Pool Rummy - How to Play 101 & 201 Pool Rummy Game?

Introduction

Of all the different Rummy games that are played in India, Pool Rummy holds a special place in the hearts of true rummy aficionados. Pool Rummy is a game of “Pratishta, Parampara and Anushasan” (honour, tradition, and discipline). While most variants of the 13 Card Indian Rummy games like Points or Deals Rummy generally take a few minutes to finish, Pool Rummy games can drag on for a long time. It takes a huge amount of patience and determination to excel and win at Pool Rummy.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the immensely popular Pool Rummy and its two variations - 101 Pool Rummy and 201 Pool Rummy. You'll learn the basic rules, gameplay, and strategies of each variant and be ready to play Pool Rummy online in no time! So grab your cards and let's get started!

What is Pool Rummy?

Pool Rummy is played between 2 to 6 players with one or two standard decks of cards (depending on the players at the table) and a pre-decided points tally (101 or 201 Rummy). Players who reach the tally get eliminated and the player with the lowest score is declared the winner.

The cards in each suit (spades ♠️, hearts ♥️, diamonds ♦️ and clubs ♣️) rank low to high starting with Ace (A), 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Jack (J), Queen (Q) and finally King (K). Ace, King, Queen and Jack each hold 10 points. The other remaining cards have value equal to their face value. E.g, 7 will hold 7 points, 9 will hold 9 points and so on.

Types of Pool Rummy

There are many variants of Pool Rummy, but the goal remains the same - the game ends when a player reaches the predetermined tally of points at the end of their turn and the player with the lowest score at the end of the game wins. Some of the most popular variants of Pool Rummy are:

1. 101 Pool
2. 201 Pool
3. 51 Pool
4. 61 Pool

The most played Pool Rummy games at RummyBo are 101 Pool and 201 Pool Rummy.

101 Pool Rummy

As the name suggests, 101 Pool is played for 101 points and the player(s) who make 101 points or more gets eliminated. The player with the lowest score at the end of the game wins. The scores of other players are calculated based on the number of unmatched cards.

If a player drops without picking up a card, they will be penalised 20 points. If a player drops after picking up at least one card, they will be penalised 40 points. And, players who make an invalid declaration or are unable to make a pure sequence are penalised 80 points.

201 Pool Rummy

201 Pool is played for a points tally of 201 points. Players who reach 201 points get eliminated and the player with the lowest score at the end of the game wins.

If a player drops without picking up a card, they will be penalised 25 points. If a player drops after picking up at least one card, they will be penalised 50 points. And, players who make an invalid declaration or are unable to make a pure sequence are penalised 80 points.

Rules of Pool Rummy

Cards:

Depending on the number of players, Pool Rummy is played with one or two standard decks of 52 cards, including the jokers. The game is played between 2 to 6 players.

Dealing:

The dealer distributes 13 cards to each player and places the remaining cards face down on the table as the draw pile. The top card from the draw pile is turned face-up and placed next to the draw pile to start the discard pile.

Gameplay:

The player to the left of the dealer starts the game by picking a card from the draw pile or the top card from the discard pile. The player then needs to form valid sets and sequences with the cards in hand and discard one card to the discard pile. The next player then takes a turn to pick a card and form sets and sequences, and the game continues in a clockwise direction.

One of the most important things to remember while playing Pool Rummy is that your declaration must always consist of at least two sequences, out of which one has to be a pure sequence. Also, sets cannot have the same card with the same suit twice. E.g: the set of 8♠️-8♠️-8♣️ is invalid as it has two 8♠️.

How to Play 101 & 201 Pool Rummy?

Here’s how a game of Pool Rummy is played:

Pool Rummy is played between 2 to 6 players with one or two standard decks of cards (depending on the players at the table) along the printed joker cards.

1. Thirteen cards are dealt to each player at the start of the game. The remaining cards are kept face down on the table (closed deck) with the top card placed face up (this becomes the discard pile/open deck).
2. One random card from the deck is selected as the Wild Joker. All cards of that same face value can also be used as Wild Jokers.
3. Players pick one card from the closed or open deck and discard one card to the discard pile.
4. According to the rules, players need to arrange all the cards in their hand to form at least one pure sequence, one impure sequence and/or sets.
5. Once a player has at least one pure sequence and other valid sequence/sets by grouping their 13 cards, they need to make a declaration.
6. The first player to make a valid declaration gets a score of zero! The score of the other players is decided by multiplying point value to the value of the unmatched cards.
7. Once a player reaches 101 or 201 points, they are eliminated from the game. The last man standing (with the lowest points) is declared the winner.

Tips & Tricks to Win at Pool Rummy

1. If you don’t already have a pure sequence and/or jokers at the start of the game (before picking up a card), it’s better to drop the game.
2. Make a pure sequence fast: Since you cannot win without a pure sequence, always try to make a pure sequence early on in the game Discard cards with high-value: Aces, Kings, Queens and Jacks are cards with high point values. Discard unmatched high cards as soon as possible to decrease the risk of losing by a big margin.
3. Get connecting cards: Connecting cards will help you form sequences and/or sets. E.g: you can use 4🧡 with 2🧡 and 3🧡 (2🧡-3🧡-4🧡) or with 5🧡 and 6🧡 (4🧡-5🧡-6🧡).
4. Collecting jokers: Collect jokers to replace high value cards with. Also, since jokers cannot be used to form pure sequences, use them to make other sets and sequences.
5. Avoid the discard pile: If you can help it, try not to pick up cards from the discard pile as it gives away the kind of hand you are trying to make.
6. Check before declaring: An invalid declaration can be the difference between winning and losing. Always check your cards before declaring.
7. Observe your opponents: Always keep an eye on your opponent and their moves.
8. Try to keep your options open by not committing to one particular set or sequence too early in the game.

How Points are calculated in Pool Rummy?

The player who makes a valid declaration will get a score of zero. The losing players will get penalised based on the unmatched cards in their hand.

Here’s how the winnings are calculated:

Player Winnings = [Entry Fee x Number of players] – RummyBo Fee

Download Pool Rummy App (101 & 201 Pools Rummy)

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RummyBo is the best app to play Pool Rummy online. You can download our Pool Rummy app and play in just a few steps.

Follow these steps to download Pools Rummy app:

1. Step 1: Download the RummyBo app
2. Step 2: Register for free (₹250 bonus when you sign up)
3. Step 3: Deposit using the “Add Cash” button
4. Step 4: Select a Pool (101 or 201) game from the lobby
5. Step 5: Start playing!

Happy Gaming!

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1. How to Play Rummy for Free and Earn Money?
2. How to Play Rummy Online? - The Ultimate Guide
3. Strategies to Win Real Cash Daily in Online Rummy

FAQs

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1. What is Pool Rummy?

Pool Rummy is played between 2 to 6 players with one or two standard decks of cards (depending on the players at the table) and a pre-decided points tally (101 or 201 Rummy). Players who reach the tally get eliminated and the player with the lowest score is declared the winner.

2. What is the difference between 101 Pool Rummy and 201 Pool Rummy?

101 Pool is played for 101 points while 201 Pool is played for 201 points. Players who reach the 101 or 201 points tally are eliminated from the game and the player with the lowest score is declared the winner.

3. How many players can play Pool Rummy?

101 or 201 Pool can be played with 2 to 6 players.

4. How do you calculate points in Pool Rummy?

Points are calculated based on the value of the cards left in a player's hand at the end of each round.

5. Can Jokers be used in Pool Rummy?

Yes, Jokers can be used to replace any card in a set or sequence.

6. How does the game end in Pool Rummy?

The game ends when all players (except the winner) reach the predetermined points limit, either 101 or 201.

7. Can players drop out of the game in Pool Rummy?

Yes, in 101 and 201 Pool games, players may have the option to drop out of the game if they think they are not going to win, in order to reduce their points.

8. What are the rules of 101 Pool Rummy?

101 Pool is played for 101 points and the player(s) who make 101 points or more gets eliminated. The player with the lowest score at the end of the game wins.

9. What are the rules of 201 Pool Rummy?

201 Pool is played for a points tally of 201 points. Players who reach 201 points get eliminated and the player with the lowest score at the end of the game wins.

10. How is the winner determined in 101 Pool Rummy?

Players who reach the 101 points tally are eliminated from the game and the player with the lowest score is declared the winner.

11. How is the winner determined in 201 Pool Rummy?

Players who reach the 201 points tally are eliminated from the game and the player with the lowest score is declared the winner.

12. Can you play Pool Rummy online?

Yes, you can play 101 and 201 Pool Rummy online at RummyBo.

13. What are the benefits of playing Pool Rummy?

Pool Rummy provides a new and exciting twist on traditional rummy, offers opportunities for strategic thinking, and can be played online with friends and other players from around the world.