Step: 1
Standard-size Cribbage Board Plan:
For a standard-size board, choose a piece of stock that is at least 3/4-in.-thick x 15-in.long x 5-in.-wide. Get creative when choosing your stock. You can choose a plain piece and then apply a custom paint scheme, choose a piece with interesting grain figure, or you might like a piece that still has the natural edge and bark.
When making a cribbage board, the only challenge is how to lay out and drill 240-plus holes accurately and efficiently. We’ve helped you with the layout by provided a standard-size cribbage board pattern as a pdf file [link to pdf file: http://www.woodworkersjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/CribbageBoardPattern1.pdf].
You can drill the holes with a drill press or portable drill/driver. A drill press makes it easy to bore holes that are straight and a consistent depth. If you choose to use a portable drill, then we recommend you also use a self-guided drill guide. Use an 1/8-in.-dia. drill bit and bore each hole 1/2-in. deep. [Photo 1]
Once your board is completed, you’ll need a set of six pegs to keep score. You can purchase pegs at most game supply stores or web sites. Another option is to make your own set of simple pegs from 1/8-in.-dia. dowel. Cut each peg 1-1/4-in. long. Use sandpaper to slightly taper one end of each peg to fit into the board holes. Finally, paint or color three of the pegs one color and the other three a different color. Be careful not to apply a thick coat of paint that will prevent the pegs from fitting in the holes.
Step: 2
Go big or go home! The XL cribbage board.
If a standard size cribbage board is too common for your taste, then make super-sized board. Using the Rockler XL Cribbage Board Template and self-centering drill bit, you can make a jumbo cribbage board from a piece of stock that’s at least 27-in.-long x 7-in.-wide. A larger board will provide more border space. [Photo 2]
You can make 1/4-in.-dia. pegs for your big board or order a set of metal pegs from Rockler. http://www.rockler.com/2-xl-cribbage-pegs
Step: 3
Now that your board and pegs are ready, all you have to do is shuffle the cards and play! If you’ve never played or just need a refresher, here’s a link to the rules of the game: http://www.bicyclecards.com/how-to-play/cribbage/