How Many Points is a Run of 3 in Cribbage

Introduction to Cribbage
Cribbage is a classic card game that combines strategy, luck, and arithmetic. Played with a standard 52-card deck and a distinctive wooden scoring board, cribbage revolves around forming point-scoring combinations. One of the most common scoring elements in the game is the run (or sequence). But how many points is a run of 3 in cribbage, and how does it work? This guide breaks down the rules, scoring phases, and strategies for maximizing points with runs.

Basics of Cribbage Scoring

Before diving into runs, it’s essential to understand cribbage’s two primary scoring phases:

1. The Play (Pegging): Players take turns laying down cards, earning points for combinations like pairs, runs, or totals of 15/31.

2. The Show (Counting Hands): After all cards are played, players score points from their hands, including combinations like flushes, pairs, and runs.

Runs are scored in both phases, but their value depends on the context.

What is a Run in Cribbage?

A run (or sequence) consists of three or more consecutive cards, regardless of suit. For example:

• 5♥, 6♣, 7♦ forms a run of 3.

• 10♠, J♦, Q♥, K♣ forms a run of 4.

Key Rule: The order of the cards doesn’t matter during the Show phase. However, during the Play phase, runs must be formed consecutively.

How Many Points is a Run of 3 in Cribbage?

A run of 3 cards is worth 3 points in cribbage. This applies to both the Play and Show phases, though how they’re counted differs slightly.

1. Scoring a Run of 3 During the Play (Pegging)

During pegging, players lay down cards one at a time. A run of 3 is scored when three consecutive cards form a sequence, even if they’re interrupted by non-sequential cards.

Example:

• Player A plays 4♠.

• Player B plays 5♦ (total: 9).

• Player A plays 6♥ (total: 15).

Here, the cards 4-5-6 form a run of 3. Player A scores 3 points. If a fourth consecutive card is added later (e.g., 7♣), the run becomes 4 points.

Important: Runs in pegging don’t need to be played in order. If the sequence is formed retroactively, the last player to complete the run claims the points.

2. Scoring a Run of 3 During the Show Phase

After the Play phase, players count points in their hands (including the starter card). A run of 3 in your hand is worth 3 points, regardless of suits or gaps in play order.

Example Hand: 2♣, 3♦, 4♥, 5♠, J♦ (starter card: 5♠).

• The 2-3-4-5 forms a run of 4 (4 points).

• If the hand were 3♦, 4♥, 5♠, 10♣, J♦, the 3-4-5 is a run of 3 (3 points).

Examples of Runs of 3 in Action

Let’s walk through practical scenarios:

Scenario 1: During the Play

• Player 1: 7♠

• Player 2: 8♦

• Player 1: 9♥

This forms a 7-8-9 run. Player 1 scores 3 points.

Scenario 2: Overlapping Runs

• Player 1: 5♣

• Player 2: 6♦

• Player 1: 7♠

• Player 2: 6♥

Here, 5-6-7 is a run of 3 (3 points for Player 1). Player 2 then pairs the 6 (2 points), but the run remains intact.

Scenario 3: Show Phase with Duplicates
Hand: Q♣, K♦, A♥, 2♠, 3♣ (starter: 3♣).

• The Q-K-A is not a run (aces are low; A-2-3 is a valid run of 3).

• A♥, 2♠, 3♣ = 3 points.

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Common Mistakes and Tips for Scoring Runs

1. Aces Are Low: A-2-3 is valid, but Q-K-A is not.

2. Overcounting: Avoid double-counting runs that overlap. For example, 3-4-5-6 contains two runs of 3 (3-4-5 and 4-5-6), but it’s scored as a single run of 4 (4 points).

3. Interrupted Runs: In the Play phase, later cards can “fill” gaps. For example: 5, 7, 6 still forms a run if played consecutively.

Pro Tip: During the Show phase, organize your hand by rank to spot runs quickly.

Advanced Considerations: Double Runs and More

A double run occurs when run 3 a hand includes a run of 3 plus a pair (e.g., 5-5-6-7). This scores:

• 3 points for the run (5-6-7)

• 2 points for the pair (5-5)

• Total: 8 points (double run of 3 + pair).

Similarly, a triple run (e.g., 6-6-6-7-8) scores 15 points.

Conclusion

A run of 3 in cribbage is worth 3 points, whether formed during the Play or Show phase. Mastering runs requires understanding how sequences interact with other combinations like pairs and flushes. By practicing hands and recognizing patterns, you’ll maximize your score and outmaneuver opponents.

FAQ
Q: Can a run of 3 include cards from different suits?
A: Yes! Suits don’t affect runs.

Q: Is J-Q-K a valid run?
A: Yes. J-Q-K is a run of 3 (worth 3 points).

Q: Can I score multiple runs in one hand?
A: Yes. For example, 2-3-4 and 5-6-7 in the same hand score 3 + 3 = 6 points.

Q: How many points is a run of 4?
A: A run of 4 is worth 4 points.