When does a cribbage game end if a player reaches the winning score?

In a game of cribbage, the game ends immediately when a player reaches or passes the winning score of 121 (or 61 in the shorter version) during the play or the showing phase.1

Because the nondealer has the advantage of scoring their hand first during the showing phase, they can win the game before the dealer has an opportunity to count their own hand or the crib. If the nondealer counts out in this manner, the dealer's potential points are irrelevant, and the game concludes instantly.1

While the standard rule is that the first player to reach or pass the target score wins, some variations require a player to reach the exact total (e.g., exactly 121) to win. Additionally, if a player fails to reach at least 61 (or 31) points by the time their opponent wins, they are considered "lurched," which may result in a double loss when playing for stakes.1