Official Pegs and Jokers Rules
This post contains affiliate links. For more information, see our disclosures here.
Objective
Be the first player or team to move all your pegs from your start area to your home area.
Components
Game board or individual boards for each player
Pegs (typically 5 per player)
Standard deck(s) of cards including jokers
Game markers or tokens
Setup
Players:Â The game is best played with 2-8 players. For larger groups, form teams.
Board:Â Each player takes a board section and places 5 pegs in their start area.
Cards:Â Use one standard deck of cards for 2-4 players. Add a second deck for 5-8 players. Shuffle the cards and deal 5 cards to each player.
Turn Order:Â Play proceeds clockwise.
Card Values and Actions
Ace:Â Move a peg from start to the first space or move one peg forward 1 space.
2:Â Move one peg forward 2 spaces.
3:Â Move one peg forward 3 spaces.
4:Â Move one peg backward 4 spaces.
5:Â Move one peg forward 5 spaces.
6:Â Move one peg forward 6 spaces.
7:Â Split move between two pegs (total 7 spaces, any combination).
8:Â Move one peg forward 8 spaces.
9:Â Move one peg forward 9 spaces.
10:Â Move one peg forward 10 spaces.
Jack:Â Move one peg forward 11 spaces.
Queen:Â Move one peg forward 12 spaces.
King:Â Move a peg from start to the first space or move one peg forward 13 spaces.
Joker:Â Swap a peg with any opponent's peg anywhere on the board or move any one of your pegs from start to any open space.
Gameplay
Play a Card: On your turn, play one card from your hand and move your peg according to the card’s value.
Drawing Cards:Â At the end of your turn, draw enough cards to bring your hand back to 5 cards.
Moving Pegs:
You can only move pegs according to the card you play.
Pegs must move in a clockwise direction unless a card specifies otherwise.
Pegs cannot move backwards unless a 4 is played.
Pegs cannot jump over or land on your own pegs.
Landing on an opponent's peg sends their peg back to their start area.
Entering Home:Â Pegs must move exactly the number of spaces needed to enter the home area. If you cannot move a peg exactly into home, you cannot move that peg.
Special Rules
Team Play: In team versions, teammates can help move each other's pegs. However, they cannot land on or send each other’s pegs back to start.
Swapping Pegs:Â When using a Joker to swap pegs, the peg moved from start can be placed anywhere, including the home path of the player's color.
Winning
The first player or team to move all their pegs into their home area wins the game.
Strategy Tips
Use Jokers strategically to disrupt opponents’ progress.
Plan your moves to avoid getting sent back to start.
Coordinate with teammates to maximize movement efficiency.
Pegs and Jokers is a fast-paced and competitive game that offers opportunities for strategic thinking and exciting gameplay.