As there are so few cards played in a hand of cribbage, strategy is important with each play. Your choice of reply to the opponent’s lead can be critical.

  • Never play a 6 to a led 4, or vice versa. This leads to a nasty sting as your opponent slaps down a 5, for five points (4-6-5 run and 15). It is a common mistake in cribbage strategy to set up runs for your opponent. Unless you’ve got a plan up your sleeve, of course…
  • Get rid of your higher cards first, as they will be a liability when the count approaches 31. Save Aces – they are your emergency escape strategy to turn a point-losing 30 into a 2-point-winning 31 (but get rid of lone aces – see below).
  • Do not pair your opponent’s card unless you also hold another of the same card in reserve. For example, if your opponent plays a 4, you should not reply with a 4 if it is the only 4 you hold – because your opponent is quite likely to have another 4 herself (making a pair royal for 6 points). Conversely, you should encourage your opponent to pair your card when you yourself hold a pair. The chances of her holding the fourth card to make double pair royal (12 points) are minimal.
  • When holding two cards that together make 5 (for example 4 and Ace), lead one of them. Your opponent is likely to play a 10 onto it, enabling you to make 15.
  • Watch for runs! Don’t play a card with a value 1 or 2 away from your opponent’s card – for example a 9 on a 7 – as he is likely to complete the run. The exception, of course, is when you hold the necessary card to extend the run yourself and top your opponent’s points. Beware of ‘banging your head’ on 31, though – calculate beforehand whether you will be able to play onto the run without going over 31.

Go to the main cribbage strategy page