Cribbage
Variants
Three or Four Players
Cribbage is usually considered a two player game, however it can be played with three or four. With three payers each is dealt five cards and the crib is dealt one card face down. Each player then places one card in the crib, leaving each player and the crib with four cards.In four player cribbage each player is dealt five cards with no extra card for the crib. Each player places a single card in the crib, again leaving each player and the crib with four cards each.
Five Card Crib
Five card crib for two players is an older version that is rarely played today. Each player receives five cards and places two in the crib. Each player's hand thus consists only of three cards whilst the crib consists of four. Because this significantly reduces the scoring potential of the hands the game is usually played to only 61 points.Pegging
There are many minor variations to the pegging rules. For example, some people would count 3-5-4 as a run pegging 3 whilst others (including me) would not because it is not in order. Another variation is some players peg one point each time the opponent is unable to play rather than just one for going last.As always, ensure that players agree on the exact rules to be used before play begins.