Four of a Kind): 12 points for four cards of the same rank.
- Run of Three or More: 1 point per card in a sequential order, regardless of suits. The points equal the number of cards in the run.
- 15: 2 points every time the total count of cards in play equals 15.
- 31: 2 points for making the total count exactly 31.
- Go: 1 point if your opponent cannot play a card without exceeding 31, and you play a card(s) without another Go or reaching 31.
- Last Card: If you play the final card without reaching 31, you score 1 point. If you reach exactly 31, it scores 2 points instead.
In the Show (Hand Scoring)
- 15: 2 points for any combination of cards adding up to 15 (using the starter card as well).
- Pair: 2 points for any pair of cards of the same rank.
- Pair Royal (Three of a Kind): 6 points for three cards of the same rank.
- Double Pair Royal (Four of a Kind): 12 points for four cards of the same rank.
- Run of Three or More: 1 point for each card in a sequence. Multiple runs involving overlapping cards are scored separately.
- Flush: 4 points for holding four cards of the same suit in your hand. If all five cards (including the starter card) are the same suit, it scores 5 points. In the crib, a flush scores only if all five cards, including the starter, are of the same suit.
- Nobs (His Nobs): 1 point for having the Jack of the same suit as the starter card in your hand.
Special Cases
- His Heels (Nibs): The dealer scores 2 points if the starter card is a Jack, regardless of its suit. This is scored before the play begins.
Notes on Scoring
- A single card can be part of multiple scoring combinations. For example, in a hand with 6-6-4-5 and a 5 as the starter card, the sixes and fives create multiple 15s and pairs.
- Combinations are counted separately. For instance, if your hand contains a 7-8-9, you score 3 points for the run, and if you also have a pair, such as another 7, that pair scores an additional 2 points.
- The sequence of cards in a run does not matter. For example, 3-2-4 is still a run of three.
Understanding and quickly identifying these scoring combinations is key to playing Cribbage well. Practice and experience are invaluable for becoming adept at spotting and maximizing the scoring potential of your hands and plays.