Rummy

Rummy is a generic term for the rummy family of games. Many types of Rummy exist such as Gin Rummy, Michigan Rummy, Rummy 500, Oklahoma Gin and many more. The mexican game Conquian is most likely the beginning of all rummy games but no one really knows for sure where the game originated. The rules shown here are for Basic Rummy.

Object of the game

Each player tries to dispose of all the cards in his hand. This can be done by melding, laying off and discarding cards. When a player gets rid of all of his cards, it is called going out. The remaining players then add up the value of all the cards they hold in their hands and this sum is added to the winners cumulative score. The play continues until a player reaches the designated point target, or when the designated number of deals occur.

Number of players: 2 to 6
Number of Cards: 52 (Without Jokers)
Rank of cards: K (high), Q, J, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, A. In other forms of Rummy, the Ace may rank high or low.

The shuffle or cut

Players may cut or draw to see who deals. The player to the right of the dealer cuts.

The deal

Beginning with the player at the dealers left, cards are dealt face down. After all cards are distributed to the players, the remaining cards are placed face down on the table. This is called the stock. The top card of the stock is then turned face up and placed next to the stock. this is called a discard pile.

Ordering your hand

Players should arrange their hand to better identify sequences (run), and groups (books). A sequence or run consists of three or more cards of the same suit in increasing value or consecutive order, such as: 4, 5, 6 or 9, 10, J, Q. A group or set consists of three or four cards of the same rank such as: 10, 10, 10, 10.

The play

Each player in turn, on the left of the dealer is allowed the following:

– Draw, (obligatory)
– Melding, (optional – only if you have a valid sequence or group)
– Laying off, (optional)
– Discard, (obligatory)

Melding

From the players hand you can place a valid combination of cards face up on the table. You can only meld once during your turn.

Laying off

A player in turn may add one or more cards from his hand to extend the existing matched set on the table. Thus, if you have 9, 8, 7, you may add 6, 10, etc.

Going out

When a player gets rid of all of his card, he win the game. If the remaining cards match the player may lay them down without discarding on his last turn. This ends the game.

Scoring

After the winner goes out, the remaining players add up the value of the cards remaining in their hands. This value is credited to the winner. Cards are valued as follows:

– Numbered cards 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, are worth their face value
– Ace is worth 1 point
– Jack, Queen and King are worth 10 points

A player can go Rummy when he gets rid of all of of the cards that he holds at one time, without previously having put down or laid off any cards. If this happens, each of the other players must pay him double what would normally be owed.

The game continues until the agreed method of termination is reached.

Rummy Zone Weblog

Top of page

Contact us