How to Play Cribbage Sudoku
Cribbage Sudoku is a daily card puzzle game where you place playing cards onto a grid to score the most cribbage points. This guide will walk you through everything you need to start playing.
Step 1: Understand the Board
When you open the game, you will see:
- A grid where you place cards (rows and columns)
- A starter card displayed above the grid
- A card pool below the grid with the cards you need to place
Each row and each column on the grid is scored as a separate cribbage hand, with the starter card added to every hand.
Step 2: Place Your Cards
Drag or tap cards from the pool onto empty cells in the grid. Every card must be placed before the puzzle is complete.
Think carefully about where each card goes. A card that scores well in its row might also create points in its column — or it might break a potential run.
Step 3: Understand Cribbage Scoring
Each row and column is scored using standard cribbage rules:
- Fifteens — Any combination of cards totaling 15 scores 2 points
- Pairs — Two cards of the same rank score 2 points
- Runs — Three or more consecutive cards score 1 point per card
- Flushes — All cards in the same suit score 1 point per card (starter must also match for columns/rows)
- Nobs — A Jack of the same suit as the starter card scores 1 point
For a complete breakdown, visit the cribbage scoring rules.
Step 4: Maximize Your Total Score
Your total score is the sum of every row and column. The goal is to arrange cards so that as many rows and columns as possible form high-scoring cribbage hands.
Some tips to get started:
- Look for fifteens first — they are the most common source of points
- Keep cards of the same suit together when possible for flush potential
- Build runs across rows — three or more cards in sequence add up fast
Ready for more advanced tactics? Read our strategy guide.
Step 5: Submit and Compare
Once all cards are placed, the game calculates your score automatically. You can see row scores, column scores, and your grand total. If you score high enough, enter your name on the leaderboard.
Missed a day? Play yesterday’s puzzle or switch to random practice mode for unlimited games.
Start Playing Now
Head to the Cribbage Sudoku homepage and try today’s puzzle. Check out our quick tips if you want a head start.