Object

First player to reach 121 points wins. Each round players score points during pegging (play phase) and the show (counting phase).

The Deal

Each player is dealt 6 cards. Both players discard 2 cards face-down to form the crib, leaving 4 cards in hand. The crib belongs to the dealer and is scored as a bonus hand at the end of the round.

The Starter (Cut)

After discarding, a card is cut from the deck and placed face-up as the starter. If it's a Jack, the dealer scores 2 pts immediately — this is called Nibs (His Heels).

The Play (Pegging)

Players alternate playing cards, announcing the running total. The total can never exceed 31. If you can't play without going over, say Go — opponent pegs 1 pt.

The Show (Counting)

After all cards are played, each player scores their 4-card hand + the starter (5 cards total). Non-dealer scores first, then dealer's hand, then dealer's crib.

Every valid combination is scored separately. A hand of 5-5-5-J with a 5 starter scores 12 pts (four 5s) + 8×15s + 1 Nobs = the perfect 29.

Skunks

Losing player's score determines the skunk tier — every 30 pts below the target counts as one skunk. Lose with under 91 pts = Skunked; under 61 = Double Skunked; under 31 = Triple Skunked.

Tips

• Don't lead a 5 — opponent can pair it with any 10-value card for 15.
• A 4 is one of the safest leads — nothing immediately makes 15 with it.
• Non-dealer should avoid sending 5s, pairs, or sequential cards to the crib.
• Kings and Aces are safer crib discards — hard to use in runs or 15s.