Why does the nondealer have an advantage when both players are close to 121 points?

In cribbage, the nondealer holds a significant advantage when both players are near 121 points because of the specific order in which points are tallied during the final stage of the game.

When players approach the winning score, the sequence of scoring becomes critical:
1. The nondealer counts their hand first.
2. The dealer counts their hand second.
3. The dealer counts the crib last.

Because the game ends immediately the moment a player reaches 121 points, the nondealer has the opportunity to "count out" before the dealer has a chance to score their hand or the crib. If the nondealer reaches the target score during the showing phase, they win the game instantly, regardless of whether the dealer would have surpassed that total with their own hand or the crib.1