The game of Rummy is a simple card game that can be played by 2 to 6 players, using a standard 52-card deck. It is a mystery where this popular game originated. Some historians think it originated in Mexico or Spain, while others thing that Rummy’s original home was in Asia or Romania. However, what is known is that the game has grown to be one of the most popular card games today all over the globe.
Rummy is played in a number of variations including Regular or Basic Rummy, Gin Rummy, Canasta, 500 Rum and more. Here we will go into detail about the rules and strategy of the Regular or Basic Rummy game.
Rummy Rules
Rummy Rules are incredibly simple and easy to learn. The objective of the game is to be the first player to get rid of all of the cards in your hand. Before the game begins, cards are dealt out. The number of cards each player receives depends on the number of players in the game:
- 2-player game – each player receives 10 cards
- 3-player or 4-player game – each player receives 7 cards
- 5-player or 6-player game – each player receives 6 cards
The remaining cards are placed face down in a pile, called the “stockpile.” It is from this pile that players draw cards during the course of the game. The top card of the stockpile is placed face up on the table to create the “discard pile”, where players will discard or draw cards during the course of the game.
In Rummy, players get rid of their cards by making what are called “melds.” A meld is one of two things:
- A set of 3-of-a-kind or 4-of-a-kind
- A “run” of three cards or more in a row that are in sequential order and share the same suit (i.e. 3-4-5-6 or Spades) – Note that Ace is a low card and may be used in a run of A-2-3 but not Q-K-A
Each player takes their turn in order, moving clockwise around the table. When it is your move you must take the following actions:
- Take the top card from the stockpile or the discard pile. Note that if you take the top card from the discard pile the other players won’t know which card you took. However, if you need the top card in the discard pile to make a meld it is worthwhile to draw from the discard pile.
- Place down any melds that you have face up on the table. If you can add to a meld that was previously put down, by you or another player, you may do this as well. For instance, if your opponent put down 3-of-a-Kind in Queens and you have the fourth Queen you may place it down on your opponent’s meld.
- At the end of your turn, discard one of your cards in the discard pile.
The game continues until one of the players gets rid of all of his or her cards.
Rummy Scoring
Rummy Scoring is quite simple. At the end of each round, the player that gets rid of all of his cards first wins points. Points are determined by adding together all of the cards that remain in the other players hands. Aces are worth 1 point, Faces are worth 10 points, and numbered cards are worth their face value (i.e. 5 of Spades is worth 5 points).
Players choose a total score that will determine the winner and when one of the players hits that number over the course of rounds the game ends. Commonly the first player to reach 100 points is declared the final winner.
Rummy Strategy
Rummy strategy can be broken down into defense and offense. Defensive Rummy strategy involves paying attention to what’s going on with your opponents and trying to take actions to keep them from making melds. This involves paying attention when your opponents draw from the discard pile. If you notice that one of the other players has drawn Ace of Hearts and 2 of Hearts then you know that they are probably trying to create a run of hearts. If you see the 3 of Hearts in the discard pile then snatch it up to keep your opponent from making his meld.
Offensive Rummy strategy involves making as many melds and putting down as many cards as you possibly can. For starters, it is important to be observant. Before each turn look around the table at the melds that have been placed down. Do you have any cards you can place down on them? Can the top card in the discard pile be placed down on a meld? Can the discard card help you to make a meld with other cards in your hand? Make sure to consider all of your options before making a move so that you can put down as many cards as possible.
Online Rummy
Rummy has been around for a long time, played in living rooms, card halls and game rooms all over the world. However, it has recently made its Internet debut. Rummy enthusiasts can now play online Rummy against other players around the globe for fun or for real money. Online Rummy is played by the same rules as listed above, or by the rules of other popular Rummy variations. Make sure you choose the Rummy game with the rules you are used to, especially if you are playing for real money. If you are new to Rummy then playing a free game online is a great way to learn.