Quick winning principles
- Throw 5s and pairs to opponent's crib, not your own.
- Lead from a pair in pegging to trap a third card.
- Count to 31 and 15 during pegging — don't guess.
- Keep connectors (6-7-8) when holding for the pegging phase.
Ideal strategy
- 1
Crib throw logic: as dealer, throw connected cards (5-6, 7-8) to your crib; as non-dealer, throw disjoint cards and keep 5s away from opponent crib.
- 2
Pegging traps: leading a 4 invites 11-for-two (to 15); holding back a 5 after opponent leads 10 sets up 15-2.
- 3
Don't break runs in hand for crib unless the run points exceed crib risk. A 6-7-8 run is 3 points pegging insurance.
- 4
Position pegging: at 116+, play safe — a go or 31 is worth more than a risky pair.
- 5
Muggins: always recount opponent pegging — missed points are free.
- 6
Endgame dealer advantage: as dealer you peg second — use last-card advantage to land on 31 or trap opponent at 20.