How to play Cribbage

The goal

Score points through the play and the show. First to 121 wins, even mid-play.

Discarding

You and the computer each get six cards. Discard two to the crib, which belongs to the dealer. A card is then cut as the starter; a jack starter scores the dealer 2 points at once.

The play

Take turns laying a card face up, keeping a running count of their values (face cards count 10) that can't pass 31.

Score 2 for reaching 15, 2 for reaching 31, points for pairs and runs made with the last few cards laid, and 1 for the last card if nobody reaches 31.

Can't play without going over 31? Say go. The other player scores 1 for the go, or 2 for reaching 31 exactly, and the count restarts.

The show

Each hand is counted against the starter, in order: your hand, the computer's hand, then the crib. Every combination adding to 15 scores 2, every pair scores 2, and every run of 3 or more scores 1 per card.

Four cards of one suit score 4 (5 with the starter). The jack of the starter's suit scores 1.

Hints

Hint suggests the best discard or play once per deal, with the reason in plain words.