Cribbage tools Discard strategy

What should you throw?

Enter your six cards. We compare every possible keep, account for whose crib it is, and rank all 15 choices.

Whose crib is it?
Use card codes such as 5H, 10D, JS. Spaces are optional.
15
We compare every possible keep.

Enter your six cards to see which four to keep and which two to throw.

How it works Expected value

More than the biggest-looking hand.

01

Score every starter

Each four-card keep is tested against every possible cut card still in the deck.

02

Value the crib

The two discards are tested with many possible opponent cards and starters.

03

Choose the best net

Crib value is added for the dealer and subtracted when the crib belongs to the opponent.

After the cut Count the result

Score your finished hand.

Once the starter is turned, count every fifteen, pair, run, flush, and nob.

Open Cribbage Calculator

FAQ Cribbage discards

Common questions.

How does the cribbage discard advisor work?

It scores every possible four-card keep against all 46 unseen starter cards, then includes an estimated crib value for the two discarded cards.

Does it matter who owns the crib?

Yes. Cards thrown into your crib add value, while cards thrown into an opponent's crib reduce your expected result. Always select the correct crib owner.

How do I enter my cards?

Use the rank followed by the suit: C for clubs, D for diamonds, H for hearts, and S for spades. For example: 5H 10D JS.