Rummy Rules

The rules of rummy differ slightly depending on the specific variation of the game. However, the fundamental rule of the rummy card game remains consistent, with only slight variations in point value calculations.

Rules to Play Rummy Game Online

The different rules of playing rummy are covered below:

• Basic Objective
• Card Value Rules
• Joker Rules
• Sequence Rules
• Rules for Sets
• Rules to Discard, Drop and Show
• Points Calculation Rules
• FAQs

Download these Rummy Rules as PDF: Rummy Rules PDF 2023

Basic Objective of a Rummy Game

In a rummy game, each player is dealt 13 cards, and their objective is to create valid sequences. According to the rummy rules, sequences can be classified as pure sequences (a consecutive run of 3 or 4 cards of the same suit), impure sequences (a consecutive run of 3 or 4 cards with the help of a joker), and triples (3 cards of the same rank but different suits). The key to winning any rummy variant is to have at least one pure sequence in your hand.

Rummy Card Value Rules

Rummy follows a specific card ranking from low to high, which includes Ace, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Jack, Queen, and King. The Royal cards (Jack, Queen, and King) carry a value of 10 points each. The Ace can be valued as either 1 point or as a face card (representing 11 points) when forming sets.

Joker Rules in Rummy

In rummy, a joker refers to either a printed joker card or a randomly selected card at the start of each game. In games that use two decks, two joker cards are utilized. The joker card in rummy serves as a versatile replacement for any other card, allowing players to complete an impure sequence by substituting the joker for a missing card.

Sequence Rules in Rummy

There are five types of sequences in rummy:

• Pure Sequence
• Impure Sequence
• Triples
• First Life
• Second Life

Pure Sequence

In rummy, a pure sequence is formed by arranging three or more consecutive cards of the same suit in a run or group. It is a vital element in the game because, without a pure sequence, a player is unable to declare a win. 9♥ 10♥ J♥ (or) 5♠ 6♠ 7♠ 8♠ is an example of pure sequence.

Impure Sequence

An impure sequence refers to a collection of 3 or more consecutive cards of the same suit but with one of the cards being a Joker. For example,

• 2♦ 3♦ Q♠ 5♦ (Where Q♠ is a joker)
• 10♠ 4♥ Q♠ K♠ (Where 4♥ is a joker)

Triples

Three cards of the same rank but different suits are known as Triples. A♦ A♠A♥ is an example of a triple.

First Life

The pure sequence in a rummy game is called first life.

Second Life

The second life in rummy refers to the second pure or impure sequence.

Learn More: Rummy Sequences

Rules for Sets

In the game of Rummy, a set is defined as a cluster of 3 or 4 cards that share the same rank but have different suits. It is important to note that sets can include Joker cards. However, according to the rules of Rummy, sets are considered valid only after both the pure sequence and impure sequence have been formed.

Also Check: How to Play Rummy?

Rules to Discard, Drop and Show in Rummy

The basic rules to discard, drop and show in rummy are as follows:

• Rules to Discard
• Rules for Drop
• Rules for Show

Rules to Discard Cards in Rummy

During a game of Rummy, every player is initially dealt 13 cards. To begin their turn, a player must choose a card from either the discard pile or the draw pile. After selecting a card, the player must also discard one card into the discard pile. The opponent then has the option to pick up the top card from the discard pile.

A player needs to discard their final card face down to declare their win. At this point, the player can call “Rummy” and proceed to show their cards.

Rules for Drop Option

In Rummyprime, players have the option to “drop” when they lack confidence in their chances of winning and wish to minimize the penalty points. Dropping in Rummy means choosing to exit the game. If a player decides to drop without drawing a single card from either the discard pile or the stockpile, they incur a penalty of 20 points. However, if a player drops after their first turn, they face a higher penalty of 40 points.

Rules for Show in Rummy

When a player is prepared to declare their cards in Rummy after successfully forming valid sets and sequences, they can request a Show. To initiate a Show, the player must have a total of 14 cards, with one card set aside or discarded face down for display.

Upon calling for a Show, the player is required to arrange the remaining 13 cards into proper combinations of sets (cards of the same rank but different suits) and sequences (consecutive cards of the same suit).

In case of a wrong show, a player will have to bear 80 penalty points.

Rules to Calculate Points in Rummy

The calculation of points in Rummy depends on the specific variant being played.

The cards are ranked from highest to lowest in points rummy- A (highest), K, Q, J, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 (lowest).

• Winner’s score: The player who makes a valid declaration (one pure sequence and a combination of sets and sequences) gets 0 points.
• Formula for calculating the winner’s score: (Sum of points of all opponents) * (Rupee value of the point) – Platform Fee

Let us understand how the winner’s score is calculated with an example:

Suppose 3 players are playing a Rs 2/ point game, where player 1 declares rummy and the other two players lose by 20 and 40 points, respectively. The winner will get 2 *(20+40) = Rs 120. Meanwhile, players get penalty points for every ungrouped card. For example, if a player has 6♥ 10♠ and A♣ then the total penalty points will be (6+10+10) = 26.

However, if a player doesn’t have any pure sequence cards in their hand, then all points from all cards will be added up. In the event that a player has a pure sequence, only the points for the unarranged cards will be added as a penalty.

Summary About Rummy Playing Rules:

Factors	Details
Primary Objective	Form valid sets and sequences by arranging cards.
Number of Decks	2 standard decks of 52 cards.
Number of Players	Played between 2 and 6 players.
Melding Rules	Create sets (same rank, different suits) and runs (consecutive cards, same suit).
Wild Cards	Jokers (printed and wild) can replace any card in melds.
Order of Cards	A (highest), K, Q, J, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 (lowest).
Pure Sequence	Consecutive cards of the same suit without jokers.
Impure Sequence	Consecutive cards of the same suit with joker(s).
Discarding Rules	Draw a card, then discard one to maintain hand size.

FAQs About Rummy Game Rules