C R I B B A G E

Official
Tournament Rules

August 2004
CONTENTS

Aims and Objectives of the American Cribbage

Congress 4
Code of Ethics 5
Rule 1. The Mechanics of Playing Cribbage 6
1.1. Object of the Game 6
1.2. Number of Players 6
1.3. The Cards 6
1.4. The Cribbage Board 6
1.5. Outline of Playing Sequence 6
1.6. Definitions 8
1.7. Scoring Chart 10

Rule 2. Mixing the Cards 10

2.1. Proper Mixing 10
2.2. Pone’s Right to Shuffle Once 11
2.3. Dealer’s Right to Shuffle Last 11

Rule 3. Cutting the Pack 11

3.1. Procedure for Cutting the Pack 11
3.2. Winner of the Deal 11
3.3. Cutting before Each Deal 12

Rule 4. Dealing 12
4.1. Order of Dealing 12
4.2. Dealing the Cards 13
4.3. Exposed Cards 13
4.4. Incorrect Number of Cards in Hand
or Crib 13
4.5. Imperfect Pack 17

Rule 5. The Crib 18

5.1. Placement 18
5.2. Exposure 19
1
Rule 6. The Starter Card 19
6.1. Cutting 19
6.2. Exposing More than One Card 20
6.3. Scoring When the Starter Card Is a Jack (His
Heels) 20

Rule 7. The Play 20

7.1. The Order of Play 20
7.2. Scoring 21
7.3. Renege 22
7.4. Incorrect Announcements 22

Rule 8. Pegging 23
8.1. Recording Score on Board 23
8.2. Zero Hand or Crib 23
8.3. Pegging Incorrectly to the Player’s
Disadvantage 23
8.4. Pegging Incorrectly to the Player’s Advantage
24
8.5. Improperly Removing Pegs 25
8.6. Etiquette in Touching Pegs 26
8.7. Dislodging Pegs 26
8.8. Pegging with Opponent’s Pegs 26
8.9. Recording Score in Wrong Track 26
8.10. Failure to Place Peg in Game (Out) Hole 27

Rule 9. Counting and Recording Scores 27

9.1. Exposure while Counting 27
9.2. Order of Counting 27
9.3. The Starter Card 28
9.4. Mixing Hand with Other Cards 29
9.5. Assistance in Counting 30

Rule 10. Muggins 30

10.1. When in Effect 30
10.2. Situations That Apply 30

2
 10.3. Situations That Do Not Apply 30
10.4. Calling Muggins 31
Rule 11. Penalties 32
11.1. Scoring Penalties 32
11.2. Mispegging a Penalty 32
11.3. No Penalty on a Penalty 32
11.4. Refusal to Conform to the Rules 32

Rule 12. Situations Not Covered

in These Rules 33
Rule 13. Amendments 33
Play-off Brackets and Byes 34
Cross-checking Guidelines 38

Effective August 1, 2004

3
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE AMERICAN
CRIBBAGE CONGRESS

Sir John Suckling, a British poet and knight, invented

the card game of cribbage about 1635. Cribbage has
survived, with no major changes, as one of the most
popular games in the English-speaking world. How-
ever, as the game developed across the United States,
local variations crept in. There was no standardiza-
tion of playing rules in the tournaments that were
beginning to appear all over the nation.
In August 1979, the American Cribbage Congress
Inc. (ACC) was founded as a nonprofit corpora-
tion to promote the game of cribbage, to develop
many programs for the benefit of its members, and
to promulgate friendships among cribbage players
everywhere. Administering to the needs of cribbage
players on the North American continent, the ACC
conducts a well-rounded program that includes the
following:

• Cribbage World magazine, published monthly

• Tournament Trail (sanctioned tournament list)
• National rating system for tournament players
• Grass Roots programs for local cribbage clubs
• All American awards (top ten players yearly)
• $100 award for perfect 29-hands
• Certificate for 28-hands
• ACC Hall of Fame
• Cribadier General Honorary Commissions
• Program for players under 18 years of age

4
CODE OF ETHICS

Cribbage is a pastime that provides social opportu-

nities to display true sportsmanship and respect for
others, without rancor, animosity, or overwhelming
self-interest during competition. In view of these
goals, the following are considered to be some of the
unacceptable practices and are grounds for suspen-
sion or expulsion from the ACC:

• Marking or deforming cards for identification

or manipulative purposes
• Controlling the location of the cards in the
pack before cutting for first deal or when
dealing
• Secreting cards for later retrieval, including sur-
reptitiously dropping excess dealt cards from
the hand
• Changing or altering scorecards
• Intentionally playing poorly for the purpose of
enhancing the record of an opponent
• Actions or conversation unbecoming a member
of the ACC (drunkenness, abusive language,
etc.)
• Initiating a violation of rules for the purpose of
gaining an advantage, whether actually gained
or not, even though the rules specify a penalty
for the violation
• Actions detrimental to the objectives of the
ACC

By honoring all ACC rules, a player will have guide-

lines for good sportsmanship and fair play, resulting
in an enjoyable experience for all participants.

5
RULE 1. THE MECHANICS OF PLAYING CRIBBAGE

Rule 1.1. Object of the Game

Be the first player to score 121 points (see rule
8.10).

Rule 1.2. Number of Players

The basic game is for two players, and these rules
apply to only the two-handed game in tournaments
sanctioned by the ACC. Three-handed and four-
handed versions of the game are played with essen-
tially the same rules.

Rule 1.3. The Cards

a. A standard pack of 52 playing cards is used. (Jok-
ers are discarded.)
b. The four suits are considered equal.
c. The rank and value of the cards are as follows:
card: K Q J 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 A
value: 10 10 10 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Rule 1.4. The Cribbage Board

The cribbage board is used to show the score accu-
mulated by each player during the play of a game
(front peg) and the amount of the latest incremental
score (difference between front and rear pegs).

Rule 1.5. Outline of Playing Sequence

The following listed sequence is an outline of the
actions performed in playing a game of cribbage
and is intended for the benefit of those learning
the game. It does not include any detailed playing
6
rules, which are specified elsewhere in rule 1 and
thereafter.
a. The pack is cut to determine which player will
deal first in the first game of a match; the low
card wins the deal. Thereafter the loser of the
previous game deals first.
b. The dealer shuffles and, after a mandatory cut
by the pone (nondealer), distributes one card
alternately to each player, beginning with the
pone, until each has six cards.
c. Each player discards two cards to form the crib,
which belongs to the dealer.
d. The pone cuts the remainder of the pack to select
a starter card, which is used in counting the value
of each player’s hand and the crib.
e. Play of the cards:
(1) Players alternately play (place face up on
the table) one card at a time, starting with
the pone. The cumulative value of the cards
played is announced as each card is played.
(2) When a player cannot play a card without
the cumulative total exceeding 31, that
player calls “go,” and the opponent contin-
ues to play all cards possible (not exceeding
a 31-count). The player who calls “go” plays
first in the following 31-count sequence.
(3) Points are scored during this play of the cards
(see scoring chart in rule 1.7).
f. When both players have played all their cards, the
pone’s hand is counted and pegged by the pone (see
scoring chart). The dealer then does the same for
the dealer’s hand and then for the crib.
g. The deal alternates between the players until the
game ends, which occurs when a player scores
121 points (see rule 8.10).
7
Rule 1.6. Definitions
crib Four cards (two from each player) set
aside for the dealer to score after the
dealer’s hand.
cut card (1) the starter card; (2) the card cut by
either player at the start of the game
or match to determine the dealer
flush Four cards of the same suit held in the
hand count four points; five cards of
the same suit (including the starter
card) count five points in the hand or
crib.
game hole Hole number 121.
go Called by a player who cannot play a
card without exceeding the cumulative
count of 31; the opponent scores one
point, or two if reaching exactly 31.
hand The six cards dealt to each player or
the four cards remaining after dis-
carding to the crib.
his heels Jack, when it is the starter card, counts
(nibs) two points for the dealer.
his nobs Jack of the same suit as the starter
card, either in the hand or crib, counts
one point.
judge A person authorized by the ACC or
the tournament director to answer
questions and settle disagreements
between players relating to the rules
of play.
match One or more games between two
players, the outcome of which is a
match winner and a match loser. The
play of one or more games between
two players during tournament qual-
ification play does not constitute a
match.
muggins The scoring of certain points that
one’s opponent fails to peg. It has no
relationship to penalties. Muggins is
played at the option of the tournament
director, but must be listed on a
sanctioned tournament flyer and
announced prior to the beginning of play.

8
pair Two cards of the same rank, such as
two Aces.
peg (1) A small marker that fits into the
holes of a cribbage board and is used
for scoring. (2) To record a score by ad-
vancing the rear peg in front of the
front peg.
pegging The recording of scored points by ad-
vancing the rear peg in front of the
front peg.
pone The opponent of the player who deals.
score Any points earned by a player.
scoring The earning of points.
shuffle A random mixing of the cards, which
could include riffling.
skunk To win by 31 or more points.
skunk, double To win by 61 or more points.
starter card The card that is cut and placed on the
remainder of the pack and is used in
counting the value of each hand and
the crib.
stink hole Hole number 120, which is one short of
the game hole.
straight Sequence of three or more consecutive
(or run), single cards in any order during the play of
the cards; for example, 3, 5, 6, 7, 4
(counts three when the 7 is played and
counts five when the 4 is played).
straight, (used only in counting hands and crib):
multiple
• double run Two three-card or four-card straights,
including one pair; for example, A, 2, 3,
3 or A, 2, 3, 3, 4.
• double- Four three-card straights, including two
double run pairs; for example, 8, 8, 9, 9, 10.
• triple run Three three-card straights, including
three of a kind; for example, J, Q, Q,
Q, K.
street A stretch of 30 holes on the game
board. First street consists of holes
1–30, second street of holes 31–60, third
street of holes 61–90, and fourth street
of holes 91–120.

9
 Rule 1.7. Scoring Chart

points earned
cards during play hand or crib
Jack turned by dealer as
2 —
starter card
Jack in hand or crib of same
— 1
suit as starter card
combinations:
• two of a kind (pair) 2 2
• three of a kind (triple) 6 6
• four of a kind (quadruple) 12 12
• straights of three or more
1 1
cards: per card
• 15-count (sum of any
— 2
combination of cards)
• four-card flush
— 4
(only in the hand)
• five-card flush — 5
reaching a 15-count exactly 2 —
reaching a 31-count exactly 2 —
“go” (without reaching
1 —
* 31-count)
final card played (without
1 —
reaching 31-count)
* Only one of these scores can be earned
with the play of a single card.

RULE 2. MIXING THE CARDS

Rule 2.1. Proper Mixing

The pack must be mixed at least three times with the
cards face down or otherwise hidden from both players.
The dealer is not permitted to look at the bottom card
after the last shuffle. If the dealer should do so, pone is
to remind dealer of the prohibition and score a two-
point penalty. The pack shall then be reshuffled.

10
Rule 2.2. Pone’s Right to Shuffle Once
The pone has the right to shuffle the pack once
per deal.

Rule 2.3. Dealer’s Right to Shuffle Last

The dealer has the right to make the last shuffle.

RULE 3. CUTTING THE PACK

Rule 3.1. Procedure for Cutting the Pack

a. Prior to cutting the cards to determine the first
dealer of a game, each player should shuffle the
pack, and the player who shuffled last must allow
the opponent to cut first.
b. When cutting for the first deal of a game, the
first player shall remove no less than four cards
and not more than half the pack. The second
player shall remove no less than four cards and
shall leave at least four cards.
c. When cutting before each deal and for the starter
card, no less than four cards shall be taken from
the top and no less than four left on the bot-
tom.

Rule 3.2. Winner of the Deal

a. Each player’s cut card is the card at the bottom
of the cards in hand, not the card on top of
the remainder of the pack. The player cutting
the lower-rank card deals the first hand of the
game.
b. If both players cut a card of equal rank, the en-
tire pack shall be reshuffled and they shall cut
again.
c. If a player exposes more than one card, said
player shall cut again.
11
Rule 3.3. Cutting before Each Deal
a. A cut is required before each deal. The dealer shall
place the pack on the table (board) for the pone to
cut. Neither player is permitted to look at the bot-
tom card of the top pack. Should either do so, there
is a two-point penalty, and the pack shall then be
reshuffled and cut again. When cutting, the cards
must be taken off together; they may not be taken
off individually.
b. While cutting before each deal, the top pack
must be placed under the bottom pack; no
“middle cuts” are allowed. It is not permissible
to distribute the cards from a portion of the
deck. The dealer shall not look at the bottom
card of the pack at any time after the cut. Should
dealer do so, the pone is to remind dealer of the
prohibition and score a two-point penalty. The
pack shall then be reshuffled and cut again.
c. Should the cut be forgotten before any of the
pone’s cards are picked up, the pone may remind
the dealer that the cut was not offered. The pack
shall then be reshuffled, and the cut made. There
shall be no redeal after any of the pone’s cards are
picked up.

RULE 4. DEALING

Rule 4.1. Order of Dealing

a. The dealer of the first game of a match (see defi-
nition in rule 1.6) shall be determined by cutting
the pack (see rules 3.1 and 3.2).
b. If a player deals out of turn and the error is dis-
covered before both players have played a card, the
deal is void and the correct player redeals. If dis-
covered thereafter, the hands shall be played, and
the nondealer deals the next hand in that game.
12
Rule 4.2. Dealing the Cards
a. After the cards are shuffled and cut, the dealer dis-
tributes one card at a time, face down from the top
of the pack alternately to each player, starting with
the pone, until six cards are dealt to each player.
b. The pone has a responsibility to observe the deal-
ing and to call attention to any irregularities.
c. The pone shall not reach for or touch the cards
before the distribution is completed, except to
use the hand or arm as a backstop to prevent cards
from falling off the table while being dealt.

Rule 4.3. Exposed Cards

a. If the dealer exposes a card or cards while dealing,
the cards shall be redealt.
b. During the deal, if the pone looks at any of the
cards or causes a card or cards to be exposed,
there will be no redeal (see rule 4.2.c).
c. If a card is found face up in the pack during the
dealing, the cards shall be redealt.

Rule 4.4. Incorrect Number of Cards in Hand

or Crib
a. Before both players have discarded to the crib:
(1) If both players were dealt the correct number
of cards and one player discarded the wrong
amount to the crib (but before the other player
discarded), the player who discarded the wrong
amount may retrieve the discard and then dis-
card the correct number to the crib.
(2) If both players were dealt the same number
of cards, but less than the correct amount,
the distribution of cards shall be continued
until both hands are correct. If the pone was
dealt the correct amount of cards, but the
dealer has one less and this is confirmed by
13
 both players, then the dealer takes the top
card from the pack to complete the hand.
(3) If either player was dealt the wrong number of
cards other than as specified in rule 4.4.a.(2),
there shall be a redeal by the same dealer. The
player with the wrong amount must allow
the opponent to confirm the amount. If the
player does not, such as placing the cards face
down on the pack, etc., the offender is as-
sessed a backward penalty equal to ten points
or enough to put both pegs “off the board,”
whichever is less. If the applicable backward
penalty is less than ten points, the opponent
is awarded points equal to the difference.
b. After both players have discarded to the crib: When
an error is discovered, judges shall be called to in-
terpret this rule and select the appropriate actions
specified in rule 4.4.c. Players shall not move any
pegs or any cards after the error is discovered unless
directed to do so by the judges.
(1) Before the starter card is turned, if it is dis-
covered that the wrong number of cards is
held in either hand or crib, the action speci-
fied in column A of the table in rule 4.4.c
shall be followed.
(2) After the starter card is turned, if it is discovered
that the wrong number of cards is held in either
hand or crib, the action specified in column B
of the table in rule 4.4.c shall be followed.
c. Table of actions to be taken: The table on page
15 lists all combinations of the incorrect number
of cards in both hands and in the crib and the
corresponding action to be taken. Columns A
and B list the number of the action to be taken
when the error is discovered either before or after
the starter card is turned. The judges will follow
the actions defined in rule 4.4.d.
14
 TABLE OF ACTIONS FOR RULE 4.4.c

situation A B
before after
pone’s dealer’s starter starter
hand hand crib turned turned
correct correct correct play play
correct correct too many 1 2
correct correct too few 3 3
correct too many correct 1 4
correct too many too many 1 4
correct too many too few 5 4
correct too few correct 6 7
correct too few too many 8 8
correct too few too few 1 7
too many correct correct 1 13
too many correct too many 1 9
too many correct too few 5 13
too many too many correct 1 9
too many too many too many 1 9
too many too many too few 5 9
too many too few correct 1 12
too many too few too many 1 12
too many too few too few 1 10
too few correct correct 6 7
too few correct too many 11 11
too few correct too few 1 7
too few too many correct 1 12
too few too many too many 1 12
too few too many too few 5 12
too few too few correct 1 7
too few too few too many 1 8
too few too few too few 1 7

15
d. Actions:
(1) The same player redeals.
(2) Pegging and play continue. Hands are
counted; crib is dead.
(3) Play stops at time of discovery. Without ex-
posing any cards in the crib, add the needed
cards to the crib from the top of the pack.
Play continues, and both hands and the crib
are counted.
(4) Pegging and play continue. All of the pone’s
pegging points count. Any points pegged by
the dealer before or after discovery do not
count. The pone’s hand is counted; the deal-
er’s hand is dead. The crib is counted if it is
correct or has too few cards. The crib is dead
if it has too many cards (see rule 6.1.a).
(5) The excess card(s) in the hand(s) are placed
in the crib by the player(s). If the hands and
the crib are not correct now, apply the ap-
propriate rule.
(6) Add the necessary cards to the hand from the
top of the pack to make the hand correct.
Play continues.
(7) Play continues, and both hands and the crib
are counted without correction.
(8) Play continues, and both hands are counted
without corrections. The crib is dead.
(9) Play stops at time of discovery, and all points
pegged during the play are retracted. Both
hands and the crib are dead, and the same
player redeals.
(10) Play stops at time of discovery, and all points
pegged during the play are retracted. The
required number of cards is taken from the
top of the pack and placed in the short crib.
The pone’s hand is dead. The dealer’s hand
and crib are counted.
16
 (11) If the judges, in consultation with the dealer,
are able to determine which two cards the
dealer discarded to the crib, those cards are set
off to the side. Then the dealer blindly draws
two of the remaining three cards to form the
crib. If the judges are unable to verify the
cards discarded by the dealer, a judge mixes
the five cards and the dealer blindly draws
four cards to form a crib. Play continues, the
pone counts his or her short hand, and the
dealer’s hand and (new) crib are counted.
(12) Play stops at time of discovery, and all points
pegged during play are retracted. Hands or
crib with the correct number of cards or
those with too few cards are counted. Hands
or crib with too many cards are dead.
(13) Pegging and play continue (regardless of time
of discovery) until the dealer plays his or her
last card. If discovery occurs when the pone
plays the excess card(s), pegging is retracted
to the point of the playing of the dealer’s last
card or continues until the dealer plays his
or her last card. The dealer’s pegging points
count. Any points scored by the pone during
the pegging are retracted. The pone’s hand
is dead. The dealer’s hand is counted. The
crib is counted if it is correct. If the crib
has too few cards, a judge mixes all of the
pone’s cards, and the dealer blindly selects
the needed card(s) to complete the crib; the
crib is then counted.

Rule 4.5. Imperfect Pack

a. If a pack is found to have a defect that could
affect play, such as a card with bent corner or
a card with a visual defect on the back surface,
17
 etc., a new card or pack shall be put in play. If
discovered after either player picks up any dealt
cards, that hand shall be played to its conclusion
before any replacement. Otherwise it shall be
replaced immediately.
b. If two cards or more of the same rank and suit ap-
pear during the play or the scoring of the hands,
the play stops at time of discovery. Any points
pegged or scored are retracted and the hands
and crib are dead. The same player redeals with
a different deck.

RULE 5. THE CRIB

Rule 5.1. Placement

a. The crib belongs to the dealer and shall be placed
with cards face down on the dealer’s side of the
board.
b. Cards placed face down on the table for the crib
and released by the fingers, except for the situ-
ations in rule 4.4.a.(1) or 5.1.c, may not be re-
trieved and examined. The penalty is two points.
If the two cards were not mixed with the hand,
those two cards must be returned to the crib.
See rule 5.2 if the discard was mixed with the
hand.
c. Prior to the turn of the starter card, if only one
player discards to the wrong side of the board,
that player is permitted to retrieve the card(s)
and reevaluate the selection.
d. If all four cards are discovered to be on the pone’s
side, they shall be moved to the dealer’s side,
without exposure, unless the starter card has been
turned and each player has played at least one card.
In that event, the crib becomes the property of the
18
 player on whose side it lies and the other player
becomes the pone and next dealer in that game.

Rule 5.2. Exposure

a. The crib may not be examined or exposed until
the specified time to count it (see rule 9.2). The
penalty for a violation is two points.
b. If either player examines the crib before discarding
to it, there is a two-point penalty. Then the non-
offending player blindly selects two cards from
the offender’s hand, and those cards—without
exposure—are placed in the crib. The two cards
represent the offender’s discard. Play continues.

RULE 6. THE STARTER CARD

Rule 6.1. Cutting
a. Only after both players discard to the crib shall
the pack be cut by the pone to determine the
starter card. If the starter card is turned face up
by the dealer before he or she discards to the crib,
the starter card is returned to the pack, the dealer
then discards to the crib and reshuffles the pack,
and the pone cuts the starter card. No penalty is
assessed. Rules 4.4.c and 4.4.d.(4) do not apply.
b. The pone shall not look at the bottom card of the
upper pack when making the cut. The penalty is
two points. The dealer will be shown the exposed
card.
c. The dealer shall turn the top card of the lower
pack and place it as the starter card, face up on
top of the complete pack. If the card is placed
in the dealer’s hand and is not seen by the pone,
there will be a two-point penalty. The pone
blindly removes two cards from the dealer’s hand,
looks at them, and selects either one as the starter
19
 card. The other card is returned to the dealer’s
hand, and play continues.
d. If the cut card (on top of the bottom pack) is
found to be face up, it shall be turned over, the
entire remaining pack (40 cards) reshuffled, and
the cut made again.

Rule 6.2. Exposing More than One Card

a. If the dealer exposes more than one card in turn-
ing the starter card, the correct (top) card be-
comes the starter card.
b. In the above instance, both players have the right
to see the exposed card(s) before it is returned to
the pack.

Rule 6.3. Scoring When the Starter Card Is a Jack

(His Heels)
a. When a Jack is turned up, the dealer is entitled
to two points.
b. The dealer may peg out into the game hole by
turning a Jack starter card.
c. If the dealer plays a card before pegging the two
points, the dealer forfeits them.

RULE 7. THE PLAY

Rule 7.1. The Order of Play

a. The play of the cards starts immediately after the
turn of the starter card.
b. The pone shall play the first card face up on the
table, announcing its value.
c. Each player in turn shall play a single card and
announce the cumulative value (the count).
d. Each played card shall be positioned so as to over-
lap that player’s previously played cards while
20
 keeping the identity of all cards visible. Played
cards shall not be turned over before all cards of
both players are played and the hands counted
and pegged.
e. A single card that is released by the fingers is
considered played, whether or not the count is
announced, and may be retrieved only if it would
cause the count to exceed 31. If the count exceeds
31 and the player claims the game, that is an over-
peg and false claim of game (see rule 8.4.b).
f. If two or more cards are played together, the
card that corresponds to the announced count
is deemed to be the card played, and the other(s)
shall be retrieved. If the count is not yet an-
nounced or does not correspond with any of the
cards, the player may play any one of the cards
and retrieve the other(s) without penalty.

Rule 7.2. Scoring

a. Points are earned during the play of the cards for
the following single-card or combination of con-
secutive cards played. The player playing the last
card that forms a combination earns the points
(see scoring chart in rule 1.7):
(1) pair
(2) three of a kind
(3) four of a kind
(4) straights of three or more cards in any
sequence
(5) a cumulative count of 15
(6) the last card before player calls “go” (i.e., can-
not play a card that would not make the count
exceed 31)
(7) a cumulative count of 31
(8) the final card played, not making a cumula-
tive count of 31
21
b. A player may peg any points earned during the
play of the cards and is permitted a reasonable
time to do so (i.e., a polite pause). Then, either
player may play another card, call “go,” call mug-
gins, or announce the total of his or her hand.
When a player’s opponent has no more cards
or calls “go,” the other player may play all play-
able cards in succession and announce the points
scored before pegging the total at one time.

Rule 7.3. Renege

A renege is a failure to play a card that could have
been played. A player may correct a “go” call before
either player pegs a point or before the opponent
plays a card. Thereafter, when a renege card is played,
the opponent may claim a renege up to the time he
or she plays the next card or announces the count
of his or her hand. Judges shall be summoned. Any
cards played after the renege occurs or the pegging
of a “go” shall be retrieved by both players, and any
points pegged (or scored) are retracted. The non-
offending player receives two points for each card
that singly could have been played (judges confirm
number of cards). The nonoffending player decides
if the reneged card(s) will be dead or played. Play
continues, and all cards in both hands and crib are
counted. For example, if the count is 25 and a player
whose turn it is holds A, 5, and 6 and does not play
any of the three cards and says “go,” that is a “triple
renege,” and the opponent gets six points (two for
each card).

Rule 7.4. Incorrect Announcements

a. If a player announces an incorrect cumulative
count, he or she may voluntarily correct it prior to
22
 the opponent’s playing of the next card or calling
“go”; thereafter the incorrect count is accepted for
the rest of that series and any points pegged as a
result are considered earned.
b. If a player’s incorrect count announcement is not
corrected voluntarily but is challenged by the op-
ponent before the opponent plays the next card or
calls “go,” then the count shall be corrected. Also,
if the offending player pegged points that would
not have been earned with the correct count, that
player is considered to have overpegged and the
provisions of rule 8.4 apply.

RULE 8. PEGGING

Rule 8.1. Recording Score on Board

Beginning with the outside track, a player shall
record his or her first score by placing a peg in the
hole corresponding to that score. Subsequent scores
are recorded by advancing the rear peg over the front
peg by “leapfrogging” the number of holes consistent
with the score to be recorded.

Rule 8.2. Zero Hand or Crib

If a zero-count hand or crib is held, the pegs must
not be touched.

Rule 8.3. Pegging Incorrectly to the Player’s

Disadvantage
If the wrong number of points is pegged to the
pegger’s disadvantage (i.e., underpegging a forward
score or overpegging a backward penalty), a correc-
tion is not permitted after the player’s fingers are
removed from the peg.
23
Rule 8.4. Pegging Incorrectly to the Player’s
Advantage
a. False claim of game: If a player does not have
sufficient points to win the game and performs
actions similar to those listed below, he or she
has falsely claimed the game and judges shall be
summoned:
(1) Pegging into the game (out) hole.
(2) Recording the game outcome as a win on a
scorecard.
(3) Placing his or her peg into the game-record
holes (used on some boards to record the
number of games won in a match).
(4) Advancing a game-record peg.
b. Penalty for false claim of game: If a player falsely
claims the game, the following steps are to be
taken before play resumes:
(1) The offender’s front peg shall be placed in
the hole corresponding to the points actually
scored. If both pegs were removed, refer to
rule 8.5.b.
(2) The offender’s opponent is awarded points
equal to the number overclaimed (i.e., up to
the game hole).
(3) The offender is assessed a 15-point backward
penalty (even if the nonoffender reaches the
game hole as a result of #2 above).
c. If the wrong number of points is pegged to the
pegger’s advantage (i.e., overpegging a forward
score or underpegging a backward penalty), but
less than enough to claim the game and before
either player plays the next card or indicates
acceptance of a pegged hand or crib, then:
(1) Upon discovery by the opponent, the peg
shall be moved back to the correct hole,
and the opponent scores the amount of the
error.
24
 (2) If the offender discovers the error, he or she
may move the peg back to the correct hole
without penalty, but shall tell the opponent
before doing so.
d. During the play of the cards, if an incorrect peg-
ging claim is not made within a reasonable time,
before either player plays another card or before
either player pegs his or her hand, the play stands
as pegged.

Rule 8.5. Improperly Removing Pegs

a. If a player removes only his or her front peg when
a score is not yet pegged, then:
(1) If the player completes recording the score
in the wrong direction and releases the peg,
both pegs shall remain where they are and
that score and the previous score are for-
feited. If a player pegs from first street back
to fourth street, upon discovery the peg on
fourth street is placed behind the peg on first
street. In the event that both pegs end up on
fourth street, upon discovery they shall be
removed from the board and the player shall
start from the zero hole again.
(2) If the mistake is recognized before the peg is
released, then the peg in the hand becomes
the rear peg and only the latest score may be
recorded (i.e., only the previously recorded
score is forfeited).
b. If a player removes both pegs when there is a
score to record, then the front peg shall be re-
placed where it was. If the players cannot agree
where it was, judges shall be summoned to decide
the matter. After the front peg is replaced, the
other peg shall be placed behind it; the unpegged
score is thereby forfeited.
25
Rule 8.6. Etiquette in Touching Pegs

After notifying the opponent, a player may adjust

(tighten) his or her own loose peg or correct an over-
pegged score. There is no penalty for accidentally
touching an opponent’s peg (no harm, no foul) (see
rule 8.8 if necessary).

Rule 8.7. Dislodging Pegs

If a player accidentally dislodges a front peg, it shall

be replaced in the hole where it belongs. If there
is uncertainty about the proper hole, the peg shall
be placed as agreed upon by both players. If the
players do not agree, judges shall be summoned to
decide the matter. If both front pegs are dislodged,
the above applies in both cases. If either or both back
pegs are dislodged, it (they) may be placed anywhere
behind the front peg(s).

Rule 8.8. Pegging with Opponent’s Pegs

If a player picks up an opponent’s peg to record

a score (forward or backward), the peg shall be
returned to its former place. The nonoffender
receives two penalty points. The offending player
may then record the proper score using his or her
own back peg. If a front peg was involved in the
infraction, use part of rule 8.7 for resolution.

Rule 8.9. Recording Score in Wrong Track

If a player records an otherwise correct score but

places the peg in the wrong track on his or her side
of the board or in opponent’s track, it shall be moved
to the proper track without penalty.
26
Rule 8.10. Failure to Place Peg in Game (Out)
Hole
A player should peg out into hole 121 to complete
a game. However,
a. If a player performs an action similar to any of
the following, it shall be considered equivalent
to pegging out or reaching the game hole:
(1) Recording the game as a win on a score-
card.
(2) Placing his or her peg into one of the game-
record holes (holes used on some boards
to record the number of games won in a
match).
(3) Advancing a game-record peg.
b. The opponent may wish to summon judges;
however, if the judges determine that the player
had enough points to win, that player will be
declared the winner.
c. If the judges declare that the player did not have
enough points to win the game, then rule 8.4 will
apply.
d. If a player concedes a game to an opponent (in
match play only), that concession is equivalent
to the recipient pegging out.

RULE 9. COUNTING AND RECORDING SCORES

Rule 9.1. Exposure while Counting

While counting a hand or crib, the cards shall remain
on the table, plainly visible to the opponent.

Rule 9.2. Order of Counting

The counting and pegging of the hands and crib
shall be done in the following sequence. Each step
must be completed before the next is started.
27
a. The pone shall count his or her hand first, an-
nounce the total, and peg the score. Pone shall leave
the cards face up until any claim of overpegging is
resolved or until the dealer indicates acceptance of
the pone’s pegging by counting his or her hand.
b. Next the dealer counts his or her hand, announces
the total, and pegs the score. Dealer shall then
place dealer’s hand on the pone’s side of the board,
still face up. The pone indicates acceptance of the
dealer’s score either by accepting verbally or by
mixing the hand with other cards.
c. If the dealer should count his or her hand and peg
it correctly before the pone pegs his or her score,
there is no penalty, but the dealer must retract the
points, allow the pone to peg his or her score, and
then the dealer may peg his or her score.
d. Finally, the dealer exposes the crib, counts it,
announces the score, and pegs it. Dealer shall
then place the crib on pone’s side of the board,
still face up. The pone indicates acceptance of
the dealer’s score either by accepting verbally or
by mixing the crib with other cards.

Rule 9.3. The Starter Card

a. The starter card must remain segregated from the
hands and crib while they are being counted and
scored. If either player places the starter card in
his or her hand or crib or mixes it in the pack,
judges shall be summoned. The judges shall re-
trieve the card and place it on top of the pack.
The offender is penalized two points. If the
judges decide that the players cannot agree on
the starter card, then:
(1) The judges shall assist in the reduction of the
five-card hand or crib based on the players’
statements and/or evidence of pegging in
order to determine the starter card.
28
 (2) If the evidence is inconclusive, the judges
shall direct the nonoffender to blindly re-
move two cards from the affected hand or
crib, look at them, and select either one as
the starter card. The other card is returned
to the involved hand or crib, and play con-
tinues.
(3) If the starter card has been mixed with the
pack and cannot be retrieved as in #1 above,
a judge shall shuffle the pack, the non-
offender will cut, and a judge will turn the
new starter card.
b. After the pone counts his or her hand and before
the dealer begins to count his or her hand, the
pone may remove the pack, leaving the starter card
in the approximate area where the pack was.

Rule 9.4. Mixing Hand with Other Cards

a. If a player mixes his or her hand with the crib or
pack before it is counted and pegged and before
the opponent confirms the count (see rule 9.2),
the player forfeits the count of the hand.
b. If the crib is involved and the dealer mixes the crib
with the pack, the dealer forfeits the crib count.
c. If the pone mixes the crib with the pack, the pone
is penalized two points and the dealer is permitted
to retrieve the crib and peg its value. If there is
disagreement on the cards, summon judges.
(1) The judges shall assist in the reconstruction
of the hands in an attempt to determine
which cards were placed in the crib.
(2) The cards that the players recall shall be re-
trieved. If a full crib cannot be recalled, a
judge shall shuffle the remaining pack and
from the top add the number of cards re-
quired to constitute a full crib.
29
Rule 9.5. Assistance in Counting
No aid from an individual or from the use of any
material may be used to assist in determining scoring
while pegging or counting the hands or crib.

RULE 10. MUGGINS

Rule 10.1. When in Effect

a. Muggins is the only optional rule (see definition
in rule 1.6).
b. Officials in charge of tournaments, grass roots,
or other forms of organized play shall announce
in their flyers and prior to beginning of play that
muggins is in effect.
c. When muggins is in effect, pegging out (reaching
the game hole) is mandatory. Rule 8.10 does not
apply.

Rule 10.2. Situations That Apply

Except for the situations listed in rule 10.3, muggins
is applied to the underpegging of the full value of
any points during the play or scoring of the points
in the hand or crib.

Rule 10.3. Situations That Do Not Apply

a. The omission or underpegging of a penalty.
b. The omission or underpegging of a muggins
score.
c. The dealer’s failure to peg two points for turning
a Jack as a starter card.
d. Points lost by a player by pegging backward.
e. A score forfeited for the failure to peg out or for
removing both pegs (see rules 8.5.b and 8.10).
30
Rule 10.4. Calling Muggins

a. The caller shall state, “Muggins for X points.”

During the play of the cards, the score(s) not
pegged or underpegged shall be identified. If the
opponent does not agree, judges shall be sum-
moned. If the true amount of underpegging is
determined to be other than the amount origi-
nally claimed, the caller is entitled only to the
lesser of the claimed or true amounts. The mug-
gins points shall be scored after the judges render
a decision.
b. For points missed during the play of the cards,
a muggins call must be made:
(1) After the player finishes underpegging the
score or, if no score is pegged, after the player
forfeits the score (see rule 7.2).
(2) Before the scoring player pegs a subsequent
score or the pone’s hand is pegged.
c. For points missed in a hand or crib:
(1) The dealer must call muggins after the pone
finishes pegging the score or states there is
no score and before the pone’s hand is mixed
with other cards or the total count of the
dealer’s hand is announced.
(2) The pone must call muggins after the dealer
completes pegging the hand (or crib) score
or states there is no score and before the
pone mixes the hand (or crib) with other
cards.
d. The zero-count hand or crib: Once a player
claims no count in a hand or crib, muggins may
be called immediately. After the player’s oppo-
nent says the word “muggins,” the player may
not correct his or her count.
31
RULE 11. PENALTIES

Rule 11.1. Scoring Penalties

a. The opponent of the offending player scores
penalty points unless they are specified to be
backward penalties, in which case the offender
pegs backward the amount of the penalty.
b. The retraction of scores already pegged and cor-
rection of scores overpegged (see rules 4.4, 7.3,
and 8.4) are not considered penalties; they are
corrections. As such, any additional rules relating
to incorrect pegging are not applicable.

Rule 11.2. Mispegging a Penalty

The incorrect pegging of penalties is subject to the
same rules that apply to other scores (see rules 8.3 and
8.4).

Rule 11.3. No Penalty on a Penalty

Under no condition shall a penalty be inflicted due
to an error in calling or pegging a penalty.

Rule 11.4. Refusal to Conform to the Rules

a. If either player disagrees with the decision of
the first two judges, a third judge may be sum-
moned. The decision rendered by the three
judges is final.
b. Any player who willfully refuses to conform to any
ruling after having been informed of it by three
judges is not permitted to continue playing in the
event and must be removed by the tournament
director or designee. Any game or match in progress
is forfeited, and the opponent is awarded a win by
ten spread points (when applicable).
32
RULE 12. SITUATIONS NOT COVERED IN THESE
RULES

In the event of a situation that is not resolved by

these rules, the judges’ decision shall be final for that
tournament (see rule 11.4).

RULE 13. AMENDMENTS

Recommendations for amendments to these rules

shall be submitted in writing to the rules commit-
tee, which will discuss, prepare, and present all rel-
evant proposals to the board of directors for final
approval.

33
PLAY-OFF BRACKETS AND BYES

Information about ACC-sanctioned tournament

procedures can be obtained from any of the regional
tournament commissioners. The ACC requires
that the following procedures be adhered to in a
sanctioned tournament (unless an exemption is
granted):
1. All qualifying scorecards must be checked using
a cross-checking system or by taping scores
after each game (or set) and tallying players’
totals.
2. One in four entrants must qualify for play-offs.
Any fraction is rounded up to the next whole
player (e.g., a tournament with 121, 122, 123,
or 124 entrants will have 31 players in the play-
offs). Do not round up to the next full bracket.
3. The chart on pages 36–37 displays the only ap-
proved bracketing for play-offs. Sections with
multiple columns are read as if succeeding col-
umns appear under the first column (e.g., in the
256-player bracket, the 5-60 pairing is below
the 8-57 pairing; 3-62 is below 4-61; and 7-58
is below 6-59).
4. Play-offs without a full bracket award first-round
byes to the highest qualifier(s). To compute the
number of byes:
a. Determine the number of qualifiers per #2
above.
b. Determine the size of the next full bracket
(a power of 2: that is, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128,
etc.).
c. Subtract a from b to determine the number
of byes.

34
 d. Examples:

number number next

of of full number
entrants qualifiers bracket of byes explanation
top 5
qualifiers
= get byes and
108 27 32 32 – 27 5
22 qualifiers
play in first
round
top 31
qualifiers
= get byes and
132 33 64 64 – 33 31
2 qualifiers
play in first
round
top qualifier
gets a bye
= and 14
60 15 16 16 – 15 1
qualifiers
play in first
round

e. The second round of the play-offs must have

a full bracket.

35
 PLAY-OFF BRACKETS

up to 32 up to 64 up to 128 players
players players

1 1 1 3
8 16 32 30

4 8 16 14
5 9 17 19

3 5 9 11
6 12 24 22

2 4 8 6
7 13 25 27

3 5 7
14 28 26

6 12 10
11 21 23

7 13 15
10 20 18

2 4 2
15 29 31

36
 PLAY-OFF BRACKETS

up to 256 players

1 5 3 7
64 60 62 58

32 28 30 26
33 37 35 39

16 12 14 10
49 53 51 55

17 21 19 23
48 44 46 42

9 13 11 15
56 52 54 50

24 20 22 18
41 45 43 47

25 29 27 31
40 36 38 34

8 4 6 2
57 61 59 63

37
CROSS-CHECKING GUIDELINES

1. General considerations:
a. Detailed information is available from the
ACC regional tournament commissioner.
b. Avoid “serpentine” seating arrangements that
make the room one big table.
c. A private location for checking is always an
asset.
d. Too much help is preferable to too little
help.
e. Corrections made while checking should be
initialed by the checker.
2. Determine the number of qualifiers per the
section entitled “Play-off Brackets and Byes”
above.
3. Collect all players’ scorecards. Count them to be
sure.
4. Separate cards by game-point totals, disregarding
seating assignments. Place in four piles: definite
qualifiers, probable qualifiers, probable non-
qualifiers, and definite nonqualifiers (the “dead
zone”). Check player’s game points and games
won to be certain that the two numbers are not
transposed (e.g., 14 game points with 29 games
won).
5. Check game-point totals for all but the “dead
zone” by going down the plus spread column and
mentally adding game points. Compare with the
player’s recorded total, and correct it if neces-
sary.
6. Check point-spread totals in the piles of defi-
nite qualifiers and probable qualifiers. Make any
needed corrections.
7. Tiebreakers are, in order:
a. game points
b. games won
38
 c. net point spread
d. plus points
8. Segregate the number of needed qualifying
cards plus one extra (the presumed “high non-
qualifier”). Take note of the high nonqualifier’s
score.
9. Separate all of the scorecards by table number,
but keep the qualifying and nonqualifying in
separate piles. Put each pile in order by seating
assignment.
10. Cross-check in pairs, by tables, with one checker
reading to the other. Usually, the person with the
qualifying cards reads to the other checker what
should be recorded on the nonqualifying cards
(e.g., “Seat 5, game 8, lost by 15”).
11. Correct any discrepancies as follows. Do not con-
sult the players involved to adjudicate scorecard
errors!
a. Disadvantage is always to the apparent quali-
fier. For example, qualifier A claims a 21-point
win; opponent claims a 16-point loss; qualifier
A’s card changed to 16-point win.
b. Disadvantage can be to two apparent qualifiers.
For example, qualifier B claims a 17-point win;
qualifier C claims a 16-point loss; qualifier B’s
card changed to 16-point win and qualifier C’s
card changed to a 17-point loss.
c. If the point spread is marked on only one
card, this number is accepted for both cards
and recorded on the blank card.
d. If both cards record a win, both cards are
changed to losses, with the lower point spread
accepted, if relevant.
e. Make sure that game-point and spread-point
totals are adjusted, if necessary.
39
 f. “No harm, no foul”: if an apparent qualifier’s
discrepancy is already to his or her disadvan-
tage, no change is necessary. For example,
qualifier D claims a 15-point win; opponent
claims a 20-point loss; no change is neces-
sary, and both cards stand as recorded.
g. If scorecard errors result in a change in the
fact or position of qualifying, the tournament
director informs the affected player, with the
relevant scorecards as evidence.
12. Check dead-zone cards after each table is cross-
checked to be sure that no qualifying cards have
been overlooked.
13. Assemble qualifiers’ scorecards in order.
14. Before posting or announcing play-off pairings,
recount and recheck dead-zone cards again.
15. Post the names of the qualifiers.

40
Copyright ©2004 by American Cribbage Congress Inc.
All rights reserved.
Printed in the United States of America.