Cribbage

Each player cuts a card from the deck. The player with the lowest card deals first. Aces are low. If tied, cut again.

The dealer deals 6 cards to each player, one at a time, alternating.

Each player selects 2 cards to discard face-down into the crib. The crib is an extra hand that belongs to the dealer and is scored at the end of the round.

The non-dealer cuts the remaining deck. The top card of the bottom half is turned face-up as the starter card. This card is used by both players when counting their hands.

Players alternate playing cards face-up. Each player announces the running total as they play. The total cannot exceed 31.

If you cannot play without exceeding 31, say “Go”. Your opponent keeps playing until they also can’t, then scores 1 point and a new count begins at 0.

After pegging, players count their hands using their 4 cards plus the starter card (5 cards total). Order: non-dealer first, then dealer, then dealer counts the crib.

Hand: 5♥ 5♦ 5♣ J♣ — Starter: 5♠

Four 5s = 12 pts (pairs) + Eight 15s (each 5 pairs with the J for 15) = 16 pts + Nobs = 1 pt — Total: 29 pts, the perfect hand!