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:
- The non-dealer’s hand.
- The dealer’s hand.
- 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.
Play Cribbage free →Invite a friend or practice with the computer. No sign-up.
More Cribbage rules questions
- How do runs score in cribbage?
- Can you peg a run out of order in cribbage?
- What is his nobs in cribbage?
- What is his heels (his nibs) in cribbage?
- Does a flush count in the crib?
- Can the starter card help make a four-card flush?
- How does “go” work in cribbage?
- Do you score a go and 31 together in cribbage?
- What is a 19 hand in cribbage?
- What is the highest possible cribbage hand?
- How do double runs score in cribbage?
- Is ace high or low in cribbage?
- How do you count fifteens in cribbage?
- How do pairs score during pegging?
- Can you win cribbage during pegging?
- What is a skunk in cribbage?
- What is muggins in cribbage?
- What should you discard to the crib?
- How many cards do you deal in 2-player cribbage?