By Calbert Kael
Have you ever heard of Rummy, the card game everyone talks about? It is fun and way easier to learn than you think and is perfect for a game night with friends or family.
But have you ever wondered how Rummy became a card game giant? It is all because the game rules are simple, fun and competitive! And it has rightly become a favourite in India and around the world.
This blog will teach you exactly how to play Rummy so you can not only enjoy but win the game. So, are you ready to shuffle up and dig into the fun?
Let us get started, then!
The Objective of the Game
In the game of Rummy, cards are ranked from lowest to highest: Ace, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Jack, Queen, King.
- Face cards (Ace, Jack, Queen, King) are worth 10 points each.
- Other cards are worth the number on the card itself. For example, a 7 of any suit is worth 7 points.
In rummy, the goal is to organise your 13 cards into valid sets and sequences. To win, you must have at least two sequences, one of which must be pure. The other sequences can be any valid combination of sets or sequences. Your declaration is invalid according to the rummy rules without a pure sequence.
So, once you have at least two sets or sequences, you can lay them down and shout, “Rummy!” The player with the fewest cards left first wins!
What is a Sequence in Rummy?
To play rummy, you need to understand a sequence. A sequence involves a collection of three or more cards of the same suit in consecutive order.
Sequences can be classified into two types: pure and impure.
- Pure Sequence
A pure sequence consists of three or more cards of the identical suit, excluding any jokers. As previously mentioned, to make a valid declaration, one must include at least one pure sequence.
- Impure Sequence
An impure sequence is a row of three or more cards of the same suit where jokers replace one or more cards.
How to Play Rummy – Steps Defined
Rummy may initially seem complex, but it is about collecting the right cards and strategically laying them down.
- Players and Decks :
2-6 players can enjoy rummy. For most variations, you will need two standard decks of cards, including jokers.
- Dealing the Cards :
The number of cards dealt depends on players. Typically, 2 players get 10 cards each, while 3-4 players get 7 each. The remaining cards form a face-down deck known as ‘the stock’.
- Your Turn :
You can draw either the top card from the stock or the discard pile, where all players can discard their unwanted cards. The goal is to use these drawn cards to form winning combinations.
- Making Melds :
Melds are sets of 3 or 4 cards of the same rank or sequences of 3 or more consecutive cards of the same suit. You cannot win without them! Remember, at least one of your melds must be a pure sequence of consecutive cards of the same suit, no jokers.
- Laying Off and Going Rummy :
Once you have your melds, you can lay them face up on the table. You can also add cards to existing melds on the table called “laying off.” When you eliminate all your cards in one turn, that is a “Rummy!” and you win the round!
Conclusion
So, there you have it! With a little practice, you will be a Rummy master in no time, creating winning melds and leaving your opponents shocked. Remember, the key is to focus on building sequences and sets, keep an eye on the discard pile, and not be afraid to discard cards strategically.
To master Rummy, what could be better than practising the game tricks on an online platform? Play Rummy regularly and become a Rummy whiz in no time!
