1. Texas Rummy Rules
2. Basic Gin Rummy Rules
3. Basic Gin Rummy Rules

Basic rules Basic rummy goes back to the early 1900s, when it was described under such names as cooncan, khun khan, and colonel. The following rules are typical but are subject to local variations because players tend to incorporate into their game features they have encountered in. 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.

Rules of Rummy

The rules of rummy are quite simple, and this contributes in large part to the popularity of the game in India and beyond. The rules also make for tantalising and exciting game play, as you are sure to discover very soon.

Now, if you were unsure about the rules of the game, you will find them below in detail. We do advise that you go through them carefully before you attempt to conquer the rummy world at RummyCentral! Good luck!

We created this guide in the ‘question & answer’ format to aid the ease of use and understanding.

The basics of rummy

At this stage, it’s important for beginners to know the very basics of rummy before we go into the rules of the game. If you are familiar with the terms and concepts, feel free to skip this section and go ahead to the next.

What is the objective of the game of rummy?

Quite simply, the objective of rummy is to create sequences and sets from the cards you have been given - according to the order dictated by the rules of the game, and before any of your opponents create their own sequences and sets

Now, from the cards originally handed out, a player usually will not be able to create the necessary sequences and sets to win the game, therefore players will have to resort to the ‘draw and discard’ method, where they pick up a card, and discard one which doesn’t fit into the sequences or sets they are creating. You will find out more about this as you progress with this page.

How many players can play rummy?

Rummy is a game played between anywhere from two to six players at any given point of time. The packs of cards used will change with the number of players participating.

How many packs of cards are needed to play rummy?

The player who manages to create combinations out of all the cards except one (Which should be discarded) wins the game. That is the rules for winning in rummy. It is that simple.

What is meant by suits in rummy?

Cards are grouped based on the shapes that are printed on them - each of these shapes denotes a particular suit. There are four suits in a pack of cards. Each suit has 13 cards numbered from Ace, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Jack, Queen and King. Here are the four types of suits in a pack of cards:

1. ♦ - Diamond
2. ♣ - Clubs
3. ♥ - Hearts
4. ♠ - Spades

What is the order of cards as stipulated by the rules of rummy?

As prescribed by the rules of the game, the required order of cards that players need to keep in mind while creating sequences is - Ace, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Jack, Queen and King.

What is the value of each card in the game of rummy?

Each card in the game of rummy has a different point value when a player’s score is being calculated. Here is the value of each individual card:

• The value of ‘Face cards’ i.e., the Jack, the King and the Queen is 10 points each.
• The value of an Ace is 10 points
• The value of the Joker (Wild & Printed) is 0 points
• Number cards are worth the same number of points as the number printed on them. For example: 8♦ is worth 8 points

What is meant by a sequence in rummy?

A sequence is a group of three or four consecutive cards, but each of these cards should all be from the same suit. Let’s take a look at some examples of sequences to better understand the concept:

Examples of valid sequences:

1. 6♦ 7♦ 8♦ 9♦
2. Ace♣ King♣ Queen♣ Jack♣

What is a Pure sequence in rummy?

A pure sequence in the game of rummy is a sequence which does not use a joker to complete a valid sequence. A valid declaration or show must contain at least one Pure sequence.

What is an Impure sequence in rummy?

An Impure sequence in the game of a rummy is a sequence which uses a joker to complete a valid sequence. A valid declaration can contain an Impure sequence.

What is meant by a set in rummy?

A set in the game of rummy is made up of three or four cards of the same value or ‘face card’, but each of them must be from different suits. Here are some examples of sets to help you understand this concept clearer.

1. 8♦ 8♥ 8♣ 8♠
2. Queen♣ Queen♦ Queen♥

What is meant by a Joker in rummy?

When players play rummy with Jokers, a Joker can be used as a substitute for another card, and the players can then use these jokers in place of any other cards to form a valid set or sequence

Are there different kinds of Jokers in rummy?

Yes, there are two kinds of Jokers in rummy. They are:

1. Wild Joker: This is simply a random card chosen by the players from the closed deck, and this card is deemed to be the Wild Joker for that game.
2. Printed Jokers: Jokers that have ‘Joker’ printed on them from the packs of cards

Now, let’s take a look at an example of a sequence and a set with a Joker:

Example of a valid sequence with a Joker:

5♦ 6♦ Joker 8♦ (Joker used in place of 7♦)

Example of a valid set with a Joker:

6♣ 6♦ 6♥ Joker (Joker used in place of 6♠)

1. Please note that these rules apply to both Printed and Wild jokers

2. Jokers cannot be used to make Impure sequences, but not to form Pure sequences

What is a rummy Table?

A rummy table is table designated for the game of rummy which can accommodate anywhere two to six players.

What is a round in rummy?

The complete gameplay that the players are engaged in during the game of rummy is typically referred to as a round. A round begins once the cards are dealt, and it includes the drawing and discarding of cards. A round ends when a declaration or show is made.

What is meant by ‘dealing’ in rummy?

Dealing is described as the process of handing out cards to all the players involved in the game of rummy. The cards are dealt out by the dealer at the start of each round.

Who is a dealer in rummy?

The dealer in rummy is the player responsible for ‘dealing out’ the cards. He or she is chosen at random at the start of the game, and each player will be given a chance to be the dealer for each subsequent game.

Do the colours of the cards have any significance in the game of rummy?

Please note that the printed ‘value’ of the card as well as the suit of the card should be the only determining factors when making sets. As such, the colour of the card has no part to play in the formation of sets. This is better explained with the help of examples of valid sets where cards of different colours have been used:

Texas Rummy Rules

1. Queen♥ Queen♦ Queen♣ - A valid sequence, even though the Queen♣ is in red, while the other two cards are in black
2. 2♦ 2♣ 2♥ - A valid set, even though the 2♣ is in red, while the other two cards in the set are in black

What is meant by a closed deck in rummy?

The stack of remaining cards after all players are dealt their 13 cards each is known as the closed deck. This stack of cards is placed face down on the table and known as the closed deck.

What is an open deck in the game of rummy?

An open deck is the group of cards that are discarded, face up on the table every time a player picks up a card from either the closed or the open deck. Please note that the player drawing the card can choose one from either the open deck, where he or she can see the card he or she’s drawing, or one from the closed deck where the cards are turned face down.

What is a Declaration or Show in rummy?

A declaration is a pivotal, culminating and crucial part of the game. Therefore, it’s very important to know what a valid declaration or show is. It could decide whether you win the game or lose it. A declaration or show takes place in a game of rummy when a player has arranged all of his or her cards in sequences and sets and declares or shows this to his or her fellow players to prove it. A declaration can be valid or invalid - it is a valid declaration if it strictly follows the rules of the game, and an invalid declaration if it does not.

A valid declaration or show

A valid declaration should use all 13 cards and must contain:

• At least two valid sequences
• The rest of the cards arranged as valid sequences and/or sets
• At least one Pure sequence

Let’s explain this further with the help of a couple of examples:

Basic Gin Rummy Rules

Example A

Ace♦ 2♦ 3♦ 4♦ - Valid Pure sequence 1

5♠ 6♠ 7♠ - Valid Pure sequence 2

9♦ 9♠ 9♣ - Valid set 1

Queen♠ Queen♦ Queen♣ - Valid set 2

From Example A, you will notice that all 13 cards have been used to form two valid sequences and two valid sets. Also, there is at least one Pure sequence. Therefore, this is a valid declaration.

Example B

3♥ 4♥ 5♥ 6♥ - Valid Pure sequence 1

Jack♣ 7♥ Queen♣ - Valid sequence 2 where 7♥ is the wild joker (Impure sequence)

Queen♠ Queen♦ Queen♣ - Valid set 1

9♠ 9♥ 9♣ - Valid set 2

In Example B, there are two clear sequences, one pure sequence, and the second one an Impure sequence which uses the wild joker to complete the sequence. You will also notice that there are two valid sets as well - all of this ensures that this is a valid declaration.

What is a First Drop in rummy?

A First Drop occurs when a player drops out of the game right at the start. Usually, a First Drop occurs when a player is dissatisfied with the cards that he or she is dealt. Now, they can choose to ‘drop’, that is, concede the game at their first turn before drawing a card. This action is called a First Drop and will earn the player 20 points, and consequently, he or she ‘drops out’ and does not take part in that game any further.

What is a Middle Drop in rummy?

Dropping out or conceding the game in the middle of a game of rummy is called a Middle Drop. Typically any drop after the player has drawn a card is called a Middle Drop and will earn the player 40 points.

What is meant by drawing and discarding’ in rummy?

In the game of rummy, drawing a card refers to the act of picking up a card during the game from either the closed deck or open deck. Discarding refers to the act of discarding a card to the open deck during the game. When a player draws a card from either deck, they must drop or discard a card to the open deck. The cards that are dropped should typically be the ones that don’t fall into the sequences or sets the player is trying to create.

What are the rules of rummy?

Here are the rules of rummy which must be strictly followed during the game:

1. The objective of the game is to create valid sequences and sets from the cards that player holds in his or her hand. Also, in order to be the winner, the player has to create valid sequences and sets, and declare or show before any of his or her opponents create have made a valid declaration
2. Once the 13 cards have been dealt out to each player, each player will have to proceed to create sequences and sets from the cards they have been dealt.
3. To achieve this objective of creating valid sequences and sets, each player takes turns in a cyclical motion, where he or she can draw or pick up a card from the closed or open decks on the table.
4. When a player draws a card from either deck, they must drop or discard a card to the open deck. The cards that are dropped should typically be the ones that don’t fall into the sequences or sets the player is trying to create.
5. This ‘drawing and discarding’ of cards continues, till a player forms valid sequences and sets and ‘shows’ or ‘declares’ this to the other players. After this, the declarer should wait for the other players to do the same. A valid declaration or show garners zero points.
   • A valid declaration or show should consist of valid sequences and sets.
   • The type of sequences that can be part of a valid declaration are:
     • A valid sequence of not less than three cards from the same suit, but without a joker - referred to as a Pure Sequence. At least one of the sequences should be a Pure sequence
     • A valid sequence of not less than three cards from the same suit with or without a joker or jokers. If jokers are used, this is referred to as an Impure sequence.

How are points awarded to players?

1. The aim of the game is to get fewer points than all of your opponents, or no points at all.
2. The winner of the game is the player who has the least points.
3. At the end of the game the cards in a player hands are totalled up to determine his or her score.
4. A winning declaration or show garners zero points.
5. As previously explained, all the face cards and Aces will earn a player 10 points. Jokers of both kinds (Wild and Printed) are worth zero points, while all the other cards will earn a player the same number of points as the number printed on the card.
6. If a losing player does not have two sequences including a Pure sequence, then all of his or her cards are added up to determine his or her score - the maximum points in this case is capped at 80.
7. However, if a losing player does have two sequences, one of which is a Pure sequence - only the cards that are not part of the sequences will be considered when his or her score is being calculated.
8. A wrong declaration or invalid show will earn a player 80 points.
   • A wrong declaration or show involves at least one invalid sequence and/or at least one invalid set
   • A declaration or show is also considered wrong or invalid if one of the sequences (even though it is a valid sequence) is not a pure sequence
   • If a player is dissatisfied with the cards he or she is dealt, they can choose to ‘drop’, that is, concede the game at their first turn before drawing a card. This action is called a First Drop and will earn a player 20 points, and he or she ‘drops out’ and does not take part in that game any further.
   • Dropping out in the middle of the game is called a Middle Drop and will earn a player 40 points.
   • A player missing their turn three times in succession will be awarded 40 points, and this inaction on their part will be considered as a Middle Drop - this is also referred to as ‘consecutive misses’.
   • A player will get 40 points if they leave the table after drawing a card from the closed deck, and this action will considered as a Middle Drop. However, if the player drops out without seeing the card, it will considered as a First Drop and will only earn them 20 points.

Well, that pretty much sums up the rules of rummy. Now that you’re familiar with the rules of rummy, why not get stuck into some thrilling rummy action at RummyCentral. You can even begin with some practice games before you begin to play for cash. So, don’t wait any longer, just go for it!

Rummy is one of the most fun card games to play with friends. But, as with just about every other type of card game, you can now play rummy online for real money.

I first encountered rummy on a trip to India about 12 years ago. It wasn’t in a casino, though, but rather in an apartment with some friends. I’d legitimately never heard of or seen it before, so I watched for a while as they battled it out trying to make “runs” and “sets” to emerge victorious.

Eventually, I joined my friends and played a few hands. It was a fun game, but I forgot all about rummy until I saw it in an online casino recently. After realizing that rummy is available in real money casinos, I figured some of you might like to learn more about it.

In this article, I’m going to cover:

So, without further ado, here’s my guide to the card game known as rummy.

The Objective of Rummy

I’d usually begin by explaining how to play rummy, but I think it will be helpful to explain the objective first. This game is a little bit different than what you might be used to if you play poker, blackjack, and other casino card games.

The objective of rummy is to try and arrange your cards into two different types of hands.

1. Runs– These are consecutive sequences of at least three cards of the same suit. For example, you could have a three, four, and five of hearts.
2. Sets– These consist of at least three cards of the same rank. For example, you could have three eights. Sets are also sometimes called “books.”

In rummy, aces can be either high or low, but they can’t be both.

It’s possible to swap cards and take other players’ discarded ones. I’ll explain more about that below. In the end, the player who arranges all of his or her cards with only one card left to eliminate wins classic rummy games.

How to Play Rummy

In this section, I’m going to explain how to play classic rummy with friends. I’ll then explain how to play it online at online casinos.

• First, every player gets 10 cards. If you’re playing with five players, each player gets six cards. If there are more than six players, you’ll need to use two decks of cards and each player gets seven cards.
• The designated dealer will deal the cards and place the remaining cards in the center as “stock.” She’ll turn the first card over (face up) and set it beside the stock as the first card in the “discard pile.”
• The player to the left of the dealer takes one card first. She may take one from either the stock or the discard pile. She can then attempt to make certain combinations. If she’s unable to do so, she must discard one card.
• The next player may then take the discarded card or a new one from the stock. He can then attempt to make combinations. The play continues like this all around the table in a clockwise manner.
• If the stock runs out, the dealer will shuffle the discard pile, and they become the stock. The game will continue until one player has made runs and sets out of all of their cards except one, which she will place in the discard pile.
• When a player believes she has won, she’ll tell the others that she only has one card left. She will then show that her other cards are arranged into sets and runs and will discard her final card.
• Once the winner is declared, other players may total their hands. Aces are worth 15 points, face cards and 10s are worth 10 points, and other cards are worth their face value. If you’re playing in a rummy tournament, the player with the highest total is eliminated, and a new round begins.

Basic Rummy Rules

Every card game has etiquette, which must be followed by all players.

These are the rules of rummy:

• You can’t pick up the top discarded card and then return it to the discard pile. You must return another card.
• If you accidentally pick up two stock cards, you must return the second one to the top. The player to your left can then “peek” at that card and decide if he or she wants it. If not, it has to be returned to the middle of the stock.
• You may play rummy with wild cards. At the beginning, decide which cards will act as wilds. For example, some players designate jokers as wilds, while others designate twos as wilds. Players can use them to substitute for any required card to make a run or a set.

Some sites have different payouts for runs and sets containing wild cards, referring to them as “impure sequences.”

Playing Rummy Online

Recognizing the popularity of rummy, several online casinos have begun offering it for real money.

Basic Gin Rummy Rules

When you play rummy at an online casino, the RNG acts as another player. This means you’ll be playing against a piece of software which understands the rules of rummy.

I looked around and couldn’t find any casinos offering live dealer rummy. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if this becomes a thing in the future. Rummy is massively popular in India and other Asian countries, and players from that part of the world are coming online fast, so I would expect to see live dealer rummy games soon enough.

There are also free rummy apps which allow you to play against other players for fun. I’ve seen these on Facebook and in the Google Play Store. These could be a great way to practice online rummy before you play for real money.

Keep in mind, there are pros and cons to playing rummy online. The benefits are that you’ll always have an opponent to play against, games are relatively cheap to enter (£0.50 per hand minimums), and that you can play as you please.

The obvious downside is that you’re playing against software, and most players will agree that software programmed specifically to play Rummy is probably better at it than they are.

Rummy Variants

As Rummy has spread across the world, a few popular variants have gained traction. I’ll explain the differences between them here:

Indian Rummy

This variant follows the same rules as classic rummy, except that each player starts with 13 cards. Indians are mad about rummy. It’s probably the most popular card game on the subcontinent.

Gin Rummy

This variant has its roots in the United States and was originally an offshoot of Whiskey Poker. It’s played between two players with 10 cards each from one deck of cards. If you play Gin Rummy online, remember that aces can only serve as ones in this variant

Rummy 500

Up to eight players can play this rummy variant. You’ll use two decks and get seven cards each, to begin with. If there are only two players, you’ll get 13 cards each. In Rummy 500, you lay down your “melds” or sequences as you make them, meaning other players can see your progress. You can even add new cards to sequences you have already laid down.

As you lay down your melds, count your points. When someone wins, the total of all of his cards are added together and added to the total of the player who laid down their meld. The ultimate winner is the first to score 500 points.

As you can see, Rummy 500 is a little more complex and will require some higher-level rummy strategy to win. If you’re new to rummy, start with one of the other variants until you have mastered it, then graduate to Rum 500 (the short-hand name for this game).

Five Solid Rummy Tips

Much like poker, rummy is a game of skill. You can practice it, get better at it, and eventually master it. I’ve written this guide for rummy beginners, so I’m going to offer tips for beginners, too. These will help you learn faster and avoid some of the common mistakes which rummy newbies make.

• Try Free Rummy – Start with a free rummy app or perhaps a Facebook game. This game genuinely takes time to learn and master. Play at least a few dozen games for free before you think about playing for real money. You’ll know when you’re ready.
• Manage Your Bankroll – This is a tip which can apply to all casino games. Don’t get carried away when you’re winning, and don’t start chasing losses by making bigger bets. When you can’t control anything else, you can still control your bankroll. Good advice is to never risk more than 1% of your bankroll per game of rummy.
• Start Small for Real Money – When you do decide to play rummy for real money, start at the low stakes tables. Why? Because advanced players aren’t interested in raiding you for £0.10 per game. You’ll find them at the higher stakes tables. You’ll want to start small because, as any experienced player of any card game will tell you, the psychology of the game changes when you’re playing for real money.
• Pay Attention to Others – Once you’re comfortable with the rules and basics of rummy, start trying to focus on what other players are discarding. As you become more advanced, you’ll start to get a feeling for what they likely have or don’t have based on what they discard and pick up from the discard pile. Remember, if they took a card from the discard pile instead of the stock, that was a conscious choice. Likewise, be aware that other players are watching you for clues.
• Discard Higher Cards – Obviously, you don’t want to discard high cards which will help you make a meld, but if you’re struggling, discarding high cards can help you survive when the points are totaled up if another player shows before you. If things aren’t looking good when you’ve been playing for a while, start getting rid of cards worth more points.

Rummy Summary

Despite its simplicity, rummy is one of the most mentally challenging card games I have played. There are various levels to this game, and aside from poker, it probably involves more skill than just about any other card game. You need to assess multiple scenarios, such as what you have, what potential melds are possible, and what other players may or may not have.

For this reason, I enjoy rummy a lot and will be playing it regularly. It’s definitely more fun to play with friends or in a tournament with other players than it is against a computer program, but then again, casino rummy offers a great opportunity to practice any time you feel like it.

Go ahead and give rummy a try. You’ll soon find out why it’s one of the most popular card games in the world.