Rummy Rules - Learn How to Play Rummy
In a game of rummy, 2 to 6 players can play with 1-2 standard decks of 52 cards. Every player in the game is dealt 13 cards to arrange in sets and sequences. The player who makes a valid declaration first wins the game. 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 for the 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.
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: pure and 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♠️.
Pro Rummy Tips to Outsmart your Opponents
The game of rummy demands skills and thorough practice is needed if you were to participate in rummy tournaments being played by professionals. Skilled, pro and experienced players use various rummy tips and tricks to outsmart their opponents. Listed below are some of them.
Focus on forming a pure sequence
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 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.
Rummy Rules Common Terms
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/ 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.
Drawing and discarding cards
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.
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.
Drop
Pro players know when it's best to drop. Dropping at the right time saves you from losing by a higher margin. 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.
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. 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.
Important Chart for Rummy Rules and How to Play Rummy
Directions to follow while declaring in a 13 cards 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 |
| 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 | Cards of same value and different suits |
| Can use a wild card/printed joker if it fits in the pure sequence | Can use a wild card/printed joker | Can use a wild card/printed joker |
How Points are Calculated as per Rummy Rules
| Pool variant | Invalid declaration penalty | First drop | Middle drop |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61 Pool | 60 | 15 points | 30 points |
| 101 Pool | 80 | 20 points | 40 points |
| 201 Pool | 80 | 25 points | 50 points |
Calculation of points: Table of 2 players (Wild Card Joker is A♠️)
| Player | Hand formed | Calculation of points |
|---|---|---|
| Player 1 | A♠️ 3♠️ 4♠️ ¦ 5♦️ 6♦️ 7♦️ ¦ 9♣️ 9♠️ 9♥️ ¦ 4♣️ A♥️ 4♦️ ¦ 2♦️️ | The player has 1 pure sequence, 1 impure sequence, and 2 sets. 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♠️ A♥️ | Winner |
How Winnings Are Calculated 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.
