Cribbage

You will need a cribbage board and pegs to track score (or use paper).

Deal 6 cards to each player. Each player discards 2 cards face-down to form the "crib," which belongs to the dealer.

The non-dealer cuts the deck. The dealer flips the top card as the "starter" card. If it is a Jack, the dealer scores 2 points immediately ("His Heels").

The play: The non-dealer leads a card face-up and announces its value. Players alternate playing cards, adding to a running count. The count cannot exceed 31.

Scoring during play: Score 2 pts for bringing the count to exactly 15 or exactly 31. Score 1 pt for a "Go" (opponent cannot play without exceeding 31). Score 2 pts for a pair, 6 for three of a kind, 12 for four of a kind. Score 1 pt per card for a run of 3 or more.

Counting hands: After all cards are played, each player counts their hand combined with the starter card. The non-dealer counts first, then the dealer, then the dealer counts the crib.

Scoring hands: Count 2 pts for every combination totaling 15. Count pairs, runs, and flushes (4 cards same suit = 4 pts; 5 with starter = 5 pts). A Jack matching the starter's suit ("Nobs") = 1 pt.

Winning: Peg to 121 at any point during play or counting to win immediately — you do not need to finish the hand.

Discard cards to the crib that work poorly together if it's your opponent's crib.

Keep cards that form fifteens and runs — they score in multiple combinations.

Track your opponent's pegging closely; games are often won or lost by a single point.