If you live in India, then you must have heard of rummy a lot. It is one of the most popular card games in India and enjoyed by people of all ages. From free-to-play games for the younglings to cash games for adults, rummy’s variations are loved by people of all ages. Whether you want to kill a few hours, make some new friends, or you just want to make some quick bucks, it is a good idea to familiarise yourself with the rules of this game and a few tricks to get you by. Gone are the days when you needed to collect your friends and meet up in one place for playing rummy. With the evolution of online gaming, you can now play this card game with people from all around the country. Here’s a quick guide to acquaint yourself with the rules.
The Objective
According to rummy rules, rummy is played between 2 to 6 players using one or two decks, depending on the number of players. Each player is given 13 cards and they have to meld those cards into valid groups and then make a valid declaration. When all the cards of a player are part of a valid group, the player makes a declaration. This is called a rummy show. To make a rummy show, you must have 14 cards in your hand and then must discard one card. The rest of the 13 cards must be part of a valid set and sequences and laid on the table for all players to see.
How To Play
The 13 cards given to you must be arranged into valid groups of sets and sequences when playing rummy. After the distribution of cards to all players, the rest of the cards are kept in the closed pile. On a player’s turn, they pick a card from the closed pile or the discard pile and then may exchange that card with one of their own and throw the other card into the discard pile, or throw the picked card into the discard pile. They have to keep exchanging cards till all their cards are part of a valid set or sequence. A valid declaration must have at least one pure sequence.
What is a Sequence?
A sequence is a group of 3 or more consecutive cards of the same suit. For a valid rummy show, a player must have at least one pure sequence. A pure sequence is a sequence without the use of a joker.
What is a Set?
A set is a group of 3 or more cards of the same rank. It can be made with or without the use of a joker.
How to Use a Joker?
In a rummy game, the joker is one of the most important cards. It can be the printed joker that is given as an extra card in most decks, or a random card can be chosen at the start of the game and all cards of that rank become the joker for that game.
What is a Valid Rummy Show?
When all cards are arranged in valid sets and sequence with one sequence being pure, the player can throw the 14th card upside down to signify that they have a valid show. Then rummy rules dictate that the 13 cards are laid in front of all players.
What is an Invalid Show?
If the cards are not part of valid sets and sequences and the player makes a show, then the player is penalised with 80 points. Make sure all your cards are part of a valid group before you decide to make a show!
When to make a rummy show?
The objective of rummy is to have the least points possible. Points are calculated on the basis of how many cards are not part of a sequence or set. So, try to make a rummy show as soon as possible. Make as many sets and sequences early in the game so even if someone else makes a declaration, you don’t end up with a lot of points.
Whether you have monetary stakes or you are just playing for fun, rummy is a card game that requires quick thinking and awareness of the cards being used by you and by your opponents. Familiarise yourself with the rummy rules and follow them. If you want to enjoy playing rummy online, then your best bet is PlayRummy.com. You get the option of playing free games as well as cash games. Choose the one that suits you the best and enjoy it. Download now!
