Rummy Rules
Want a chill plan with your friends or an entertaining family get-together? Play a card game like poker, rummy, or teen patti! Rummy is one of the most loved card games in India. This Indian card game is mostly played in Southern India, especially during festive seasons. Rummy is a Indian card game mostly plays in Southern parts of India. The rummy game is played between two to six players with a standard deck of cards. Joker cards are used in the rummy game. In this piece of information, we will understand the rummy rules and go through some popular rummy variants such as 13-card rummy and 21-card rummy, gin rummy, points rummy, pool rummy, and deals rummy.
Two standard decks of cards and two jokers are used to play rummy. It is a draw-and-discard game, where players make sequences and sets with their cards. We’ll have a look at rummy game rules but before that, let’s have a look at some commonly used rummy terms.
Indian Rummy
Rummy rules 13 cards are simple and straightforward. Each player is given 13 cards to arrange into sets and sequences. If you're wondering where the game originated, it was most likely in Asia. Some think the 13-card game originated in China, but we aren't sure. To win this game, the player must achieve the proper combination of strategy and talent, as well as the appropriate timing. So, despite the simple rules, one must play with focus, concentration, and determination.
Another variant of Indian rummy is the 21 card rummy. As per 21 card rummy rules, each player is assigned 21 cards, which must be arranged in valid sequences and sets to win. There are three decks of 53 cards in a 21 card rummy game, plus three printed jokers.
Common Terms Used In Rummy Rules
- Rummy Table: A rummy table is a table used to play rummy games. 2-6 players sit around the rummy table to play rummy game.
- Joker: Joker is a replacement card used instead of the desired card to form sets or sequences.
- Wild Cards: A wild card is picked randomly at start of the rummy game. It is used as a replacement card to form sets or sequences (just like joker card).
- Draw and Discard: As per rummy game rules, players draw and discard cards in the rummy game. Draw means picking a card from the card deck and discard means getting rid of a card in the card deck.
- Card Sorting and Grouping: Card sorting is done to reduce the probability of mixing up cards. As per rummy rules 13 card, players group the 13 cards and arrange them in sets or sequences to sort them.
- Drop: A drop is when a player decides to leave the table in the middle of a rummy game. It costs points to drop out of the game. The first drop is 20 points, the middle drop is 40, and the last is 80 points.
- Cash Tournaments: Cash tournaments are poker games played with real cash and have real cash prizes.
Let’s dive into rummy game rules to form sequences and sets.
There is a pure sequence, impure sequence, and two sets as per rummy set rules.
Rummy Rules to Form Sequences
Knowing how to form sequences and sets is important if you want to learn how to play rummy game.
According to rummy card sequence rules, each player must make at least one pure sequence for a valid declaration. We’ll find out how to form pure and impure sequences ahead.
The rummy sequence rules are quite important while learning how to play rummy. Three or more consecutive cards from the same suit make create a rummy card sequence. A pure sequence and an impure sequence are the two sorts of sequences that are created. According to the rummy card sequence rules, each player must make at least one pure sequence for a valid declaration.
Pure Sequence
A pure sequence is made when three or more cards of the same suit are arranged in sequential order. However, Joker cannot be used to create a pure sequence as per the rummy sequence rules.
Here are two pure sequence examples:
- 5♥?6♥?7♥?8♥?- This pure sequence consists of four heart cards arranged in sequential order. A Joker card cannot be used to replace any cards in pure sequence.
- 8♠? 9♠? 10♠?- This pure sequence consists of three spade cards arranged in sequential order. Again, since this is a pure sequence, a Joker cannot be used to replace any cards.
Impure Sequence
As per the rummy game rules, an impure sequence is created by placing two or more cards of the same suit in sequential order, together with one or more Jokers.
Here Are Two Impure Sequence Examples:
- ♣?2 ♣? 3 ♣?4 PJ- In this sequence, a printed Joker is used in place of the 5 of clubs, making it impure.
- 4♦? 5♦? J♣? 7♦?- The J card in this sequence is the game's wild Joker, and it has been used to substitute 6, making it an impure sequence.
Rummy Rules to Form Sets
How Do You Make Sets?: As per rummy card game rules, three or four of a kind cards of different suits but of the same rank make up a set. As per the rummy set rules, while forming a set, the player can employ wild cards and Jokers to substitute cards. Here are some instances of a collection:
- 5♥? 5♠? 5♣? 5♦?- This set is made up of 5s in different suits but does not include a Joker.
- K♥? K♠? K♦?- This set is made up of Ks in different suits but does not include a Joker.
- 8♣? 8♠? 8♦? PJ- This set is made up of 8s of different suits. Here, a Printed Joker is replacing 8.
- 7♠? 7♣? K♥?- This set is made up of 7s of different suits. Here K♥ is Wild Card (Joker) and is replacing 7.
Note that forming a set with two or more same card suits will result in an invalid declaration. Follow the rummy set rules if you are using more than one card deck to play.
Here Are a Couple of Examples Of Invalid Sets:
- 9♥? 9♥? 9♦?: This set is invalid since it contains two 9s of the same suit.
- 8♠? 8♥? 8♦? 8♠? K: This set is invalid since it contains two 8s of the same suit (Spades).
The fifth card, the K, is a wild joker, although this does not make the set invalid.
Rummy Rules for Making a Valid Rummy Declaration:
The goal of rummy players is to be the first player to make a valid declaration. Players who make a premature or invalid declaration get penalized. So, what are the rummy rules for making a valid declaration?
According to rummy game rules, it is mandatory to declare two sequences, out of which one sequence is pure sequence (2-4 consecutive cards in same suit) and the other sequence can be an impure sequence (a joker or wild card can be used to form impure sequence). You can form sets or sequences with remaining cards.
| Pure Sequence | Impure Sequence | Set 1 | Set 2 |
| 3-4 consecutive cards in same suit. For example, ♥7 ♥8 ♥9 ♥10. | 3-4 consecutive cards in same suit, but a wild card or joker is used. For example, 2♦ 3♦ Joker. | 3-4 cards of same rank but different suits. Jokers or Wild Cards can be used. For example, ♥5 ♣5♦5. | 3-4 cards of same rank but different suits. Jokers or Wild Cards can be used. For example, ♥K♦K Joker. |
When you are playing online rummy, before pressing the 'Declare' button, double-check all the cards. A premature declaration that lacks valid/incorrect combinations will be considered invalid. As a result, the player will lose the game. A correct declaration requires two sequences, one pure and the other impure. The remaining cards must be used in a specific order (set or sequence).
Example Of Invalid Declaration:
- The following is an example of an invalid declaration: 5♣? 6♣? 7♣? 8♦?| 9♥? 10♥? PJ | Q♥? Q♠? Q♣? | K♣? K♠? K♥?.
This declaration is invalid because the given combination lacks the required pure sequence.
Example Of Valid Declaration:
- The following is an example of a valid declaration: 7♦? 8♦? 9♦? | 4♣? 5♣? PJ | J♥? J♣? J ♠?| Q♥? Q♣? Q♠?.
At the start of each turn, the player must draw a card and discard one from his hand. The player can draw a card by choosing the topmost card from the closed deck or the card discarded from the previous turn.
Rummy Rules Used to Calculate Points and Winnings?
You should understand how the points are calculated now that you know how to play rummy game. Each card as per Indian rummy rules is worth a particular number of points. The losing player receives the total value of all cards in his or her hand as points. If the losing player fails to complete the two required sequences, the total value of all cards is added up to a maximum of 80 points. The value of cards not in any combination is evaluated if the player has produced two sequences, one of which is a pure sequence.
The rummy game rules for scoring points in rummy are as follows:
Have a look at point calculation in the rummy game:
| Cards | Value |
| A,K,Q,J | 10 Points. |
| 2-10 | As per face value, eg ♠2 has 2 points, ♦7 has 7 points. |
| Joker and Wild Cards | 0 Points. |
Rummy Points System in the Game
The first drop is worth 20 points. It happens when a player exits the table without picking up a card. The middle drop is worth 40 points. It happens when a player exits the table after selecting a card from a closed deck. When there are two sequences and one sequence is a pure sequence, the points are calculated for cards that are not in any combination.
| Actions | Points |
| First Drop | 20 Points |
| Middle Drop | 40 Points |
| 3 Misses Back-to-Back | 40 Points |
| Wrong Declaration | 80 Points |
| Leaving the table after picking a card from the closed deck. | 20 Points (Counted as the first drop) |
| Leaving the table without picking any card. | 40 Points (Counted as middle drop) |
| Player doesn’t have 2 sequences. The pure sequence is missing. | Points of cards are added as per their values. The maximum points are capped at 80 points. |
| Player has 2 sequences. Points are calculated for cards not in a sequence. | Points of cards that are not in sequence are calculated. For eg, if ♥K is wild joker and player has ♠2♠3♠4 ♦7♦8♥K ♣9♦9♠10 ♣4♦4♣J♣Q, the points will be calculated for cards not in a sequence. The points calculated for ♣9♦9♠10 ♣4♦4♣J♣Q are as follows: 9+9+10+4+4+10+10 = 56 points. |
The rummy rule is to get the lowest score in the game. Players accumulate points for cards that are not valid sequences or sets. Their aim is to bring down their scores to 0 by forming valid sequences and sets.
Example: 8♠ 9♠ 10♠ J♠| 6♥ 7♥ Joker | 4♣ 4♠ 4♥ | 9♠ 10♥ 5♦
Apart from the typical rummy game, there are some other variants of rummy game such as gin rummy, points rummy, deals rummy, and pool rummy. Let’s have a look at these variants below.
What Is the Rule To Win A Rummy Game?
The rule of rummy is to get the lowest score in the game. The goal of players in the rummy game is to get zero points. Players earn points for cards that are not legitimate sequences or sets. A player who has more points loses the game. The goal of players is to bring down their scores to 0 by forming valid sequences and sets.
Example: 8♠? 9♠? 10♠? | 6♥? 7♥? Joker | 4♣? 4♠? 4♥? | 9♠? 10♥? 5♦?
Here Are The Rummy Game Rules In Brief:
- A joker (wild card) can also be used to replace any missing cards in a sequence or run. A non-pure sequence is one like this. In a non-pure sequence, a player can only utilize one joker.
- A set is made up of three or four cards of the same rank but different suits, or two (or three) such cards plus a joker.
- The winner receives the reward money once each lost point is computed for everyone.
- Pure sequence/run is defined as three cards of the same rank and suit (excluding printed jokers).
- While declaring and holding 0 points, all unused jokers can be placed separately.
How to Use Jokers in Rummy
Using jokers is one of the most significant rummy rules. In rummy, jokers perform a unique role that can help you win the game. In a game of rummy, there are two types of jokers: printed jokers and wild jokers.
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Printed Joker: A printed joker has a joker image printed on it, as the name implies. This card can be used to fill in for any missing cards and can aid in the formation of a set or impure sequence.
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Wild Joker: At the start of the game, the wild joker is chosen at random. When the card is chosen, it becomes the game's wild joker, together with other cards of the same rank and different suits. For example, if 4 is chosen as the wild joker, the wild jokers for that game will be 4, 4, and 4. The wild joker, like the printed joker, can be used to fill in for any missing card and assist build a sequence or set.
Apart from the typical rummy game, there are some other variants of rummy such as gin rummy, points rummy, deals rummy, and pool rummy.
Variants of Rummy Game
Gin Rummy
- The Gin Rummy game is played with a standard deck of 52 cards. Wild cards or jokers are not used.
- Players form melds (sets or sequences) with 3-4 cards as per gin rummy set rules.
- The goal of gin rummy players is to be the first player to score 100 points.
- As per gin rummy rules, the ace is worth 1 point, J, Q, and K are worth 10 points. The rest of the number cards are worth their face value, for e.g., 2 is worth 2 points, 5 is worth 5 points, and so on.
- Players aim to form melds.
- Cards that aren’t a part of Melds gain deadwood points.
- The goal of players is to eliminate deadwood points and score 100 points the fastest.
Points Rummy
- 2-5 players can play points rummy.
- Points Rummy is played with a standard deck of 52 cards, and one printed joker.
- Players arrange 13 rummy cards into sets and sequences as per points rummy set rules.
- As per points rummy game rules, the ace is worth 1 point, and J, Q, and K are worth 10 points. The rest of the number cards are worth their face value, for e.g., 2 is worth 2 points, 5 is worth 5 points, and so on.
- There is a pre-decided point for the points rummy game.
- The first player who makes a valid declaration is the winner. The winner gets zero points.
- The winner earns money according to the points gained by other players.
- Let’s say, there are 4 players. They are playing INR 1-point rummy game. Let’s say player 1 declares their cards, and other players lose by 10, 20, or 30 points. The winning player will get 1*(10+20+30) = INR 60. This amount gets credited into the player’s account after deducting fees levied by the platform. This fee varies from platform to platform.
- The maximum points a losing player can accumulate is 80 points.
- The points rummy game ends as soon as the player gets 80 points.
Deals Rummy
- The deals rummy game is like a points rummy game.
- The only difference in the Deals rummy game rules is that there are multiple deals in the Deals rummy game, typically 5-6 deals.
- Just like the points rummy game rules, the winner’s prize money is calculated as per the points lost by other players.
- Let’s say, there are 4 players. They are playing INR 1-point rummy game. Player 1 declares their cards, and other players lose by 10, 20, or 30 points. The winning player will get 1*(10+20+30) = INR 60. This amount gets credited into the player’s account after deducting fees levied by the platform. This fee varies from platform to platform.
- The main difference between points and deals rummy game rules is that the points rummy game ends when a player gets 80 points.
Pool Rummy
- 2-6 players can play pool rummy.
- A standard deck of 52 cards, plus a joker is used to play pool rummy.
- Each player gets 13 cards.
- The goal of players is to arrange the cards in sets and sequences and make a valid declaration.
- There is a toss to decide which player makes the first move.
- Players aim to score low and not reach the pool limit. The limit defined by the pool rummy game rules is 61, 101, and 201 points.
- Players get eliminated when they reach their pool limit.
- The player who remains at the end of the pool rummy game is the winner.
- The winnings of the pool rummy game are calculated as “number of players*entry fee”.
- For example, Let’s say, there are 4 players and the entry fee is INR100. The winning player will get 100*3= INR 300. This amount gets credited into the player’s account after deducting fees levied by the platform. This fee varies from platform to platform.
Rummy Game Rules FAQS
Q.1) What are the rules for playing rummy?
Players arrange the cards into sets or sequences in the rummy game and get rid of all the cards in their hands.
Q.2) What are the sets in rummy?
A set is three or four cards of the same rank. For example, ♥10♠10♣10 and ♥7♠7♣7♦7 are sets.
Q.3) What are the basic rules for 13 card rummy?
In the 13-card rummy, forming two sequences is mandatory to make a valid declaration, out of which one is a pure sequence and the other one is an impure sequence. The rest of the cards can be either sets or sequences.
Q.4) How many sets are in rummy?
Players can form one or two sets in rummy.
Q.5) What are the basic rules of rummy?
Players make a pure sequence and an impure sequence with 13 cards. The goal of players is to be the first player to declare their cards.
Q.6) What are the rules for 7 card rummy?
In the 7-Card Rummy game, players aim to get rid of all seven cards. They draw out cards from the stockpile or pick up discarded cards to form pairs and combinations. The first player to finish these combinations is the winner of the game.
