A player goes 'rummy' when they get rid of all cards in their hand at once, without previously having put down or laid off any cards. In this event, every other player pays double. Gin Rummy Rules. Gin Rummy is a member of the Rummy family of games. As with most games there are plenty of variations out there, so the game might not be exactly like you play it or have different points for some things. Below I'll explain the rules we use on this site. Learn how to play rummy including the objective of the game, the rules, scoring combinations and different variations (including the use of wildcards)! 2 ♥ 3 ♥ 4 ♥ is a pure sequence, 7♠ 8♠ 9♠ Joker is an impure sequence, 6 ♥ 6 ♦ 6♠ is a pure set and J♣ J ♦ Joker is an impure set. The 13 Card Rummy has 3 variations; namely Points Rummy, Deals Rummy, and Pool Rummy.
The rules of rummy are quite simple, and this contributes in large part to the popularity of the game in India and beyond. The rules also make for tantalising and exciting game play, as you are sure to discover very soon.
Now, if you were unsure about the rules of the game, you will find them below in detail. We do advise that you go through them carefully before you attempt to conquer the rummy world at RummyCentral! Good luck!
We created this guide in the ‘question & answer’ format to aid the ease of use and understanding.
At this stage, it’s important for beginners to know the very basics of rummy before we go into the rules of the game. If you are familiar with the terms and concepts, feel free to skip this section and go ahead to the next.
Quite simply, the objective of rummy is to create sequences and sets from the cards you have been given - according to the order dictated by the rules of the game, and before any of your opponents create their own sequences and sets
Now, from the cards originally handed out, a player usually will not be able to create the necessary sequences and sets to win the game, therefore players will have to resort to the ‘draw and discard’ method, where they pick up a card, and discard one which doesn’t fit into the sequences or sets they are creating. You will find out more about this as you progress with this page.
Rummy is a game played between anywhere from two to six players at any given point of time. The packs of cards used will change with the number of players participating.
The player who manages to create combinations out of all the cards except one (Which should be discarded) wins the game. That is the rules for winning in rummy. It is that simple.
Cards are grouped based on the shapes that are printed on them - each of these shapes denotes a particular suit. There are four suits in a pack of cards. Each suit has 13 cards numbered from Ace, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Jack, Queen and King. Here are the four types of suits in a pack of cards:
As prescribed by the rules of the game, the required order of cards that players need to keep in mind while creating sequences is - Ace, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Jack, Queen and King.
Each card in the game of rummy has a different point value when a player’s score is being calculated. Here is the value of each individual card:
A sequence is a group of three or four consecutive cards, but each of these cards should all be from the same suit. Let’s take a look at some examples of sequences to better understand the concept:
Examples of valid sequences:
A pure sequence in the game of rummy is a sequence which does not use a joker to complete a valid sequence. A valid declaration or show must contain at least one Pure sequence.
An Impure sequence in the game of a rummy is a sequence which uses a joker to complete a valid sequence. A valid declaration can contain an Impure sequence.
A set in the game of rummy is made up of three or four cards of the same value or ‘face card’, but each of them must be from different suits. Here are some examples of sets to help you understand this concept clearer.
When players play rummy with Jokers, a Joker can be used as a substitute for another card, and the players can then use these jokers in place of any other cards to form a valid set or sequence
Yes, there are two kinds of Jokers in rummy. They are:
Now, let’s take a look at an example of a sequence and a set with a Joker:
Example of a valid sequence with a Joker:
5♦ 6♦ Joker 8♦ (Joker used in place of 7♦)
Example of a valid set with a Joker:
6♣ 6♦ 6♥ Joker (Joker used in place of 6♠)
1. Please note that these rules apply to both Printed and Wild jokers
2. Jokers cannot be used to make Impure sequences, but not to form Pure sequences
A rummy table is table designated for the game of rummy which can accommodate anywhere two to six players.
The complete gameplay that the players are engaged in during the game of rummy is typically referred to as a round. A round begins once the cards are dealt, and it includes the drawing and discarding of cards. A round ends when a declaration or show is made.
Dealing is described as the process of handing out cards to all the players involved in the game of rummy. The cards are dealt out by the dealer at the start of each round.
The dealer in rummy is the player responsible for ‘dealing out’ the cards. He or she is chosen at random at the start of the game, and each player will be given a chance to be the dealer for each subsequent game.
Please note that the printed ‘value’ of the card as well as the suit of the card should be the only determining factors when making sets. As such, the colour of the card has no part to play in the formation of sets. This is better explained with the help of examples of valid sets where cards of different colours have been used:
The stack of remaining cards after all players are dealt their 13 cards each is known as the closed deck. This stack of cards is placed face down on the table and known as the closed deck.
An open deck is the group of cards that are discarded, face up on the table every time a player picks up a card from either the closed or the open deck. Please note that the player drawing the card can choose one from either the open deck, where he or she can see the card he or she’s drawing, or one from the closed deck where the cards are turned face down.
A declaration is a pivotal, culminating and crucial part of the game. Therefore, it’s very important to know what a valid declaration or show is. It could decide whether you win the game or lose it. A declaration or show takes place in a game of rummy when a player has arranged all of his or her cards in sequences and sets and declares or shows this to his or her fellow players to prove it. A declaration can be valid or invalid - it is a valid declaration if it strictly follows the rules of the game, and an invalid declaration if it does not.
A valid declaration or show
A valid declaration should use all 13 cards and must contain:
Let’s explain this further with the help of a couple of examples:
Example A
Ace♦ 2♦ 3♦ 4♦ - Valid Pure sequence 1
5♠ 6♠ 7♠ - Valid Pure sequence 2
9♦ 9♠ 9♣ - Valid set 1
Queen♠ Queen♦ Queen♣ - Valid set 2
From Example A, you will notice that all 13 cards have been used to form two valid sequences and two valid sets. Also, there is at least one Pure sequence. Therefore, this is a valid declaration.
Example B
3♥ 4♥ 5♥ 6♥ - Valid Pure sequence 1
Jack♣ 7♥ Queen♣ - Valid sequence 2 where 7♥ is the wild joker (Impure sequence)
Queen♠ Queen♦ Queen♣ - Valid set 1
9♠ 9♥ 9♣ - Valid set 2
In Example B, there are two clear sequences, one pure sequence, and the second one an Impure sequence which uses the wild joker to complete the sequence. You will also notice that there are two valid sets as well - all of this ensures that this is a valid declaration.
A First Drop occurs when a player drops out of the game right at the start. Usually, a First Drop occurs when a player is dissatisfied with the cards that he or she is dealt. Now, they can choose to ‘drop’, that is, concede the game at their first turn before drawing a card. This action is called a First Drop and will earn the player 20 points, and consequently, he or she ‘drops out’ and does not take part in that game any further.
Dropping out or conceding the game in the middle of a game of rummy is called a Middle Drop. Typically any drop after the player has drawn a card is called a Middle Drop and will earn the player 40 points.
In the game of rummy, drawing a card refers to the act of picking up a card during the game from either the closed deck or open deck. Discarding refers to the act of discarding a card to the open deck during the game. When a player draws a card from either deck, they must drop or discard a card to the open deck. The cards that are dropped should typically be the ones that don’t fall into the sequences or sets the player is trying to create.
Here are the rules of rummy which must be strictly followed during the game:
Well, that pretty much sums up the rules of rummy. Now that you’re familiar with the rules of rummy, why not get stuck into some thrilling rummy action at RummyCentral. You can even begin with some practice games before you begin to play for cash. So, don’t wait any longer, just go for it!
Rummy is a card game that is played with two decks of cards with total of two Jokers. To win the rummy game a player must make a valid declaration by picking and discarding cards from the two piles given. One pile is a closed deck, where a player is unable to see the card that he is picking, while the other is an open deck that is formed by the cards discarded by the players. To win at rummy card game, the players have to group cards in valid sequences and sets.
In rummy, the cards in each suit rank low to high starting with Ace, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Jack, Queen and King. Ace, Jack, Queen and King each has 10 points. The remaining cards have value equal to their face value. For example, 5 cards will have 5 points and so on.
The objective of rummy card game is to arrange the 13 cards in valid sets and sequences. To win the game you need to make minimum 2 sequences, out of which one needs to be pure sequence and rest can be any valid sequence or sets. Without a pure sequence you cannot make a valid rummy declaration. This is one of the most important rummy rules.
In rummy, a sequence is a group of three or more consecutive cards of the same suit. There are two types of sequences that are formed; a pure sequence and an impure sequence. To win the game of rummy you need at least one pure sequence in your rummy hand.
Here are a few examples of pure sequence.
Here are some examples to show how an impure sequence is formed.
A set is a group of three or more cards of the same value but of different suits. When you are forming sets, you can use wild card and Jokers.
Examples of sets
Typical Example: 2♥ 3♥ 4♥ 5♥ 5♣ 6♣ 7♣ 8♣ 5♦ 5♣ PJ Q♥ Q♠ (Set of 5 cards is made to complete the grouping of 13 cards and make a valid declaration)
Note: The set is formed with same card of different suits. However, you can’t use two or more cards of the same suit. This is taken as an invalid declaration. Also, note that a set can have more than four cards. So, if you have a set of four cards and you are using an additional Joker, then in total it becomes a 5 cards group and still be a valid set. At no given time, the hand can have more than 13 cards.
Examples of invalid set
Follow this simple rummy rules and instructions to know how to play the game from start to end:
Just as it’s important to know the rummy rules, it is also necessary to play carefully and with focus. Here are quick tips to win the rummy game and stay a step ahead of your competitors.
Here are some common terms of Indian Rummy that every player needs to know before he starts playing.
It is the table where the game of rummy is played. Every rummy table can sit two to six players for each game.
In each rummy deck there is a Printed Joker and there is a Wild Card that is selected at random at the beginning of the game. The role of both these types of card is the same. Jokers are used to form sets and impure sequences. A Joker card can replace the desired number when forming the groups. This is a valid formation in a rummy game.
In all Rummy games, each player is dealt 13 cards. Additionally, there are 2 stacks from which each player can select cards, thereby drawing a card. Once a player draws a card, he has to get rid of one card - this is called discarding.
Sorting of cards are done at the beginning of the game. This is done to arrange your cards to help you form your sets and sequences reducing the probability of mixing the cards. Once, the cards are displayed, you can hit the Sort button and start playing.
When a player decides to leave the game table at the start or middle of the rummy game, it is a drop. The act is withdrawing from the game as a personal decision. The first drop=20 points; middle drop= 40 points and last drop and maximum point loss is 80 points.
In case of Pool rummy, if a player drops in 101 pool, the score is 20. In case, it is 201 pool rummy, the drop score is 25. In a game, where it is best of 2 and best of 3 is played, then a drop is not allowed.
Cash tournaments are those that are played for Real Cash and have Real Cash Prizes (in INR). These tournaments run 24x7 and are conducted in a knock-out style. To play any of the cash games, the player has to add Cash to its RummyCircle account.
Go to 'Tournaments' in the top navigation panel. Now, select the type of Tournament you wish to play. In the corresponding Tournament List, click on any of the Open tournaments that you wish to join. Finally, click on the blinking Join This Tournament button under Tournament Details.
An invalid declaration happens in rummy card game when the player presses the Declaration button, but the cards are not in valid sequences and sets. Therefore, the player will lose the game and the competitor will automatically be declared as the winner.
Here are few examples of common invalid declarations players make while playing rummy:
Example 1: 10♠ 10♠ 10♦ 10♣ Q♥
A set can have 3 cards or more, however a set needs to be formed with cards of the same value and different suits. In this situation, the Wild Joker (Queen of Hearts) card was added and that became the fifth card, which is valid as per rules, however the group consist of 2 cards of the same suit making it a wrong declaration.
Example 2: K♥ K♥ K♦
In this set, there are 3 cards which is well within the minimum limit. Also, a set consists of cards of the same face value but has to be of different suits. The set cannot have more than one card of the same suit. In this example, the set consists of two cards of the same suit and that makes it a wrong declaration.
Example 1: 10♠ 10♥ 10♦ 10♣ 5♠ 5♥ 5♦ 6♠ 6♥ 6♣ 9♥ 9♦ Joker
A valid declaration requires 2 sequences, out of which one needs to be pure sequence i.e. sequence without joker and the other can be pure or impure sequence i.e. sequence with or without joker. However, in the given example there is neither sequence made making it an invalid declaration.
Example 2: K♥ K♠ K♦ 6♥ 7♥ Joker 9♠ 10♠ J♠ Joker 5♠ 5♥ 5♦
A valid declaration must have 2 sequences, out of which one needs to be pure sequence i.e. sequence without joker and the other can be pure or impure sequence i.e. sequence with or without joker. This example shows that there are 2 sequences, but both are impure sequence i.e. sequence with joker and the pure sequence is not there. It is compulsory to have a pure sequence before you make a declaration.
Example 3: Q♥ Q♠ Q♦ 6♥ 7♥ 8♥ 9♥ 5♠ 5♥ 5♦ 10♠ 10♥ 10♦
Sequences are very important for a rummy card game and you need minimum 2 sequences, out of which one needs to be pure sequence and the other can be pure or impure sequence to win the game. In this example, there is a pure sequence, however the 2nd sequence is missing and hence it is an invalid declaration.
PURE SEQUENCE | IMPURE SEQUENCE | SET 1 & SET 2 |
---|---|---|
COMPULSORY to make | NOT COMPULSORY (Can make to fulfill minimum 2 sequence requirement) | NOT COMPULSORY (Can make to complete 13 Cards valid grouping) |
Made with 3 or More Cards | Made with 3 or More Cards | Made with 3 or 4 Cards without Joker. OR Made with 3, 4 or More Cards with Joker. |
Cards of SAME SUIT in SEQUENTIAL ORDER | Cards of SAME SUIT in SEQUENTIAL ORDER with Wild Card Joker or Printed Joker | Cards of SAME VALUE & DIFFERENT SUIT (2 Cards of same color but different suit can be used Ex - 5♠ 5♥ 5♦). |
CANNOT USE JOKER or WILD CARD | CAN USE JOKER or WILD CARD | CAN USE JOKER or WILD CARD |
Download this handy PDF for 13 Card Game Rules: “Download PDF Now”
Let us look how points calculation is done, when you are playing online rummy card game.
CARDS | VALUE |
High value cards Ace, King, Queen, Jack | All carry 10 points each |
Joker and Wild Cards | Zero points |
Other cards | Have point value same as their face value |
Example: 8 ♥, 9 ♥ 10 ♥ | 8 points, 9 points, 10 points |
If the player doesn’t have 2 sequences including a pure sequence | Value of all cards is added, capped at 80 points |
If the player has formed 2 sequences including pure sequence | Value of cards that are not in sequence are calculated |
Wrong Declaration | 80 points |
First Drop | 20 points |
Middle Drop | 40 points |
3 Consecutive Misses | Considered as middle drop with 40 points loss |
Leave Table | If player leaves table after picking from closed deck, it is considered middle drop. If the player hasn’t picked any card, it is taken as first drop. |
Example: Table of 6 Players (Wild Joker Q♦)
Player | Hand Formed | Points Calculated |
Player 1 | 2♥ 3♥ 4♥ 5♣ 6♣ Q♦ 8♦ 8♠ 5♣ 2♦ 2♣ K♠ Q♠ | The player has 2 sequences 1 pure and 1 impure. So, only the points of unmatched cards will be counted = 45 |
Player 2 | 4♠ 4♥ 4♣ 4♦ 5♦ Q♦ 3♠ 7♠ 8♠ Q♦ K♦ 10♣ 9♣ | The player has not formed 2 sequences, including the pure sequence. Hence, points of all cards will be calculated =68 |
Player 3 | 3♥ 4♥ 5♥ 5♣ 6♣ 7♣ Q♦ 8♦ 5♣ 2♦ 2♣ 2♥ K♠ | The player has 2 sequences, 1 pure and 1 impure. It also has 1 set formed. The points will be calculated only for the ungrouped cards = 23 |
Player 4 | A♥ 4♥ 5♥ 5♣ 6♣ 10♣ J♦ 8♦ 5♣ 2♦ 2♣ Q♥ K♠ | First Drop with a loss of 20 points |
Player 5 | 4♠ 4♥ 4♣ 4♦ 5♦ Q♦ A♠ 7♠ 8♠ Q♦ K♦ J♣ 9♣ | 3 consecutive misses= 40 points |
Player 6 | 2♥ 3♥ 4♥ 5♣ 6♣ 7♣ Q♦ 5♦ 5♣ 5♥ 2♦ 2♣ 2♥ | WINNER |
At the end of the day it is all about seeing that winning cash amount in your account. You also need to be very clear how you are getting the sum that is reflecting in your Dashboard. Let’s help you understand how these calculations are done to play rummy online for real money.
When you are playing points rummy cash games, it is based on a pre-decided rupee value. The winner of the game wins the entire cash amount lost by the other players at the end of the game. Here is how the calculation is done.
Winning Cash = (Sum of all points of opponents) X (Rupee value of the point) - RummyCircle Fee
Here is an example that will help us understand this better:
Example:
Total of 6 players playing points rummy for cash on Rs. 860 table. Each point has a pre-decided value of Rs. 4. There will be 1 player who will be the winner and remaining 5 will lose the game. The losing points of the remaining 5 players would be 45, 78, 23, 20, 40 respectively. The winnings will be calculated as:
4x (45+78+23+20+40) = Rs. 824
This amount, after the deduction of RummyCircle fee will reflect in the player’s account.
The winning for pools rummy is calculated as per the given calculation:
Winnings = (Entry Fee) X (Number of Players) - RummyCircle fees
Example:
Players pay the fixed entry fee for the tournament, which is used to form the prize pool. If 5 players join a pool rummy with Rs. 50 as entry fee. The prize pool of the game will be Rs. 250.
The winner will win Rs. 50 x 5 = Rs. 250
This amount will be credited to the winner’s account after the deduction of the RummyCircle fees.
In deals rummy, the winner wins all the chips at the end of each deal. Here is how the winnings are calculated:
Winnings =Sum of points of all opponents assuming each chip is equal to one point.
Example:
Let’s assume that there are 6 players on the table and the player 5 declares his hand. The other four players will lose with 10, 20, 30, 35 and 40 points respectively. The winner’s chips will be calculated as 10 + 20 + 30 + 35 + 40 =135 chips.
With all the above guide, get started to play rummy with right directions and win cash. RummyCircle gives you an option to make a rummy game download for hassle free, non-intrusive experience of online rummy. This app is available for both android users and IOS users. Also, you can enjoy the fun and entertainment packed game on mobile website.
RummyCircle support team is available round the clock 24x7 to give you the Best Rummy ExperienceTM. Connect with our customer support team from your registered email ID at support@rummycircle.com and share your concern or issue. Our representative will get back to you with a solution shortly.