rules for how to deal in cribbage

Cribbage like many games has quirky little rules that make it unique. Learning the rules for how to deal in cribbage is one of those things. Whether playing a casual friendly game or cut throat competition style there are some basic cribbage rules that should be followed to maintain the tradition of the game.

choosing the dealer

1. each player should shuffle the deck at least once before choosing a dealer
2. players must cut the deck  at least four cards from the top or bottom (showing the bottom card of the cut) – the lowest card wins, aces low
3. if more than one card is exposed during cut another cut, without shuffle, is taken
4. if both players cut the same card, start again until a winner is determined

preparing the cards

1. dealer shuffles the cards at least 3 times and has the right to last shuffle
2. opponent (pone) has the right to shuffle once
3. a cut is required before each deal – the pone cuts the deck and the dealer takes the top card of the bottom portion.The pone returns the portion of the deck to the pack and the dealer places the card face up on the top of the full deck.
4. deck must be kept full (together at all times)

dealing the cards

1. dealer gives 6 cards to each player (5 cards for 4 players or 5 cards plus one in crib for 3 players)
2. dealer must deal one card at a time from the top of the deck
3. cards should not be picked up until all cards are dealt
4. pone should not touch cards except to stop them from falling of the table
5. if a card is exposed during deal (or upside down in the deck) a re-deal may be called by the opponent
6. if the cut is forgotten, the pone may remind the dealer and cards must be reshuffled and re-dealt. If the pone has already picked up the cards this right is forfeit.

the discard

1. players place 2 cards face down in the crib (which should be located on the dealer side of the board and/or deck)
2. for 3  & 4 handed crib each player discards 1 card
3. the crib may not be exposed until the pegging is completed and both hands are counted – penalty is two points

the starter card

1. cut should not be made until both players have discarded to the crib
2. pone cuts the deck at least four cards from the top and bottom of the deck
3. dealer turns the top card of the bottom section face up on the top of the deck
4. if the dealer exposes more the one card the correct top card shall become the starter card – both players have a right to see the exposed cards
5. if the dealer places the card in his hand a two point penalty is awarded and the pone chooses two cards from the dealers hand, looks at both and chooses one as the starter card, returning the other to the dealer
6. pone shall not look at any card in the deck – penalty is two points
7. if the starter card is a jack (heels), the dealer is awarded two points
8. dealer may peg out and win the game with heels
9. if the dealer plays a card before taking his heels, he forfeits the points

basic rules of misdeal

Competition has specific rules to follow if too many or too few cards are played. The dealer will get penalized in these circumstances often forfeiting points in the hand and/or crib. In friendly play the simple rule of thumb is:

1. if a player places too many cards in the crib before the other player has discarded he may withdraw the cards.
2. if too many cards have been played the cards should be re-dealt once the opposing player has a chance to confirm
3. if too few cards have been played a card should be added from the top of the deck

general rules

1. the pone can only touch the deck for the cut after shuffle and the cut
2. deals are rotated between players
3. once the cut is complete, the play begins with the pone laying down first card