(Previous section: Cribbage rules – the discard)

The turn-up

The game of cribbage then begins with the dealer turning up the top card on the remaining pile after the cards have been dealt to each player. This card is called the turn-up or starter. If the turn-up card is a Jack, the dealer immediately scores two points (“two for his heels”).

Can you go out on a Jack?

One of the most frequently-asked questions on the Cribbage Corner Forum is “If I am in the stinkhole, can I peg out on a Jack?” In other words, if you only need one point to win, and you turn up a Jack, do you score two for his heels and win?

The answer is yes – unless the players agree otherwise. Official rules say that there is no restriction on scoring “two for his heels” or Go, but a commonly-used optional rule prevents this. You can add this to your house rules if you want.

Continue to Cribbage rules – the play

(Previous section: Cribbage rules – the discard)

The turn-up

The game of cribbage then begins with the dealer turning up the top card on the remaining pile after the cards have been dealt to each player. This card is called the turn-up or starter. If the turn-up card is a Jack, the dealer immediately scores two points (“two for his heels”).

Can you go out on a Jack?

One of the most frequently-asked questions on the Cribbage Corner Forum is “If I am in the stinkhole, can I peg out on a Jack?” In other words, if you only need one point to win, and you turn up a Jack, do you score two for his heels and win?

The answer is yes – unless the players agree otherwise. Official rules say that there is no restriction on scoring “two for his heels” or Go, but a commonly-used optional rule prevents this. You can add this to your house rules if you want.

Continue to Cribbage rules – the play