# Two-Player Setup in Cribbage: Worked Examples and Common Situations
Cribbage is a classic card game that combines card combinations, tactical discarding, and a distinctive scoring board. Although the game can be played with more people, the traditional two-player version is a great place for beginners to start.
Before playing, both players need to understand how to deal the cards, create the crib, reveal the starter card, and prepare the scoring board. A small setup mistake can affect the entire hand, so it helps to follow the same procedure every round.
This guide explains the standard two-player Cribbage setup through worked examples and common situations.
1. What You Need to Play Two-Player Cribbage
A standard two-player game requires:
- One standard 52-card deck without jokers.
- A Cribbage scoring board and two pegs for each player, if available.
- Two players.
- A flat surface for dealing and arranging cards.
A traditional Cribbage game is played to 121 points, although shorter games and alternative targets may be used for casual play.
Each player receives six cards at the start of a standard two-player hand. Both players then choose two cards to discard into the crib, leaving four cards in each player's hand.
The crib belongs to the dealer and is scored separately at the end of the hand.
2. Decide Who Deals First
Before the first hand, the players need to determine who will be the dealer.
A common method is to cut the shuffled deck. Each player cuts the deck, and the player who reveals the lower-ranked card deals first. Aces are generally low for this purpose.
If both players reveal cards of equal rank, they can cut again until the dealer is determined.
For later hands, the deal alternates between players. The player who did not deal the previous hand becomes the dealer for the next one.
**Example:** Alex cuts a 4, and Jordan cuts a 9. Alex has the lower card and becomes the first dealer. After that hand ends, Jordan deals the next hand.
3. Shuffle and Deal Six Cards to Each Player
The dealer shuffles the deck and offers it to the opponent to cut, if the players are following that procedure.
The dealer then distributes six cards to each player, usually one card at a time in alternating order. The exact dealing sequence can vary, but both players must receive six cards.
After the deal, 40 cards remain in the stock because 12 cards have been dealt from the original 52-card deck.
The players should keep their cards hidden from each other.
### Worked example
Suppose the players are Alex and Jordan, and Alex is the dealer.
- Alex receives six cards.
- Jordan receives six cards.
- Both players inspect their own hands.
- Each player selects two cards to discard.
At this point, four cards remain in each player's hand, and four cards have been placed in the crib.
4. Choose Two Cards for the Crib
After receiving six cards, each player selects two cards to discard face down into the crib.
The crib is a separate four-card hand that belongs to the dealer. It is not shared equally between the players when scoring.
Because the dealer scores the crib, discarding decisions can influence the dealer's potential points. The non-dealer should consider this when choosing which cards to give away.
### Worked example: The dealer chooses discards
Imagine Alex is the dealer and holds these six cards:
- 5 of hearts
- 5 of clubs
- 6 of hearts
- 7 of hearts
- King of spades
- 2 of clubs
Alex must keep four cards and discard two into the crib.
The pair of fives and the 6-7 combination offer several scoring possibilities. However, there is no single correct discard decision without considering the other cards, the opponent's likely discards, and the scoring situation.
Alex might choose to preserve a promising combination while avoiding discards that unnecessarily help the opponent. Since Alex owns the crib, the choice should balance the strength of the retained hand with the potential value of the crib.
The key setup rule is simple: each player discards exactly two cards, and all four discarded cards form the dealer's crib.
5. Reveal the Starter Card
After both players have placed their two discards into the crib, the non-dealer cuts the remaining deck. The dealer then turns over the top card of the remaining deck. This card is called the **starter** or **cut card**.
The starter is not dealt into either player's hand and is not one of the four crib cards. Instead, it is used when scoring both players' hands and the crib.
If the starter is a jack, the dealer immediately scores two points. This bonus is commonly called *His Heels* or *Nibs*.
### Worked example: A jack is cut
Alex is the dealer, and Jordan cuts the deck. Alex turns over the starter card, which is the jack of diamonds.
Alex immediately scores two points for His Heels. The players then continue with the normal play and scoring stages.
If the starter is not a jack, no immediate His Heels points are awarded.
6. Set Up the Cribbage Board
A Cribbage board tracks each player's score using pegs. Most traditional boards contain holes arranged to count points up to 121.
Each player typically uses two pegs. The pegs leapfrog one another as points are scored, making it easier to identify the latest score and verify progress.
At the start of the game, both players begin at zero. As points are earned, each player moves their pegs forward according to the board's layout.
If you do not have a Cribbage board, paper or a digital score tracker can be used instead. The scoring rules remain the same.
7. Understand What Happens After Setup
Once the starter card has been revealed, the players begin the pegging phase.
The non-dealer usually plays the first card. Players alternate playing one card at a time, announcing the running total. The total cannot exceed 31.
Players score points during pegging for combinations such as reaching 15 or 31, making pairs, and completing runs. When neither player can play without exceeding 31, the sequence ends and another sequence begins if cards remain.
After pegging, the players count their hands, followed by the dealer counting the crib. The starter card contributes to the scoring combinations in each hand and in the crib.
In standard play, the non-dealer counts their hand first, followed by the dealer's hand and then the dealer's crib. The order matters because a player may reach the winning score before the remaining hands are counted.
8. Common Two-Player Setup Situations
### Situation 1: Both Players Cut the Same Rank
If both players cut cards of equal rank when determining the first dealer, they can cut again. Continue until the rules produce a clear result.
### Situation 2: A Player Receives the Wrong Number of Cards
Each player should receive six cards. If a player has too many or too few, stop before discarding and correct the deal according to the agreed rules.
If the mistake is discovered after discards or scoring have started, the players should follow an established misdeal rule rather than making an arbitrary correction.
### Situation 3: A Player Discards Only One Card
Each player must contribute two cards to the crib. If the error is noticed before the starter is revealed, correct it before continuing. If discovered later, use the game's agreed procedure for an incorrect deal or discard.
### Situation 4: The Starter Card Is a Jack
The dealer immediately scores two points for His Heels. This is separate from the points that may later be earned from the hands and crib.
### Situation 5: The Crib Has the Wrong Number of Cards
The crib should contain exactly four cards: two from each player. If it contains too many or too few, pause and resolve the mistake using the applicable rules.
### Situation 6: A Player Reaches 121 Points During Counting
Cribbage ends as soon as a player reaches the target score under the standard rules. A player may win during pegging or while counting a hand, so the players should keep scores in the correct order.
9. Common Setup Mistakes to Avoid
**Forgetting the dealer's crib:** Both players discard two cards, but the four-card crib belongs to the dealer.
**Revealing the starter too early:** Complete the discarding process before cutting and revealing the starter card.
**Using jokers:** Standard Cribbage uses a regular 52-card deck without jokers.
**Counting the starter as a dealt card:** The starter is revealed from the remaining deck. It is not part of either player's six-card deal or the four-card crib.
**Forgetting His Heels:** If the starter is a jack, the dealer receives two immediate points.
**Ignoring the order of scoring:** The non-dealer generally counts first, followed by the dealer's hand and then the crib. This can determine who wins.
Frequently Asked Questions
### How many cards does each player get in two-player Cribbage?
Each player receives six cards. Both players then discard two cards into the dealer's crib, leaving four cards in each player's hand.
### Who gets the crib in Cribbage?
The dealer owns the crib and scores it after the players count their hands. The non-dealer's two discarded cards also become part of the dealer's crib.
### Who cuts the starter card?
After the players discard to the crib, the non-dealer cuts the remaining deck, and the dealer reveals the starter card according to the standard procedure.
### What happens if the starter card is a jack?
The dealer scores two points immediately for His Heels, also known as Nibs.
### How many points are needed to win Cribbage?
The standard game is played to 121 points. Some casual variations use a shorter target.
### Does the starter card count toward the players' hands?
Yes. The starter is combined with each player's four-card hand when scoring, and it also contributes to scoring the dealer's crib. It is not physically added to those hands.
### Can you play two-player Cribbage without a board?
Yes. You can track the scores on paper or with a digital scorekeeper. A board is traditional but not essential.
Conclusion
Setting up two-player Cribbage involves a few clear steps: choose the first dealer, shuffle and deal six cards to each player, discard two cards each into the dealer's crib, and reveal the starter card.
Once the board and cards are ready, the players can begin pegging and later score their hands and the crib. Paying attention to the correct card counts, starter procedure, and scoring order helps prevent common mistakes and makes the game easier for beginners to learn.