Learn and Practice Fifteens & Pairs in Cribbage
More Detail
15s and pairs are the bread and butter of Cribbage scoring. Any combination of cards that totals exactly 15 scores 2 points. A pair (two cards of the same rank) also scores 2 points. These can be combined in multiple ways within the same hand.
Why This Matters
Most of your points in Cribbage come from 15s. A good hand might have 4-6 different ways to make 15! Learning to quickly spot all the 15s is essential for both playing and keeping your opponent honest.
Key Rules to Remember
- Each unique combination totaling 15 = 2 points
- Each pair of same-rank cards = 2 points
- Three of a kind = 6 points (3 different pairs)
- Four of a kind = 12 points (6 different pairs)
Common Mistake
Missing 15s! Always double-check your hand. Look for 5+10, 7+8, 6+9, 4+5+6, and other combinations. The starter card can create many new 15s.