rules for how to count your hand in cribbage

The count like pegging can be a very strategic part of the game. There are specific protocols and rules for how to count your hand in cribbage.

1. the pone (opponent) is the first player to count after all cards have been played during the play or pegging.
2. order of count = pone, dealer, dealer’s crib
3. players count with the 4 cards in their hand plus the cut card
4. players must announce the total at the end and leave the cards face up for opponents to examine
5. in competitive play if muggins is in effect, the opposing player may take any points that have been missed
6. dealer then puts the cards face up on the opponent side of the board and announces score
7. opponent accepts score verbally or by mixing the cards in the deck
8. dealer counts the crib in the same method
9. starter card should remain separate from all cards during the count as it is used by both players hand and the crib
10. a player is responsible for counting their own cards – there is to be no assistance

The cards should be counted in a formal manner. Highly advanced players may just announce the total. To keep track of each area of scoring players typically announce 15 for X amount of points, x pairs for X amount of points, a run for X points, jack of suit (nob) for 1 point, flush for X points.

Sample Hand: 9S 10D JD 6C  cut = 6D

15 for 4 points = 9S + 6C and 9S + 6D , pair for 2 points = 6C + 6D, run for 3 points = 9S + 10D + JD  and a jack of suit for 1 point JD is same suite as cut 6D = 10 points

It gets easier after you have counted a few hands. It is suggested to play a few games with someone that has played before instead of having two beginners try and learn it alone.