How to Play Rummy - Everything you need to know about Rummy Games

Rummy is a skill-based game that is played by two to six players, using one or two decks of standard card decks (including jokers). Each player is dealt with 13 cards, which he has to arrange into valid sequences and sets. There are two card decks, closed and open, from which each player draws or discards the cards. The player who forms proper combination sequences and sets, and makes a valid declaration first wins the game.

While the Kings, Queens, Jacks, and Aces are worth 10 points each, the numbered cards are worth their face value. The winner gets zero points, while other players are marked according to the cards in hand.

What is a Rummy Card Game Objective?

• The objective of the Rummy card game is to meld all the 13 cards that are dealt to each player and make a valid declaration.
• The following combination of sequences and sets account for a valid declaration:

1. 2 sequences + 2 sets
2. 3 sequences + 1 set
3. All 4 sequences

• To make a valid declaration, you must make at least two sequences, out of which one must be a pure sequence
• Declaring without a pure sequence will lead to a penalty of 80 points.

What are Rummy Rules?

If you ever wonder how to play a rummy game, here are simple Indian rummy rules to aid you.

• Indian rummy is played between 2 to 6 players by using one or two decks of cards. Two decks are used when there are more than 2 players. Each player is dealt with 13 cards.
• A wild joker is selected randomly and all other cards of the same value become wild jokers for that game.
• During each turn, you need to draw or pick a card from the two decks available: the closed deck and the open deck. Once you pick any card, you will also need to discard one of your cards. The cards in the open deck are placed face-up, while those in the closed deck are placed face down.
• To win a game of rummy, you will need to arrange the 13 cards in sequences, or a combination of sequences and sets. You should ensure that there are at least two sequences, one of them being a pure sequence. Printed and wild card jokers can be used to make impure sequences and sets. The rummy player who makes the valid declaration first, wins the game.

What is a Sequence in the game of Rummy?

A sequence is a combination or a group of three or more consecutive cards of the same suit. Further, a sequence can be bifurcated into two types, pure sequence, and impure sequence.

Pure Sequence

A pure sequence is a combination or a group of three or more consecutive cards of the same suit, without a printed or a wild card joker. A pure sequence is mandatory to make a valid declaration.

Following are a few examples of a pure sequence:

1. 7 ♦️8 ♦️9 ♦️ (This is a pure sequence with 3 cards)
2. 2 ♠️3 ♠️4 ♠️5 ♠️ (This is a pure sequence with 4 cards)

Impure Sequence

An impure sequence is a group of three or more consecutive cards of the same suit, with one or more joker cards.

Following are a few examples of an impure sequence:

1. 5 ♣️6 ♣️Q♦️8♣️ (This is an impure sequence, where Q♦️ is a wild joker that is used to fill in for 7♣️)
2. 3♠️4♠️ K♦️6♠️🃏 (This is an impure sequence, where K♦️ is a wild joker used to replace 5♠️ and 🃏 is used to replace 7♠️)

What is a Set in Rummy?

A set is a combination of three or more cards of the same rank, but of different suits. A valid set cannot have more than one card of the same suit. To make a set, you can use one or more wild or printed jokers.

Examples of sets without a joker:

1. 8♠️8♦️8♣️ (This is a valid set of three 8s from different suits)
2. 9♠️9♣️9♦️9♥️ (This is a valid set of four 9s from different suits)

Examples of sets with joker/s:

1. 10♠️10♣️K♦️ (The King of diamonds is a wild card joker in this set)
2. J ♦️🃏 J♥️ (The printed joker is used to complete the set of Js)

Invalid Sets

Example: 5♠️5♣️5♠️5♥️ 

The above set is invalid because it consists of two 5♠️. It would have been a valid set if there were 5♦️ instead of one 5♠️. 

Significance of Jokers in Rummy

Jokers play a pivotal role in the game of rummy. There are two kinds of jokers used in rummy.

Printed Joker:

This card has a joker printed on it and can be used to form an impure sequence or a set.

Example 1: 6♠️7♠️ 🃏 (It is an impure sequence where the printed joker has replaced 8♠️)

Example 2: 4♣️4♥️ 🃏 (It is a set where the printed joker has replaced the 4 of Diamonds or Spades)

Wild Joker:

A wild joker is picked randomly at the beginning of a game. The wild joker can also be used to form an impure sequence or a set.

Example 1: 7♣️8♣️Q♥️10♣️ (It is an impure sequence where Q♥️ is a wild joker)

Example 2: 7♠️7♣️4♦️ (It is a set where 4♦️ is a wild card)

Valid Declarations according to the Rummy Game Rules

To win a game of rummy, you must arrange all the 13 cards in sequences, or combinations of sequences and sets. Once you are done with melding your cards, you need to declare your hand. The player to make the first valid declaration is the winner and scores zero.

A rummy player must fulfill the following three conditions to make a valid declaration:

Pure Sequence

At least one pure sequence is required to win a game of rummy. A pure sequence consists of three or more consecutive cards of the same suit, with no printed or wild card joker. If you declare without a pure sequence, it will be an invalid one.

Second Sequence

Along with a pure sequence, you also need to form a second sequence, which can be pure or impure. Minimum two sequences are mandatory (at least one of which should be a pure sequence), but you can form more than two sequences as well. Sets are optional.

All the Cards should be Melded

After forming the two mandatory sequences, you should form valid sequences and sets with the remaining cards. Although forming sets is optional, you must make sure all the cards are arranged in sequences, or sequences and sets.

Example of a Valid Declaration:

Pure Sequence – 6♣️7♣️8♣️9♣️ 

Impure Sequence – Q♥️K♥️ 🃏

Set 1 – 5♦️5♥️5♣️

Set 2 – 10♣️10♦️ 🃏

Above is a perfect example of a valid declaration, as 6♣️7♣️8♣️9♣️ forms a pure sequence, Q♥️K♥️ 🃏 forms an impure sequence, while 5♦️5♥️5♣️ and 10♣️10♦️ 🃏 form sets.

Invalid Declaration

The declaration stands invalid when you don’t fulfill the three conditions mentioned above. Upon making an invalid declaration, you will lose the game. If it is a two-player table, the remaining player will be declared the winner after your invalid declaration. If there are more than two players, then the remaining players will continue playing until someone makes a valid declaration. Following are a few examples of invalid declarations.

Example 1:

8♥️9♥️10♣️, 3♠️4♠️ 🃏, 7♥️7♣️7♦️, 2♦️2♠️8♥️

The above declaration is invalid because it does not have a pure sequence and not all cards have been melded.

Example 2:

4♦️5♦️6♦️, K♠️K♣️K♥️, 9♥️9♣️ 🃏, 3♣️3♥️3♠️

For a valid declaration, at least two sequences are compulsory. In the above example, there is only one sequence, and hence the declaration is invalid.

Winning Tips and Tricks to Win a Rummy Game

Rummy is a game of skills and requires a lot of practice. Along with knowing how to play Indian rummy, rummy terms, and rummy rules, you must also use some tricks to outsmart your opponents.

Pure Sequence should be your Priority

As soon as the cards are dealt, focus on forming a pure sequence first. Without pure sequence, you can’t win a game of rummy.

Discard high-value cards at the earliest

The high-value cards increase the chances of you losing by a big margin. Only if you are sure of forming a sequence or a set with high-value cards quickly, keep them; otherwise, discard them as soon as possible.

Wait for the Connecting Cards

Wait and watch out for the connecting cards that can help you form a sequence or a set. Suppose you have 2♣️3♣️5♣️6♣️, then wait for 4♣️. Once you have 4♣️, you can form a sequence 2♣️3♣️4♣️5♣️6♣️.

Keep a Close Eye on your Oppositions’ Moves

Observing your opponents’ moves is a key factor if you want to stand a chance to win a rummy game. Suppose your opponent picks up 5♦️ discarded by you, then do not discard 3♦️,4♦️,6♦️,7♦️, or 5 of any other suits.

Use Joker Wisely

Use jokers smartly to form sets or impure sequences. Jokers play a vital role in the game of rummy.

Scoring System in the Game of Rummy

Point Calculation Rules

Example:

A♦️2♦️3♦️ - Points: 10, 2, 3.

Now, let us consider that 4 players are playing the game. Player 4 has won the game. Following is the point calculation for the game.

Point Calculation for Losing Players

In rummy, players losing the game are penalized with some points. Following are how the penalty points are awarded.

Wrong Declaration: A wrong declaration will cost you 80 points, irrespective of the cards in hand. So, it is advised to double-check before going for a declaration.

First Drop: If you decide to quit the game as your first move and without picking a card, it will be considered as a first drop and you will be penalized with 20 points.

Middle Drop: If you decide to quit the game any time after your first move, you will be penalized with 40 points.

Consecutive Misses: Three consecutive misses will count as a middle drop and you will be penalized with 40 points.

Losing Players with a Valid Hand: Players who declare second and have a valid hand get 2 points. So, if any player declares first and wins a game and you also have a valid hand, you will be penalized with only 2 points.

Leaving the Table: Leaving a table midway will count as a middle drop and you will be penalized with 40 points.

Important Rummy Terms to Learn and Understand Rummy Rules

Following are a few important rummy terms that will act as a rummy guide and help to polish your rummy basics.

Rummy Table

In online rummy, 2 to 6 players play on a virtual table. 

Sorting

The sorting of cards is mostly done at the beginning of a game. You can press the “Sort” button and your cards will be arranged properly. This will help you form pure sequences, impure sequences, and sets. Once your cards are sorted, you can quickly decide whether the drawn card needs to be kept or discarded. 

Deal/Round

A round or a deal begins when the cards are dealt and ends when a rummy player makes a valid declaration.

Dealing

Dealing means the distribution of cards at the start of every round.

Drawing and Discarding

Drawing means picking a card from either a closed deck (cards placed face down) or an open deck (cards discarded by players and placed face up). Once you pick a card, you also need to get rid of one of your cards. This process is known as discarding. 

Melding

Once rummy players have been dealt with cards, they have to arrange them in sequences, or sequences and sets. This process of arranging cards in valid combinations is known as melding.

Printed and Wild Jokers

Jokers play a crucial role in the game of rummy. There are printed jokers (one per deck) and wild jokers (4 per deck). Both types of jokers can be used to complete impure sequences and sets. A wild joker is selected randomly at the beginning of the game. All the same value cards in the other suits also become wild jokers.

Drop

When a player decides to opt-out of the game, it is known as a drop. He will be penalized with 20 points, provided that he opts out as his very first move. Any player deciding to opt-out after the first move will be penalized with 40 points. Dropping any time after the first move is known as a middle drop.

Chips

Chips are used to play practice games. Some chips will be credited to your account upon registering on First Games. 

Declare

Once you have melded your cards according to the rummy rules, you need to show the cards to your opponents. This act is called declaring your hands.

Cash Tournaments

Cash tournaments are where you can earn real money by using your rummy skills. There is a certain entry fee that you need to pay before joining a cash tournament. On First Games powered by Paytm, you can join exciting cash tournaments and win big.

Now that you have understood 13 card rummy rules, how many cards in rummy, how to play cards games, and tips and tricks to play online rummy, try your hands at the enthralling rummy game on India’s most trusted First Games app powered by Paytm.