Rummy Rules - Learn How to Play Rummy
The game of rummy can be played by 2 to 6 players and with 1 or 2 standard decks of 52 cards including Joker cards. Every player in the game is dealt with 13 cards and to win the game, a player needs to make a minimum 2 sequences in which a pure sequence is must and the rest can be any valid sets or sequences.
From a well shuffled deck of cards, 13 cards are dealt to each player. After dealing the cards to players, the remaining ones are placed face down on the table, forming the closed deck and the game proceeds in the clockwise direction in case of a 6 player game.
Each player has the option to pick a card from the closed deck or open deck on every turn. There is another card deck in the game called open deck. The open deck is created by placing the top card of the closed deck face up. All the cards discarded by each player are added to the open deck and can be picked by their opponents.
In every deal of a rummy game, there are two types of joker cards: printed and wild card joker. A random card is chosen as the wild card joker, and all cards of that value become wild card jokers. The game begins with a player drawing a card from either the open or closed deck. Once the card is picked up, the player has to discard a card, which is then added to the open deck. It is up to the next player to decide whether to pick a card from the open or closed deck. In short, players have two options for card selection, but they must discard a card on each turn, and the discarded card is automatically added to the open deck. When all 13 cards in hand are arranged in sets or sequences, the player discards the last unwanted card to make a valid declaration in the game.
When calculating the points for ungrouped cards, each card carries a point value in the game. Every card from 2 to 10 is worth its face value, and all face cards, i.e., J, Q, K, and aces, carry 10 points each.
Table of Contents
Primary Objective of a Indian Rummy Game
In the Indian Rummy Game, which is widely played with 13 cards, players need to arrange these cards in sets or sequences and make a valid declaration to win the game. This game can be played among 2 to 6 players using 1-2 standard decks of 52 cards. Please keep in mind that if players want to make a valid declaration in the game, they must have at least one pure sequence. If a player declares without forming a pure sequence, that declaration is considered invalid.
Forming Sequences
There are two types of sequences in the game of rummy. One is called Pure Sequence and another is called Impure Sequences. A sequence is a group of 3 or more consecutive cards of the same suit.
Pure Sequence
When a sequence is formed without using a Joker, it is known as a Pure Sequence.
Example:
Impure Sequence
When a sequence is formed using a Joker, it is known as an Impure Sequence. In this case, a joker is used to replace the missing card. Also, there are two types of joker cards in rummy: Wild card joker and printed joker. Both can be used to form an impure sequence.
Example:
In the above scenario, 3♣️ is a wild card joker selected randomly when the game starts.
In the above scenario, the printed joker 🃏is used to replace 10♠️.
Forming Sets
If a player groups at least three cards of the same rank but different suits, the grouping is called a set. A joker can be used to form a valid set.
Example:
In the above scenario, K♦️ is a wild card joker used to replace A♥️ or A♦️.
In the above scenario, 🃏 is a printed joker used to replace 6♦️or 6♠️.
Common Terms in Rummy Rules
Every rummy player should be well versed with all terminologies used in the game. Doing so can let them learn the game faster. Listed below are the commonly used terms for rummy rules.
Gametable and Lobby
In online rummy, a gametable is a virtual space where a maximum of 6 players can join and play a game of rummy. There are different types of tables available in the lobby with various formats and values.
Printed Joker/ Wild Card Joker
Wild card joker is selected randomly in the game. You can use jokers to form sets or sequences in the game. The proper usage of jokers with high-value cards can act as a catalyst for winning a rummy game.
Card Sorting
When you play on a rummy app, players have the option to sort their cards. This feature helps them make quick decisions and play the game more efficiently.
Invalid Declaration
There can be three types of invalid declarations. The first occurs when a player incorrectly forms a sequence, and in the other scenario, an invalid declaration happens when a set is formed incorrectly. Players can make an invalid declaration when there is no pure sequence at all.
Declaration with an invalid sequence:
In the above example
Is an incorrect sequence as 5♥️is required to make a valid declaration.
Declaration with an invalid set:
In the above example
Is an incorrect set. A♠️ or A♦️is required to make a valid declaration.
Rules for Discard, Drop and Show
As the game of rummy demands strategic thinking and a lot of skills, the gameplay aspects of which cards to discard, when is the right time to drop or continue playing or when is the right time to show (or declare) are very important if one wishes to play and win with pro players. Listed below are the explanations of these terms.
Discard
Usually in a game of Indian rummy, 13 cards are dealt to each player. During their turn, each player has to pick a new card and dispose of a card into the open deck. Players cannot pick up a discarded Joker card from the open deck.
Every player, on their turn, draws a card from either the closed deck or open deck. Also, according to the rules of rummy, it’s compulsory to discard an unwanted card after picking a card. The whole process of drawing and discarding a card requires skills and a good strategy.
Drop
When players do not feel confident with the cards they’ve been dealt, they can choose to drop out of that round. Dropping is penalized with a set number of points. It is a strategic move used by the pros to limit their number of points and cut their losses.
Pro players know when it's best to drop. Dropping at the right time saves you from losing by a higher margin or by reducing the penalty points.
On the RummyCulture app, there is a penalty of 15 points for dropping before a single turn and 30 points for dropping after a turn.
Show
Once a player groups all their cards into valid sequences and sets, they would need to make a declaration, or ‘show’ their cards. Sometimes this is also referred to as Declare in offline rummy.
For this, the player will discard the 14th card face down and declare. In case of a valid declaration, all the other players would be prompted to show their best groupings.
Important Charts for Rummy Rules
Players should be aware of the value of each card and with all conditions of making a valid declaration. Charts listed below elaborate on all these factors.
Ranks and Card Values
In case of a 6 player rummy game, 2 packs of cards are required. Each card has a rank and a corresponding value, which is used to determine a player’s points at the end of a game.
Ranks of cards (from lowest to highest):
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 J Q K A*
Card Values
- Numbered Cards (2 to 10): Same as their face value
- Joker Cards (both printed and wild card): 0 points
- Face Cards: 10 points
- Ace Cards: 10 points*
*It is important to note that Ace cards can be both the highest and the lowest ranking card depending on its usage.
For instance, in the case of A♠️ 2♠️ 3♠️ it would be the lowest ranking card.
While in Q♠️ K♠️ A♠️ it would be the highest ranking card.
Conditions for Valid Declaration
Below are the directions to follow while declaring in a 13 card rummy game.
| Pure Sequence | Impure Sequence | Set 1 and Set 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory to make a valid declaration | Not compulsory But can be formed to fulfill the requirement of forming 2 sequences | Not compulsory Can be formed to make a valid declaration |
| Formed with 3 or more cards | Formed with 3 or more cards | Formed with 3 or 4 cards, often known as triplets and quadruplets. |
| Cards of the same suit put in a sequential order | Cards of the same suit but put in a sequential order but with a joker card in it | Cards of same value and different suits |
| Can’t use printed Joker. Wild card Joker can be used only if it fits in pure sequence. | Can use printed Joker or wild card Joker | Can use printed Joker or wild card Joker |
How Game Points are Calculated as per Rummy Rules
Consider a case of 2 player game where Wild Card Joker is A♦️
| Player | Hand formed | Calculation of points |
|---|---|---|
| Player 1 | ️ A♠️ 2♠️ 3♠️ | 4♣️ A♦️6♣️ | 5♣️ 5♠️ 5♥️ | 9♣️ 9♠️ 9♥️ | 2♦️ | This player has 1 pure sequence, 1 impure sequence, and 2 sets in the form of triplets. So, the points of an ungrouped card will be counted, that is 2. |
| Player 2 | 10♦️J♦️Q♦️ | A♦️ 5♠️ 6♠️ | 3♣️ 3♠️ 3♥️ | J♠️ Q♠️ K♠️ | This player is WINNER because he has 1 pure sequence, 1 impure sequence (formed with wild card Joker), 1 set in the form of triplet and again a pure sequence of face cards. |
Winning Amount Calculation as Per Rummy Rules
Every variant of rummy has a specific calculation system to declare a winner. Understanding the calculations of each variant of rummy can help players perform better and win more in the game. Here’s a simplified version of each calculation.
For Points Rummy:
The winnings of Points Rummy is based on a pre-decided rupee value. At the end of the game, the winner gets the entire amount lost by the other players.
For example, if 6 players are playing on a table that has a point value of 1, then each point is worth ₹1. Let’s assume that the total score of ungrouped cards of the losing players is 107, then the winning player gets ₹107.
For Pool Rummy:
There is a fixed Buy-In to participate in the game of Pool Rummy, and the prize pool is formed accordingly. If 6 players are playing the game and join a Pool rummy with a ₹10 Buy-In, the prize pool of the game would be ₹60. The winner will take the entire prize pool of ₹60.
For Deals Rummy:
Similar to Pool rummy, Deals Rummy also has a pre-decided Buy-In amount. If 6 players are playing the game and join a Deals rummy with a ₹10 Buy-In, the prize pool of the game would be ₹60. The winner will take the entire prize pool of ₹60.
Penalty Points Calculation for Losing Players
The points for losing players are calculated based on their ungrouped cards. Suppose a player has the following cards at the end of the round:
Here, the player has a pure sequence, an impure sequence, a set, and three ungrouped cards 3♣ A♣ and 9♥
So, their points would be: 3 + 10 + 9 = 22
There are other scenarios for which penalty points are predefined:
- First Drop: When a player drops on their first turn in a round before picking a card.
- Midway Drop: When a player drops on any other turn in a round except the first before picking a card.
- Consecutive Misses: When a player doesn’t play for a certain number of turns, it is considered and given the same points as a midway drop. The number of missed turns for dropping can be changed in the game settings.
- Invalid Declaration: An invalid declaration is considered a full drop and is usually penalized with 80 points (except in 61 Pool). This is the maximum points a player can get in a game.
Here is a handy guide to the points for dropping as per different formats:
| Game Format | First Drop Penalty Points | Midway Drop Penalty Points | Invalid Declaration Penalty Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Points Rummy | 20 | 40 | 80 |
| Deals Rummy | 25 | 50 | 80 |
| 61 Pool Rummy | 15 | 30 | 60 |
| 101 Pool Rummy | 20 | 40 | 80 |
| 201 Pool Rummy | 25 | 50 | 80 |
In case a player has rightly grouped all their cards but fails to make a valid declaration first, they will be penalized with 2 points.
Pro Rummy Tips to Outsmart your Opponents
Skilled, pro and experienced players use various rummy tricks to outsmart their opponents. Some of these are listed below.
Focus on Forming a Pure Sequence First
To make a valid declaration, players should form a pure sequence with the cards dealt at the beginning of the game. It’s always better to drop out if you don’t spot a pure sequence after sorting your cards.
Discard High Value Cards to Avoid Penalty Points
If high-value cards in your hand can’t be used to form a sequence or set, discard them immediately. By doing so, if an opponent declares before you, you will not lose by a high margin.
Use Joker Cards and Ace Cards Smartly
Getting Joker cards in rummy is a significant advantage. You can use your Joker cards wisely to form sets or sequences with high value cards. Also, Ace Cards can be used smartly to make sequences of lower values.
These are just a few and there are many more rummy tips and tricks which can be learned when you start playing regularly. The game of rummy demands skills and thorough practice is needed if you were to participate in real cash rummy tournaments being played by professionals.
For beginners, it is always recommended to learn it on free rummy games.
Rummy Video Tutorials
Mastering rummy is rather simple. Practice makes perfect, after all. Here are some rummy video tutorials to help you get started.
