Cribbage is a classic card-and-peg game of counting, combinations, and strategy. In this version, four players compete individually, each using their own scoring track on a four-track cribbage board.

This version is different from standard 2- or 3-player cribbage. Key differences are highlighted throughout to make it easy to learn.

What you’ll need

• A standard 52-card deck (no jokers)
• A four-track cribbage board and 2 pegs per player
  
• 4 players

How this version is different

• There are no teams. Each player scores independently.
• Each player uses their own track on the board.
• The dealer deals one card directly into the crib before discards.

Objective

Be the first player to reach or pass 121 points.

Set up

• Each player chooses a track and places two pegs at the starting position.
• Dealership rotates clockwise each hand.

Dealing

Different from 2-player cribbage: players are dealt fewer cards.

• The dealer deals 5 cards to each player.
• As part of the deal, the dealer places 1 card face-down directly into the crib.
• Each player then discards 1 card into the crib.

The crib always belongs to the dealer.

The cut (starter card)

• The player to the dealer’s left cuts the deck.
• The dealer reveals the top card, called the starter.
• If the starter is a Jack, the dealer scores 2 points (“his heels”).

Card values

• Ace = 1 point
• Cards 2–10 = face value
• Jack, Queen, King = 10 points

The play (pegging)

Same rules as other versions, but with more players:

Starting with the player to the dealer’s left, players take turns laying down one card at a time, keeping a running total that may not exceed 31.

• If you cannot play a card without exceeding 31, say “Go”.
• The last player to play a card scores 1 point (or 2 points if the total is exactly 31).
• The count then resets to zero and play continues with the remaining cards.

Points scored during pegging:

• 15 = 2 points
• 31 = 2 points
• Pair = 2 points
• Three of a kind = 6 points
• Four of a kind = 12 points
• Runs of 3 or more = 1 point per card

Counting the hands

Different from 2- and 3-player cribbage: all four hands are counted.

After all cards have been played, hands are counted in order, starting with the player to the dealer’s left and continuing clockwise.

The dealer counts their hand last, followed by the crib.

Each hand consists of the player’s four cards plus the starter card.

Scoring combinations

Scoring rules are the same as other versions of cribbage.

• 15s: Any combination totaling 15 = 2 points
• Pairs: 2 / 6 / 12 points
• Runs: 3 or more consecutive cards
• Flush (hand): 4 cards same suit = 4 points (5 if the starter matches)
• Flush (crib): All 5 cards must match suit
• His nobs: Jack matching the starter’s suit = 1 point

Winning the game

The first player to reach or pass 121 points wins immediately, even if this happens during pegging or hand counting.