Cribbage Hand Scoring Calculator
Select your 4 hand cards plus the starter (cut) card. This calculator scores fifteens, pairs, runs, flushes, and nobs.
How cribbage hand scoring works
If you have ever paused a game to double-check a hand count, you are not alone. Cribbage scoring is simple once you break it into pieces, but there are enough edge cases that a quick calculator can save arguments and speed up play.
This cribbage scoring calculator is focused on show scoring (the hand plus starter card), not pegging. It counts the standard five scoring categories:
- Fifteens – every unique card combination totaling 15 is worth 2 points.
- Pairs – each pair is worth 2 points.
- Runs – sequences of 3 or more cards score 1 point per card in the run.
- Flush – 4 in hand (or 5 with starter) in a regular hand; in crib, flush counts only if all 5 match.
- Nobs – 1 point for a jack in your hand that matches the starter card suit.
Using this calculator
Step-by-step
- Select rank and suit for each of your 4 hand cards.
- Select the starter (cut) card.
- Check Score as crib only if this is the crib hand.
- Click Calculate Score to see total points and a category breakdown.
The calculator also validates that you are not entering duplicate cards from the same deck.
Quick cribbage scoring reference
1) Fifteens
Aces are low and worth 1. Number cards are face value. Tens and face cards are worth 10 for fifteen counting. Every distinct combination totaling exactly 15 earns 2 points.
2) Pairs and multiples
One pair = 2 points, three of a kind = 6 points (three distinct pairs), and four of a kind = 12 points (six distinct pairs).
3) Runs
Runs must be consecutive by rank. Duplicate ranks create multiple runs. Example: 3-4-5-5-6 creates two runs of four (8 points total).
4) Flush rules
- Regular hand: 4-card flush in hand = 4 points; if starter matches too, then 5 points.
- Crib: flush only counts when all 5 cards are same suit.
5) Nobs
If one of your hand cards is a jack matching the starter suit, score 1 point.
Common counting mistakes to avoid
- Forgetting that face cards count as 10 for fifteens.
- Missing extra runs caused by duplicate ranks.
- Applying regular flush rules to the crib (crib flush is stricter).
- Accidentally counting duplicate physical cards that cannot exist in one deck.
Why a cribbage points calculator helps
A reliable cribbage hand counter helps newer players learn pattern recognition and helps experienced players verify unusual hands. It is especially useful during fast online sessions, tournament play, or teaching games where pace matters.
Keep this page bookmarked as your quick cribbage score checker whenever you need a second opinion at the board.