Learn and Practice Card Values & Counting in Cribbage
More Detail
In Cribbage, cards have specific point values for counting to 15 and 31. Aces are worth 1, face cards (J, Q, K) are worth 10, and number cards equal their face value. Understanding these values is crucial for both pegging and hand scoring.
Why This Matters
Every strategic decision in Cribbage depends on card values. During pegging, you're constantly adding to reach 15 or 31. When counting your hand, you're finding all combinations that add to exactly 15.
Key Rules to Remember
- Aces always count as 1 (unlike some games)
- Jack, Queen, and King all count as 10
- Number cards (2-10) count as their face value
- 5s are the most valuable cards for making 15s
Common Mistake
Thinking Ace can be high or low like in poker. In Cribbage, Ace is always 1 - so A-2-3 is a valid run, but Q-K-A is not!