TThe following rules and format apply to the 2026 Haustein Cribbage Invitational.
The Tournament Director reserves the right to make rulings on situations not specifically addressed below.
Players Per Team: 2
Entry Fee: $40 per Team
Pool-Based Round Robin with Muggins
Top 8 Teams From Each Pool Advance to the Playoffs
Single Elimination Playoffs
1st & 2nd Place Paid
Start Time: 2:00 PM MT Sharp
New to cribbage?
This page outlines tournament-specific rules and procedures. Standard cribbage rules apply unless otherwise noted.
Registration closes Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at 11:59 PM MDT
Entry fee is payable at the start of the tournament.
Teams consist of two players.
Round Robin
Teams compete in a Round Robin format.
Teams will be divided into two pools of approximately equal size.
If an odd number of teams are registered, one pool may contain an additional team.
Muggins are in effect throughout the tournament.
Teams earn standings points based on game results:
Win = 1 Point
Skunk Win = 2 Points
Double Skunk Win = 3 Points
Playoffs
The Top 8 Teams from Each Pool Advance to the Playoffs
Playoffs are Single Elimination.
Teams are seeded based on Round Robin standings.
Playoff byes, if required, will be awarded to the highest-seeded teams based on Round Robin standings.
Tournament Start
Tournament play begins at 2:00 PM MT Sharp.
A card laid is a card played.
Everyone must cut for first crib. Ace is low.
Cutting a Jack is worth 2 points.
The board on the table is the board that must be used for the entire game.
Person to the left of the crib holder counts first, followed by the remaining players in order.
Jack in hand or crib matching the suit of the cut card scores 1 point ("Nobs").
Flushes in the crib must include the cut card to score.
All points must be counted and taken before the next hand is dealt.
Official Rules of Play
Unless otherwise noted, cribbage games will be played according to standard cribbage rules with the tournament-specific modifications listed on this page.
Muggins are allowed throughout the tournament.
During Play
Missed points must be claimed before the next card is played.
During Counting
Missed points must be claimed before the next player begins counting.
For the crib, missed points must be claimed before the next deal begins.
Any points not claimed within these limits are forfeited.
Players may assist their teammate in counting points.
No table talk is permitted during active play.
Fill drinks, use the washroom, and take care of any other needs before a game begins.
Once a game starts, players may not leave the table until the game is completed.
Good sportsmanship is expected from all participants.
If a team is skunked:
They must wear the official Skunk Hats.
They must use the Skunk Pegs.
The Skunk Hats and Skunk Pegs remain with the current skunked team until another team is skunked.
When a new team is skunked:
The hats and pegs are immediately transferred.
It is the responsibility of the newly skunked team to locate the current holders of the Skunk Hats and Skunk Pegs.
The previous skunk team returns to standard pegs.
A "19" hand is an impossible hand in cribbage and is commonly used to represent a score of zero.
If a player receives a zero-point hand or crib:
They may contribute $1 to the 19 Pot.
Each $1 contribution earns one entry.
Multiple entries are permitted.
A winner will be drawn at the conclusion of the tournament for the "19" pot
Please bring loonies.
Prize payouts are based on the final number of teams entered.
1st Place Paid
2nd Place Paid
Final payout amounts will be announced before play begins.
Round Robin ties in the standings will be broken using:
Total Round Robin Points Earned
If a tie still exists:
One player from each tied team will cut the deck.
Lowest card wins.
Ace is low.
Any disputes, scoring issues, rule interpretations, or situations not specifically addressed in these rules will be resolved by the Tournament Director.
All Tournament Director decisions are final.