How Do You Play Rummy
Rummy is a card game that is played with two decks of cards with total of two Jokers. To win the rummy game a player must make a valid declaration by picking and discarding cards from the two piles given. One pile is a closed deck, where a player is unable to see the card that he is picking, while the other is an open deck that is formed by the cards discarded by the players. To win at rummy card game, the players have to group cards in valid sequences and sets.
In rummy, the cards in each suit rank low to high starting with Ace, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Jack, Queen and King. Ace, Jack, Queen and King each has 10 points. The remaining cards have value equal to their face value. For example, 5 cards will have 5 points and so on.
- You can play any other Spiele Palast game, namely Skat, Mau-Mau, Doppelkopf, and Sheepshead, in English as well. While Skat has a traditional cracker barrel nimbus, Rummy is a game for everyone! What counts is the ability to combine, a skill well trained while playing.
- How to Play Rummy Players. Play rummy with two to six players. Use a standard 52-card deck. The king is high and the ace is low (see 'Ace Either High or Low' below for a common. Your goal is to be the first to play (also known as 'meld') all of your cards. Shuffle the deck.
Dealer gives one card at a time face down, beginning with the player on the left. When two people play, each person gets 10 cards. When three or four people play, each receives seven cards; when five or six play, each receives six cards. The remaining cards are placed face down on the table, forming the stock.
The Objective Of Rummy
The objective of rummy card game is to arrange the 13 cards in valid sets and sequences. To win the game you need to make minimum 2 sequences, out of which one needs to be pure sequence and rest can be any valid sequence or sets. Without a pure sequence you cannot make a valid rummy declaration. This is one of the most important rummy rules.
How to Form Sequences?
In rummy, a sequence is a group of three or more consecutive cards of the same suit. There are two types of sequences that are formed; a pure sequence and an impure sequence. To win the game of rummy you need at least one pure sequence in your rummy hand.
Pure Sequence
A pure sequence is a group of three or more cards of the same suit, placed in consecutive order. To form a pure sequence in rummy card game, a player cannot use any Joker or wild card.Here are a few examples of pure sequence.
- 5♥ 6♥ 7♥ (Pure sequence with three cards and there is no Joker or wild card used)
- 3♠ 4♠ 5♠ 6♠ (Pure sequence with four cards. There is no use of Joker or wild cards here.)
Impure Sequence
An impure sequence is a group of three or more cards of the same suit with one or more Joker card used.Here are some examples to show how an impure sequence is formed.
- 6♦ 7♦ Q♠ 9♦ (Here Q♠ has been used as a wild Joker replacing 8♦ to form an impure sequence.)
- 5♠ Q♥ 7♠ 8♠ PJ (Impure sequence with Q♥ as wild joker that is replacing 6♠ and the Printed Joker is replacing 9♠.)
How to Form Sets?
A set is a group of three or more cards of the same value but of different suits. When you are forming sets, you can use wild card and Jokers.
Examples of sets
- A♥ A♣ A♦ (In this set, all the Ace are of different suits, make a valid set.)
- 8♦ 8♣ 8♠ 8♥ (Rummy set is formed with four 8 cards of different suits.)
- 9♦ Q♠ 9♠ 9♥ (Here Q♠ has been used as wild joker replacing 9♣ to make set.)
- 5♦ 5♣ 5♠ PJ (Printed joker replacing 5♥ to make set.)
- 5♦ 5♣ Q♠ PJ (Here Q♠ has been used as wild joker replacing 5♠ & Printed joker replacing 5♥ to make set.)
- 5♦ 5♣ PJ Q♥ Q♠ (This is a set of 5 cards with Printed joker & Q♥ as wild joker replacing 5♠ 5♥ and one more wild joker Q♠ to complete 13 cards grouping.)
Typical Example: 2♥ 3♥ 4♥ 5♥ 5♣ 6♣ 7♣ 8♣ 5♦ 5♣ PJ Q♥ Q♠ (Set of 5 cards is made to complete the grouping of 13 cards and make a valid declaration)
Note: The set is formed with same card of different suits. However, you can’t use two or more cards of the same suit. This is taken as an invalid declaration. Also, note that a set can have more than four cards. So, if you have a set of four cards and you are using an additional Joker, then in total it becomes a 5 cards group and still be a valid set. At no given time, the hand can have more than 13 cards.
Examples of invalid set
- Q♥ Q♥ Q♦ (There are two Qs of the same suit ♥ making it an invalid set.)
- 7♠ 7♥ 7♦ 7♠ Q♥ (It has two 7 spades of the same suit. The wild card Q♥ as the fifth card is valid but having two 7♠ is making it invalid.)
How Do You Play Rummikub
How To Play Rummy Card Game?
Follow this simple rummy rules and instructions to know how to play the game from start to end:
- Rummy card game is played between 2 to 6 players with 2 decks of cards. Each player is dealt with 13 cards and a random card is selected as wild joker or joker card of the game.
- The player has to draw and discard cards to form valid sets and sequences of the 13 cards in hand where player can also use wild joker or printed joker of the deck to make impure sequence and sets.
- As per indian rummy rules, once a player arranged 13 cards in valid 2 sequences including 1 pure sequence and more groups (sequences or sets), one can make a declaration and win the game.
Quick Tips To Win The Rummy Card Game
Just as it’s important to know the rummy rules, it is also necessary to play carefully and with focus. Here are quick tips to win the rummy game and stay a step ahead of your competitors.
- Form the pure sequence at the very beginning of the game. Without a pure sequence, a player cannot make a declaration.
- Discard cards with high points like Ace, Jack, Queen and King. Replace these cards with Joker or Wild Cards. It reduces the point load, in case you lose the game.
- As much as possible, avoid picking from the discard pile. It gives away what hand you are trying to form.
- Look out for smart cards. For example, a 7 of any suit can work with 5 and 6 of the same suit and also 8 and 9 of the same suit.
- Jokers play an important role in rummy. Try using them to replace high value cards. Remember, Joker and wild cards cannot be used to form pure sequence.
- When you are ready to make a declaration, check and recheck your cards and then press the button. An invalid declaration can turn even a winning game into a complete loss.
Common Terms Used In Rummy Rules
Here are some common terms of Indian Rummy that every player needs to know before he starts playing.
What is a Rummy Table?
It is the table where the game of rummy is played. Every rummy table can sit two to six players for each game.
What is Joker and Wild Cards?
In each rummy deck there is a Printed Joker and there is a Wild Card that is selected at random at the beginning of the game. The role of both these types of card is the same. Jokers are used to form sets and impure sequences. A Joker card can replace the desired number when forming the groups. This is a valid formation in a rummy game.
What is Draw and Discard?
In all Rummy games, each player is dealt 13 cards. Additionally, there are 2 stacks from which each player can select cards, thereby drawing a card. Once a player draws a card, he has to get rid of one card - this is called discarding.
What is Sorting of Cards?
Sorting of cards are done at the beginning of the game. This is done to arrange your cards to help you form your sets and sequences reducing the probability of mixing the cards. Once, the cards are displayed, you can hit the Sort button and start playing.
What is a Drop?
When a player decides to leave the game table at the start or middle of the rummy game, it is a drop. The act is withdrawing from the game as a personal decision. The first drop=20 points; middle drop= 40 points and last drop and maximum point loss is 80 points.
In case of Pool rummy, if a player drops in 101 pool, the score is 20. In case, it is 201 pool rummy, the drop score is 25. In a game, where it is best of 2 and best of 3 is played, then a drop is not allowed.
What are Cash Tournaments?
Cash tournaments are those that are played for Real Cash and have Real Cash Prizes (in INR). These tournaments run 24x7 and are conducted in a knock-out style. To play any of the cash games, the player has to add Cash to its RummyCircle account.
How do I Join a Tournament?
Go to 'Tournaments' in the top navigation panel. Now, select the type of Tournament you wish to play. In the corresponding Tournament List, click on any of the Open tournaments that you wish to join. Finally, click on the blinking Join This Tournament button under Tournament Details.
What is an Invalid Declaration?
An invalid declaration happens in rummy card game when the player presses the Declaration button, but the cards are not in valid sequences and sets. Therefore, the player will lose the game and the competitor will automatically be declared as the winner.
Here are few examples of common invalid declarations players make while playing rummy:
Wrong Declaration with Invalid Sets
Example 1: 10♠ 10♠ 10♦ 10♣ Q♥
A set can have 3 cards or more, however a set needs to be formed with cards of the same value and different suits. In this situation, the Wild Joker (Queen of Hearts) card was added and that became the fifth card, which is valid as per rules, however the group consist of 2 cards of the same suit making it a wrong declaration.
Example 2: K♥ K♥ K♦
In this set, there are 3 cards which is well within the minimum limit. Also, a set consists of cards of the same face value but has to be of different suits. The set cannot have more than one card of the same suit. In this example, the set consists of two cards of the same suit and that makes it a wrong declaration.
Wrong Declaration with Invalid Sequences
Example 1: 10♠ 10♥ 10♦ 10♣ 5♠ 5♥ 5♦ 6♠ 6♥ 6♣ 9♥ 9♦ Joker
A valid declaration requires 2 sequences, out of which one needs to be pure sequence i.e. sequence without joker and the other can be pure or impure sequence i.e. sequence with or without joker. However, in the given example there is neither sequence made making it an invalid declaration.
Example 2: K♥ K♠ K♦ 6♥ 7♥ Joker 9♠ 10♠ J♠ Joker 5♠ 5♥ 5♦
A valid declaration must have 2 sequences, out of which one needs to be pure sequence i.e. sequence without joker and the other can be pure or impure sequence i.e. sequence with or without joker. This example shows that there are 2 sequences, but both are impure sequence i.e. sequence with joker and the pure sequence is not there. It is compulsory to have a pure sequence before you make a declaration.
Example 3: Q♥ Q♠ Q♦ 6♥ 7♥ 8♥ 9♥ 5♠ 5♥ 5♦ 10♠ 10♥ 10♦
Sequences are very important for a rummy card game and you need minimum 2 sequences, out of which one needs to be pure sequence and the other can be pure or impure sequence to win the game. In this example, there is a pure sequence, however the 2nd sequence is missing and hence it is an invalid declaration.
Useful Chart - How To Play & Rummy Guidelines For Valid Rummy Declaration:
Handy Directions to Follow While Declaring With 13 Cards:
PURE SEQUENCE | IMPURE SEQUENCE | SET 1 & SET 2 |
|---|---|---|
| COMPULSORY to make | NOT COMPULSORY (Can make to fulfill minimum 2 sequence requirement) | NOT COMPULSORY (Can make to complete 13 Cards valid grouping) |
| Made with 3 or More Cards | Made with 3 or More Cards | Made with 3 or 4 Cards without Joker. OR Made with 3, 4 or More Cards with Joker. |
| Cards of SAME SUIT in SEQUENTIAL ORDER | Cards of SAME SUIT in SEQUENTIAL ORDER with Wild Card Joker or Printed Joker | Cards of SAME VALUE & DIFFERENT SUIT (2 Cards of same color but different suit can be used Ex - 5♠ 5♥ 5♦). |
| CANNOT USE JOKER or WILD CARD | CAN USE JOKER or WILD CARD | CAN USE JOKER or WILD CARD |
Combination Possible as per the Above Rules to Declare 13 Cards in Rummy:
- There is one Pure Sequence of 4 cards
- There is Impure Sequence of 3 cards where 8♣ is a wild joker
- There is a “Set 1” of 3 cards
- There is a “Set 2” of 3 cards having a “Printed Joker”
Download this handy PDF for 13 Card Game Rules: “Download PDF Now”
How The Points Are Calculated As Per Indian Rummy Rules?
Let us look how points calculation is done, when you are playing online rummy card game.
| CARDS | VALUE |
| High value cards Ace, King, Queen, Jack | All carry 10 points each |
| Joker and Wild Cards | Zero points |
| Other cards | Have point value same as their face value |
| Example: 8 ♥, 9 ♥ 10 ♥ | 8 points, 9 points, 10 points |
Losing Player Points
How Do You Play Rummy Cards
| If the player doesn’t have 2 sequences including a pure sequence | Value of all cards is added, capped at 80 points |
| If the player has formed 2 sequences including pure sequence | Value of cards that are not in sequence are calculated |
| Wrong Declaration | 80 points |
| First Drop | 20 points |
| Middle Drop | 40 points |
| 3 Consecutive Misses | Considered as middle drop with 40 points loss |
| Leave Table | If player leaves table after picking from closed deck, it is considered middle drop. If the player hasn’t picked any card, it is taken as first drop. |
Examples of Points Calculation With Winning Amount
Example: Table of 6 Players (Wild Joker Q♦)
| Player | Hand Formed | Points Calculated |
| Player 1 | 2♥ 3♥ 4♥ 5♣ 6♣ Q♦ 8♦ 8♠ 5♣ 2♦ 2♣ K♠ Q♠ | The player has 2 sequences 1 pure and 1 impure. So, only the points of unmatched cards will be counted = 45 |
| Player 2 | 4♠ 4♥ 4♣ 4♦ 5♦ Q♦ 3♠ 7♠ 8♠ Q♦ K♦ 10♣ 9♣ | The player has not formed 2 sequences, including the pure sequence. Hence, points of all cards will be calculated =68 |
| Player 3 | 3♥ 4♥ 5♥ 5♣ 6♣ 7♣ Q♦ 8♦ 5♣ 2♦ 2♣ 2♥ K♠ | The player has 2 sequences, 1 pure and 1 impure. It also has 1 set formed. The points will be calculated only for the ungrouped cards = 23 |
| Player 4 | A♥ 4♥ 5♥ 5♣ 6♣ 10♣ J♦ 8♦ 5♣ 2♦ 2♣ Q♥ K♠ | First Drop with a loss of 20 points |
| Player 5 | 4♠ 4♥ 4♣ 4♦ 5♦ Q♦ A♠ 7♠ 8♠ Q♦ K♦ J♣ 9♣ | 3 consecutive misses= 40 points |
| Player 6 | 2♥ 3♥ 4♥ 5♣ 6♣ 7♣ Q♦ 5♦ 5♣ 5♥ 2♦ 2♣ 2♥ | WINNER |
How Are Your Winnings Calculated In Rummy Cash Games?
At the end of the day it is all about seeing that winning cash amount in your account. You also need to be very clear how you are getting the sum that is reflecting in your Dashboard. Let’s help you understand how these calculations are done to play rummy online for real money.
Winning Calculation in Points Rummy?
When you are playing points rummy cash games, it is based on a pre-decided rupee value. The winner of the game wins the entire cash amount lost by the other players at the end of the game. Here is how the calculation is done.
Winning Cash = (Sum of all points of opponents) X (Rupee value of the point) - RummyCircle Fee
Here is an example that will help us understand this better:
Example:
Total of 6 players playing points rummy for cash on Rs. 860 table. Each point has a pre-decided value of Rs. 4. There will be 1 player who will be the winner and remaining 5 will lose the game. The losing points of the remaining 5 players would be 45, 78, 23, 20, 40 respectively. The winnings will be calculated as:
4x (45+78+23+20+40) = Rs. 824
This amount, after the deduction of RummyCircle fee will reflect in the player’s account.
Winnings Calculation in Pool Rummy?
The winning for pools rummy is calculated as per the given calculation:
Winnings = (Entry Fee) X (Number of Players) - RummyCircle feesExample:
Players pay the fixed entry fee for the tournament, which is used to form the prize pool. If 5 players join a pool rummy with Rs. 50 as entry fee. The prize pool of the game will be Rs. 250.
The winner will win Rs. 50 x 5 = Rs. 250
This amount will be credited to the winner’s account after the deduction of the RummyCircle fees.
Winnings Calculation in Deals Rummy?
In deals rummy, the winner wins all the chips at the end of each deal. Here is how the winnings are calculated:
Winnings =Sum of points of all opponents assuming each chip is equal to one point.
Example:
Let’s assume that there are 6 players on the table and the player 5 declares his hand. The other four players will lose with 10, 20, 30, 35 and 40 points respectively. The winner’s chips will be calculated as 10 + 20 + 30 + 35 + 40 =135 chips.
With all the above guide, get started to play rummy with right directions and win cash. RummyCircle gives you an option to make a rummy game download for hassle free, non-intrusive experience of online rummy. This app is available for both android users and IOS users. Also, you can enjoy the fun and entertainment packed game on mobile website.
Contact Our Support
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| Origin | United States |
|---|---|
| Age range | All |
| Cards | (52) Varies on game type |
| Deck | French |
| Play | Clockwise |
| Playing time | 15 min. |
| Random chance | Medium |
| Related games | |
| Conquian, mahjong, desmoche, marriage | |
Rummy is a group of matching-card games notable for similar gameplay based on matching cards of the same rank or sequence and same suit. The basic goal in any form of rummy is to build melds which consist of sets, three or four of a kind of the same rank; or runs, three or more cards in sequence, of the same suit. If a player discards a card, making a run in the discard pile, it may not be taken up without taking all cards below the top one. The Mexican game of Conquian is considered by games scholar David Parlett to be ancestral to all rummy games, which itself is derived from a Chinese game called Khanhoo.[1] The rummy principle of drawing and discarding with a view to melding appears in Chinese card games at least in the early 19th century, and perhaps as early as the 18th century.[2]
Rummy games are popular in India. It is likely that Indian rummy is an extension of gin rummy and 500 rum, which originated from the United States.
General features of rummy-style games[edit]
Deal[edit]
Depending on the variation, each player receives a certain number of cards from either a standard deck of 52 cards, more than one deck or a special deck of cards used for specific games. The un-dealt cards are placed in a face down stack in the middle, which is known as the stock. In most variations, a single card is turned face up next to the stock where players discard or shed cards, and this is known as the discard pile. In 10 Cards Rummy, which is often played with two, three or four players, each player gets ten cards. In rummy games with five players, each player is given six cards. In 500 Rummy, each player is given seven cards. In Indian Rummy, 13 cards are dealt to each player.
Melds[edit]
A meld can either be a set (also known as a book) or a run. A set consists of at least three cards of the same rank, for example 4♥4♦4♠ or K♥K♦K♠K♣. A run consists of at least three consecutive cards of the same suit J♣Q♣K♣ or 4♥5♥6♥7♥. Very few variations allow runs that have mixed suits. In a few variations of rummy, other patterns may be allowed. In some variations the melds (sets and runs) must be 3 or 4 cards, while other variations allow larger melds through the use of longer runs, for example: 8♠9♠10♠J♠Q♠ or, if multiple decks or wild cards are used, 5♦5♦5♥5♠5♠ or Q♥Q♦JkrQ♣. Wild cards (such as a joker) may be used to represent any card in a meld. The number of wild cards in a meld may be restricted.
Gameplay[edit]
Depending on the variation of the game, players take turns adding and shedding cards from their hands. There are numerous and quite different ways of doing this though it usually involves picking a card from the stock and discarding a card to the discard pile. In some variations melds are revealed to all players by placing them face up on the table, in other variations each player keeps their hand hidden until the show. Some variations permit picking up the entire discard pile. A few variations permit stealing cards from their opponents melds.
Show[edit]
In most variations a player must put all of their cards into at least two melds (though they may be allowed to shed one card to the discard pile before showing). Once the player has melded all their cards they reveal their entire hand and the player submits their hand to validation. All other players reveal their melds and deadweight. The action of submitting the cards is called Showing.
Scoring[edit]
After a successful show, the winner or all players score their hand. In most variations numbered cards have certain assigned points and the royal cards (J-Q-K) have assigned points and the A often has a different point value. Scoring often involves each player adding up points in their melded cards (sets and runs) and deducting points from cards that have not been melded. The winner may also receive a bonus for winning. Some special or difficult melds may also give extra points to a hand. A player may have a negative score if their unmelded cards total more than their melded ones. Usually play continues until one player passes a threshold, for example 1,000 points.
Basic rummy[edit]
There are many variations of the card game. Basic rummy is also called sai rummy. Another type is called Sanka rummy. The version of rummy prevalent in India is called Indian rummy. They all share a common set of features found in the basic game. A standard deck of 52 cards is used. The cards rank from 2 (low) to A (high). Rummy can be played to a certain score, or to a fixed number of deals. All rummy games are about card-melding, i.e., forming valid combinations of sequences and/or sets. Players pick and discard a card on their turns to achieve the goal. The one who successfully melds his/her cards before all others, is the winner in that game of rummy.[3]
Shuffle and deal[edit]
Each player draws a card. The player with the lowest card deals first. The deal then proceeds clockwise. The player on the dealer's right cuts (this is optional).
The number of cards dealt depends on the number of players. If there are two players, each player gets ten cards. In three or four player games, seven cards are dealt to each player. Five or six players may also play, in which case each player receives six cards.
| Number of players | Number of cards dealt |
|---|---|
| 2 players | 10 cards |
| 3 or 4 players | 7 cards |
| 5 or 6 players | 6 cards |
Starting with the player to the dealer's left, cards are dealt clockwise, face down, one at a time. The dealer then puts the rest of the deck, face down, between the players. This forms the stock pile. A single card is then drawn and placed face up next to the stack. This is called the discard pile.
Playing[edit]
Play begins with the player on the dealer's left and proceeds clockwise. On their turn, each player draws the top card from the stock or the discard pile. The player may then meld or lay off, which are both optional, before discarding a single card to the top of the discard pile to end their turn.
Melding[edit]
If a player has three cards of the same suit in a sequence (called a sequence or a run), they may meld by laying these cards, face up, in front of them. If they have at least three cards of the same value, they may meld a group (also called a set or a book). Aces can be played as high or low or both, for example Q♠K♠A♠, A♠2♠3♠ and K♠A♠2♠ are legal. Melding is optional. A player may choose, for reasons of strategy, not to meld on a particular turn. The most important reason is to be able to declare 'Rummy' later in the game. If a run lies in the discard pile, such as 2-3-4, you cannot call rummy without taking all cards below the top card of said run.
Laying off[edit]
A player may also choose to 'lay off' some cards on an existing meld. This means that if a player can add to a sequence or a group that is in front of them or any of the other players, they may do so. Another variation is that they cannot 'lay off' unless they have already played a set of 3 or a run. For example: if another player had a sequence consisting of A♥2♥3♥ in front of them, the player would be able to add the 4♥, or 4♥5♥, and so on, thereby continuing the sequence. Some variations allow players to play the K♥ and wrap around.
Discarding[edit]
Finally, after any melds or lay offs, the player must discard a single card to the discard pile, face up. If the player drew from the discard pile instead of the stock on this turn, they may not replace the same card on top of the discard pile but must discard a different card.
Exhausting the stock[edit]
If, while playing, the stock runs out, the next player may choose to draw from the discard pile or to turn the discard pile over to form a new stock. The discard pile is not shuffled in the process. After forming the new stock, the top card is drawn to form the new discard pile, just like after the deal. The player can call rummy if a point is discarded into the discard pile. They cannot however call rummy if the card becomes a point while in the discard pile.
Going out[edit]
When a player has gotten rid of all of their cards, they win the hand. There are two variations. Either the player must discard the last remaining card in their hand on the last turn, or they need not. Playing with this rule makes ending a hand slightly more difficult.
For example, if a player has only 7♦8♦ left in their hand, and they draw 9♦ (forming a sequence), then whether they win the hand or not depends on if they are playing the discard rule variation. If they are playing this variation, they can not win the hand at this point, because they have to finish the turn by discarding one of the three cards in their hand, causing them to no longer have a sequence. However, if the player is allowed to lay off this sequence without a final discard, then the game ends when the player lays down the sequence. And a player can lay down cards afterwards. A player may win if rummy is discarded as the last card. You may also pick up from the discard pile and discard only if it is with a different card. The player that goes out first gets an extra 10 points.
Declaring rummy[edit]
If a player is able to meld all of their cards at once, they may say 'Rummy' on their turn and go out. To declare rummy, a player must not have melded or laid off any cards prior during the hand. If playing with the discard rule, they must also discard after melding. If a player goes rummy when a card can be played, that player is out for that turn. Game players are still in game but the hand goes dead. Playing for rummy is more risky, but it carries the reward of double the score. Each player must wait until their second turn to go out. If there is a rummy lying in the pile, the player who called 'rummy' can play that card while the player who laid the rummy must then draw 2 cards from the stock pile or pick up the entire discarded pile. In a closed discard joker, A player can Declare the card at his first attempt itself. Here the point system follows the same as above.
Scoring[edit]
After a player goes out, the hand ends, and the players count up their cards. Any cards left in each player's hand are counted up and added to the winner's score. The face cards count as 10 each, number cards as their face value, and aces as one. There are many variations. Common ones include counting an ace as 11 or 15.
Variations[edit]
In some instances, jokers are used as wildcards and can represent any card value when melding.[4] They can be used in sets or runs but can not be replaced when 'melded', nor can a player lay off a card to replace it by themselves or their opponent. Jokers are not counted during the scoring.
In other variations, such as rummy 500 and treppenrommé, discards are placed so that all the cards are visible. At the beginning of his or her turn, a player may take any card from the discard pile, so long as they also pick up all the cards that are on top of it, and the last card picked up is played immediately. If only picking up the top card, the player must keep it and discard a different card from their hand.
In a variation called block or tile rummy, players do not continue after going through the pack once – if no players are out, they all lose the points in their hands after the pack has been gone through once. Round the corner rummy, also called continuity rummy, is a variant where an ace may be simultaneously high and low to 'wrap around' in a run, as in the following meld: Q-K-A-2.
Related card games[edit]
There are a large number of games derived from rummy. Although in North America the word rummy is often used as a stand-in for the specific game gin rummy, the term is applicable to a large family of games, including canasta, mahjong and rummikub.
Melding family[edit]
The most basic form where play continues until the stock is exhausted or a player achieves a specific number of points. Different cards (and melds in some games) are worth specific points. In some variations, the first meld must meet minimum point requirements or the final meld must include a discard. Some of these are played for four players in partnerships of two. In most variations, players may extensively add to or even rearrange their cards.
- 5000 Rum
- Cuajo
- Indonesian rummy (remi)
- Red three rummy
- Speed Rummy
Contract family[edit]
In contract rummy, players are either assigned specific objectives (known or unknown to the other players) or decides their own objectives and announces them before play begins. Players are awarded and or penalized extra points depending on if they successfully meet their objectives.
Shedding games[edit]
In these games, players play until they have a minimal number of points or cards in their unmelded hand.
Canasta family[edit]
Canasta games usually involve partnerships using two or more decks with many wild cards. There are many rules and restrictions on first melds, final melds and taking the deck. Seven or eight of a kinds (canasta) score high.
- Samba
Knock rummy[edit]
In knock rummy, players usually reveal their entire hand at the end of the game. In most variations, a player may signal (through knock or a specific kind of discard) that s/he has a valid hand. In some variations, the other players get one final turn before the reveal.
Variations with non-Western cards or special equipment[edit]
Rummoli games[edit]
Rummoli games use Western cards, but require a special board or modified table with various squares with specific cards drawn on them. In each round, players put tokens in the squares. If a player lays down a card matching a square, they collect the tokens therein. Most versions allow multiple players to meld straights in sequence and do not use three- or four-of-a-kinds. Some versions include poker-like elements.
- Michigan
- Poch
- Rummoli
- Three In One
- Tripoli or TRIPOLEY (a trademarked version)[5]
- Michigan Rummy
- Royal Rummy
Unique cards[edit]
Several companies produce special card sets which often include special cards not seen in other rummoli variations. Some variations resemble the card game Crazy Eights. Most of these games are suitable for children and Safari Pals is an educational game.
Chinese cards[edit]
There are two different kinds of Chinese decks used for rummy-like games. The rules of each variation vary greatly.
- Quan dui
Tiles[edit]
Tile rummy games usually include tiles of only three suits along with special tiles unseen in card games. Mahjong, a game with elaborate rules and different scoring systems, is played in East Asia with numerous variations played in different countries. Rummikub and other international tile variations have rules similar to meld and knock rummy.
References[edit]
- ^Parlett, David (1978). The Penguin Book of Card Games. ISBN978-0-14-103787-5.
- ^'Parlett's Historic Card Games: Gin Rummy – David Parlett'.
- ^'Basic Rummy Guide'.
- ^'Rules of Rummy'. Pagat. Retrieved 27 December 2015.
- ^McLeod, John (2016-11-03). 'Rules of Card Games: Tripoli'. www.pagat.com. Retrieved 2019-12-31.