How Many Points Is a Double Run in Cribbage?
A double run is a run of three with one of its ranks paired, and it scores 8 points. Stretch it to a run of four with one rank paired and it scores 10. The points come from counting every run and every pair the cards can form, each one counted separately.
How many points is each multiplied run worth?
The double run is the smallest member of a family. Pair a second rank, or triple one, and the same idea keeps scaling:
| Combination | Shape | Example | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double run | Run of three, one rank paired | 4-4-5-6 | 8 |
| Double run of four | Run of four, one rank paired | 3-4-4-5-6 | 10 |
| Triple run | Run of three, one rank tripled | 4-4-4-5-6 | 15 |
| Double-double run | Run of three, two ranks paired | 4-4-5-5-6 | 16 |
A triple run and a double-double run each need five cards, so at the show one of those cards is always the starter. The totals above cover only the runs and the pairs; any fifteens in the same cards score on top, which is why these hands are often worth more.
Why does a double run score 8 points?
Every multiplied run is just ordinary runs and pairs counted separately, nothing more. Take 4-4-5-6: each 4 combines with the 5 and 6 to make its own run of three, so the two runs score 6. The pair of 4s adds 2 more for 8 in total.
The same arithmetic produces every number in the table. A double run of four is two runs of four (8) plus a pair (2), and a triple run is three runs of three (9) plus three of a kind (6). A double-double run is four runs of three (12) plus two pairs (4). Once you see the pieces, there is nothing new to memorize.
Do fifteens count on top of a double run?
Yes. Each distinct combination totaling fifteen scores 2 more, so sweep the hand for fifteens after the runs and pairs. In 4-4-5-6 the 4, 5, and 6 sum to fifteen, and either 4 can be the one used, so there are two fifteens worth 4. The full hand counts 12: eight for the double run plus four for the fifteens.
At the show, count deliberately. Give each paired card its own run, add the pair, then hunt the fifteens as a separate pass. The points easiest to leave behind are the second copy of the run and the fifteens hiding inside it.
By the Nobs Cribbage team Last reviewed 2026-08-01