Who counts first in cribbage?

The non-dealer (the pone) always counts first, then the dealer counts their hand, then the dealer’s crib. Near 121 that order decides close games.

After pegging, hands are shown and counted in a fixed order:

1. The non-dealer’s hand.
2. The dealer’s hand.
3. The dealer’s crib.

The game ends the moment anyone reaches 121, so this order matters at the end. If both players need 10 points and both hands hold 12, the non-dealer counts out first and wins — the dealer’s bigger hand and crib are never counted.

The dealer gets compensation elsewhere: the crib, plus the last card during pegging more often than not. See also can you win during pegging?

Once you know whose crib it is, see what to discard to it.