How To Play Gin Rummy Card Game

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What Are The Rules To Play Gin Rummy
How To Play Gin Rummy Card Game With Three People
How To Play Gin Rummy 500 Card Game
How To Play Gin And Rummy

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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

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.

How to Form Sequences?

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.

Pure Sequence

A pure sequence is a group of three or more cards of the same suit, placed in consecutive order. To form a pure sequence in rummy card game, a player cannot use any Joker or wild card.

Here are a few examples of pure sequence.

5♥ 6♥ 7♥ (Pure sequence with three cards and there is no Joker or wild card used)
3♠ 4♠ 5♠ 6♠ (Pure sequence with four cards. There is no use of Joker or wild cards here.)

Impure Sequence

An impure sequence is a group of three or more cards of the same suit with one or more Joker card used.

Here are some examples to show how an impure sequence is formed.

6♦ 7♦ Q♠ 9♦ (Here Q♠ has been used as a wild Joker replacing 8♦ to form an impure sequence.)
5♠ Q♥ 7♠ 8♠ PJ (Impure sequence with Q♥ as wild joker that is replacing 6♠ and the Printed Joker is replacing 9♠.)

How to Form Sets?

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

A♥ A♣ A♦ (In this set, all the Ace are of different suits, make a valid set.)
8♦ 8♣ 8♠ 8♥ (Rummy set is formed with four 8 cards of different suits.)
9♦ Q♠ 9♠ 9♥ (Here Q♠ has been used as wild joker replacing 9♣ to make set.)
5♦ 5♣ 5♠ PJ (Printed joker replacing 5♥ to make set.)
5♦ 5♣ Q♠ PJ (Here Q♠ has been used as wild joker replacing 5♠ & Printed joker replacing 5♥ to make set.)
5♦ 5♣ PJ Q♥ Q♠ (This is a set of 5 cards with Printed joker & Q♥ as wild joker replacing 5♠ 5♥ and one more wild joker Q♠ to complete 13 cards grouping.)

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

Q♥ Q♥ Q♦ (There are two Qs of the same suit ♥ making it an invalid set.)
7♠ 7♥ 7♦ 7♠ Q♥ (It has two 7 spades of the same suit. The wild card Q♥ as the fifth card is valid but having two 7♠ is making it invalid.)

How To Play Rummy Card Game?

Follow this simple rummy rules and instructions to know how to play the game from start to end:

Rummy card game is played between 2 to 6 players with 2 decks of cards. Each player is dealt with 13 cards and a random card is selected as wild joker or joker card of the game.
The player has to draw and discard cards to form valid sets and sequences of the 13 cards in hand where player can also use wild joker or printed joker of the deck to make impure sequence and sets.
As per indian rummy rules, once a player arranged 13 cards in valid 2 sequences including 1 pure sequence and more groups (sequences or sets), one can make a declaration and win the game.

Quick Tips To Win The Rummy Card Game

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.

Form the pure sequence at the very beginning of the game. Without a pure sequence, a player cannot make a declaration.
Discard cards with high points like Ace, Jack, Queen and King. Replace these cards with Joker or Wild Cards. It reduces the point load, in case you lose the game.
As much as possible, avoid picking from the discard pile. It gives away what hand you are trying to form.
Look out for smart cards. For example, a 7 of any suit can work with 5 and 6 of the same suit and also 8 and 9 of the same suit.
Jokers play an important role in rummy. Try using them to replace high value cards. Remember, Joker and wild cards cannot be used to form pure sequence.
When you are ready to make a declaration, check and recheck your cards and then press the button. An invalid declaration can turn even a winning game into a complete loss.

Common Terms Used In Rummy Rules

Here are some common terms of Indian Rummy that every player needs to know before he starts playing.

What is a Rummy Table?

It is the table where the game of rummy is played. Every rummy table can sit two to six players for each game.

What is Joker and Wild Cards?

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.

What is Draw and Discard?

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.

What is Sorting of Cards?

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.

What is a Drop?

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.

What are Cash Tournaments?

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.

How do I Join a Tournament?

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.

What is an Invalid Declaration?

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:

Wrong Declaration with Invalid Sets
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.
Wrong Declaration with Invalid Sequences
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.

Useful Chart - How To Play & Rummy Guidelines For Valid Rummy Declaration:

Handy Directions to Follow While Declaring With 13 Cards:

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

Combination Possible as per the Above Rules to Declare 13 Cards in Rummy:

There is one Pure Sequence of 4 cards
There is Impure Sequence of 3 cards where 8♣ is a wild joker
There is a “Set 1” of 3 cards
There is a “Set 2” of 3 cards having a “Printed Joker”

Download this handy PDF for 13 Card Game Rules: “Download PDF Now”

How The Points Are Calculated As Per Indian Rummy Rules?

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

Losing Player 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.

Examples of Points Calculation With Winning Amount

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

How Are Your Winnings Calculated In Rummy Cash Games?

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.

Winning Calculation in Points Rummy?
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.
Winnings Calculation in Pool Rummy?
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.
Winnings Calculation in Deals Rummy?
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.

Contact Our Support

RummyCircle support team is available round the clock 24x7 to give you the Best Rummy Experience^TM. 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.

What is Gin Rummy?

Gin Rummy, sometimes simply called “Gin”, is one of the most popular card games in the world. The rules of the Gin Rummy card game are part of its appeal, seemingly complex but easy to understand. As with other Rummy games, Gin Rummy is a game about building a winning hand by managing discards. The following guide covers this in further detail.

How to Play Gin Rummy?

Gin Rummy is a game for 2 players, and can be played using the standard Anglo-American 52-card Poker deck. The game is one of the most popular variants of Rummy, and follows similar rules but with streamlining for a more fast paced game. Gin Rummy is less a game about chance, and more about making informed decisions.

Dealing

The dealer is determined by splitting cards, and the player getting a higher card becomes the dealer. Each player is then dealt 10 cards each. The remaining cards are placed aside to form the draw pile. The discard pile is then created by revealing the top of the draw pile.

Winning

The goal of the Gin Rummy card game is to form sets and sequences in your hand. Sets are cards of the same rank, but from a different suit. Sequences are consecutive cards from the same suit. Examples of sets and sequences are shown below.

A straight of 5 cards:
7♠ 8♠ 9♠ 10♠ J♠

A set of 4 cards:
2♠ 2♦ 2♣ 2♥

Unlike more traditional Rummy games, Gin Rummy can be prematurely ended by calling Knock or Gin. These will be discussed in their respective sections. The game ends once a player reaches 100 points.

Turns

Each turn, a player will draw 1 card. They can choose to draw from either the top of the draw pile or the discard pile. To end a turn, a player will discard 1 card of their choosing from their hand. Essentially, a player will always have 10 cards outside of their turns.

The non-dealer goes first, but the first revealed card can be claimed by either player to start their turn. If the non-dealer passes, the dealer gets the opportunity to claim that card.

When a player is satisfied with their hand, they can choose to end the round by either knocking or calling gin. This is indicated by discarding a card face-down at the end of a turn. The instructions for each are shown below.

Knocking

Knocking can only be done when the total value of unmatched cards in hand is lower than 10. The card values are shown in the Scoring section of the guide.

The player who knocks will reveal his hand with the melded combinations set aside. The other player then shows their hand, and gets a chance to lay off.

Laying Off

Laying off can be done in response to a player knocking. The knocking player cannot lay off. The player responding to the knock can play their unmatched cards into the melds of the knocking player. An example of a lay off is shown in the Hands section of the guide.

Since knocking off triggers the point calculation of the round, laying off allows a player to lower the amount of points granted to the knocking player. Points are awarded based on the difference between the value of unmatched cards, also known as the deadwood in hand.

Undercut

The undercut occurs when a player responding to a knock has less value in their deadwood cards after laying off than the knocking player. An example is shown below.

If an undercut occurs, the responding player gets awarded 10 points, as well as the point difference.

Gin

Calling gin is only allowed when there are no deadwood cards in hand. In other words, a player that calls Gin only has sets and sequences in hand. When gin is called, there is no lay off phase, and the player that calls gin gets a bonus of 30 points.

Big Gin

Knocking and calling gin occurs at the end of a turn. If a player has gin in hand, but chooses to risk a draw, they can call Big Gin. This is when the drawn card fits into the melds in hand, leaving no deadwood. This awards 50 points instead.

Gin Rules

Gin Rummy has specific rules that apply to specific situations, ensuring smooth gameplay.

Knock rules

Knocks can only be called if the total value of deadwood cards are less than 10. A player does not need to knock when their deadwood value is less than 10, they can choose to continue drawing to improve their hand further. The player who knocked cannot lay off cards to their opponent.

Gin/Big Gin rules

Gins can only be called when the value of deadwood is 0. When a player calls gin, the lay off phase is skipped. Due to the nature of the game, undercut is impossible, since there is no value lower than 0.

Undercut rules

Undercuts occur when the opposing player has a lower deadwood value than the knocking player. If both players have the same deadwood value, it is considered an undercut, and the undercut bonus goes to the responding player.

Melding rules

Melds have to consist of 3 cards or more. Depending on the variation of Gin Rummy being played, melds of 6 or more cards are not allowed.

Summary

In summary, the Gin Rummy rules are:

Dealer is determined via deck splitting.
Each player is dealt 10 cards each, 1 card at a time.
The next card in the deck is placed face-up, forming the discard pile.
The non-dealer goes first, and draws 1 either from the top of the draw or discard pile.
When a player is satisfied with their hand, they can call for a knock or gin.
A player can only call for a knock when their deadwood card value is less than 10.
A player can respond to a knock by laying off cards into the melds of another player.
A player cannot respond to gins.

Scoring & Deadwood

Gin Rummy scoring is based on the difference in deadwood value, as well as bonuses awarded from the undercut, gin and big gin. The typical scores for each are shown below:

Undercut: 10 points
Gin: 30 points
Big Gin: 50 points

Apart from the bonuses, deadwood value is considered. These will fall below 10 points, since knocks can only be called with a deadwood value below 10. The calculation of deadwood value is shown below:

2 – 10: Face Value
10 – K: 10 points
Ace: 1 point
Joker: 20 points (when included)

What Are The Rules To Play Gin Rummy

Note that when a tie of deadwood score happens on a knock, the undercut is still awarded to the responding player.

The game ends with the first player reaching 100 points being granted the win.

Hands

Gin Rummy hands are all about building a winning hand, minimizing deadwood value by discarding unmatched cards each turn. Once a satisfactory hand is built, a player can knock, or in rare cases, call gin with a hand of only melds.

Melds have to include 3-5 cards, and examples are shown below:

A straight of 5 cards:
7♠ 8♠ 9♠ 10♠ J♠

A set of 4 cards:
8♠ 8♦ 8♣ 8♥

How To Play Gin Rummy Card Game With Three People

Illegal set of 2 cards:
7♦ 7♣

An example hand and the layoff phase is shown below. In this case, Player 1 calls for a knock.

Before the lay off phase, Player 1 clearly wins via score, but player 2 can lay off their J♥ and 7♥ to the first meld in Player 1’s hand. The updated scores are:

It can be observed that Player 2 now has less deadwood than Player 1. Hence, Player 2 has successfully undercut Player 1. Thus, Player 2 is awarded the difference of 4 points, along with the bonus of 10 points, getting a sum of 14 points this round.

Strategy & Tips

The basis of Gin Rummy strategy is knowing when to knock. Ideally, a low Deadwood value is a good indicator that it is time to knock.
Carefully consider discards. Sequences are easier to complete than sets, so do not hesitate to break sets during discards.
Each card can only be used for 1 meld.
Consider drawing from the discard pile. With the discard pile, you know for certain the card you will get, as opposed to the unknown draw pile.
Count cards, since the standard deck does not have duplicates, you can make more informed decisions.
Be careful when knocking. If your hand has simple sets to extend, the opposing player can lay off their cards.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many cards are dealt in Gin Rummy?

Each player receives 10 cards at the start of each round.

Rummy vs Gin Rummy; what is the difference?

Rummy can be played by 2-6 players, whereas Gin Rummy is suitable for 2-4 players. Rummy also has more specific conditions for winning.

Can Gin Rummy be played with 3 players?

Yes. Gin Rummy can be adapted to 2-4 players by changing the starting deal amount.

How to win at Gin Rummy every time?

Counting cards, much like in other card games, can help you win more.

What is deadwood in Gin Rummy?

Deadwood refers to the unmatched cards in hand, and are used for point calculation.

What are Aces worth in Gin Rummy

Aces are worth 1 point in Gin Rummy.

How To Play Gin Rummy 500 Card Game

What is the significance of the name and how did it become famous?

Some versions of the history of the game claim its origin to be in the 20^th century. It is believed the game’s name came from its inventor’s fondness of the alcoholic drink of Gin. The game became popular when it was adopted by Hollywood’s elite and famous movie stars back in the 1930’s. They liked playing this thrilling and fast game on the set during takes.

Another reason for the Rummy games’ popularity is believed to be from the great depression period, when people did not have many financial resources to engage in outdoor entertainment activities, and turned to different ways to spend quality time with family and friends indoors.

How To Play Gin And Rummy

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