How to Play Rummy Card Game Online?

Introduction

Rummy has been the most popular card game in the Indian subcontinent for generations. Played between two to six players with one or two standard deck of cards (including printed joker cards), the rules are pretty straightforward and easy to comprehend.

In a rummy game, 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.

RummyBo has made a comprehensive guide to help you learn how to play online Rummy which will turn you into a rummyboStar Rummy player in minutes. Ready? Here we go-

Origins of Rummy

Pundits still debate as to where the game of rummy originally originated from in the nineteenth century - whether it was derived from the Mexican game of Conquian or if started in Asia based on the Mahjong variant Khanhoo (originally called Kun P’ai).

Whatever the case, the basic rule of drawing and discarding cards to make valid combinations (melds) were found in Chinese card games from as early as the 19th century, and even maybe as early as the 18th century.

Where Does the Word ‘Rummy’ Come From

There are various theories as to where the name ‘rummy’ came from. Some believe the word ‘rummy’ comes from the word ‘rum’ which was a slang in Great Britain that meant odd, peculiar, strange or queer while others believe the word originated from Rum, the popular alcoholic beverage. There is also another theory that rummy comes from Whiskey Poker which eventually came to be known as Rum Poker and finally became simply Rummy.

What is the Objective of Rummy Card Game

The objective of Rummy is to win - by forming sequences and sets with the thirteen cards you are dealt and making a valid declaration before your opponents. As per the rummy rules, at least one pure sequence needs to be made along with another impure sequence and sets. An invalid declaration makes you immediately lose the match. So, it’s crucial that you know the basic rules of rummy and the different rummy terms that are associated with it.

What are the Rummy Rules - Indian Rummy

• As per Indian Rummy rules, the game 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.
• 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).
• 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.
• Players pick one card from the closed or open deck and discard one card to the discard pile.According to the rummy rules, players need to arrange all the cards in their hand to form at least one pure sequence and other valid sequences/sets.
• 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.
• The first player to make a valid declaration wins the game!

What is a Sequence in Rummy

A combination of three or more cards of the same suit.Rummy Sequences can be either pure (7♠️, 8♠️, 9♠️) or impure (7♠️, 8♠️, Joker).

Pure Sequence: A sequence of consecutive cards of the same suit (7♠️, 8♠️, 9♠️). Joker/wild joker cannot be used to make a pure sequence.

Impure Sequence: A sequence of same suited consecutive cards formed with a Joker/wild joker (7♠️, 8♠️, Joker).

What is a Set in Rummy card game?

Set:Sets in rummyis a combination of three or more cards of the same value but of different suits (6♠️, 6♥️, 6♦️). A joker/wild joker can be used to make a set (6♠️, 6♥️, Joker).

What are Jokers in Rummy? How are they important

Jokers are one of the most important cards in Rummy and can make or break your game depending on how you use them. As per rummy rules, jokers can be substituted to form impure sequences or sets. Joker cards cannot be used to form pure sequences.

There are two types of jokers: printed jokers and wild jokers:

Printed Joker:In a standard deck, there are 52 cards and two Joker cards. The Joker card, also called the “Trump card”, can be used to replace any card to form an impure sequence or a set.

Wild Joker:After the dealer has dealt 13 cards each to all the players, one card is selected from the deck randomly as the wild Joker which can be used to form an impure set/sequence by replacing any card.

How to Make a Valid Declaration According to Rummy Rules?

Valid Declaration

To win at the game of Rummy, players have to make a valid declaration by arranging all 13 cards in sequences and sets. Any player who makes a valid declaration first wins the game and gets zero points.

To make a valid declaration, players need to ensure the following criteria are met:

• Pure Sequence:One pure sequence is mandatory to win a rummy game. Joker/wild joker cannot be used to make a pure sequence. A wild joker can only be used when it is a part of the suit. E.g: if ‘3’ is a wild joker, you can make a pure sequence with (2♣️, 3♣️, 4♣️).
• Second Sequence:Two sequences are required in the game of Rummy to make a valid declaration. So, players need to form a second sequence which can be either pure (7♠️, 8♠️, 9♠️) or impure (7♠️, 8♠️, Joker).
• Proper Card Arrangement:The rest of the cards need to be arranged in either sequences or sets. Making a set (6♠️, 6♥️, 6♦️) is optional.

Example:

With Wild Joker (‘7’ is Wild Joker)

Without Wild Joker

Invalid Declaration

If the above criterions are not met, it will be an invalid declaration. Making an invalid declaration in a 2-player game will result in you losing the game instantly. In games consisting more than 2 players, other players will carry on playing until a valid declaration is made.

Example:

Fundamental Guidelines to Make a Valid Rummy Declaration

Things to keep in mind before declaring in a Rummy game:

How Does the Scoring System Work in The Game of Rummy?

Basic Rules to Know for Point Calculation

Example: Ajay and Bijay are playing a points rummy game. Ajay makes a valid declaration and wins the game. This is how their points will be calculated:

Ajay’s hand:

Bijay’s hand:

How Points are Calculated for Losing Players

Losing players will get penalised with points. Here’s a breakdown of how the points are calculated:

• Invalid Declaration:Players who make an invalid declaration in a rummy game will be penalised a maximum points of 80 (irrespective of the cards in the player’s hand).
• Losing Player with a Valid Hand:The second player to declare a valid hand gets a penalty of 2 points only. E.g: if your opponent makes a valid declaration first and you also have a valid hand, you will be penalised two points.
• First Drop:If you quit the game before or during your very first move without picking a card, it is called a first drop. The penalty points for a first drop are 20 in a points rummy game.
• Middle Drop:If you quit a rummy game any time after the first turn, you will get a penalty of 40 points. If you miss 3 consecutive turns, you will be automatically dropped out of the game and will be penalised 40 points.
• Leave Table:If you quit after picking a card, you will get a middle drop and get a penalty of 40 points.

How Points are Calculated in Rummy Cash Games (at RummyBo)

Points Rummy:

Player Winnings = [Points Value x Total Points of all Losing Players] – RummyBo Fee

Deals Rummy:

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

Pool Rummy:

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

Different Variants of 13 Card Rummy (at RummyBo)

There are three types of 13 Card Rummy available at RummyBo:

1. Points Rummy

2. Deals Rummy

3. Pool Rummy (101 & 201)

1. Points Rummy Rules

Objective: Points Rummy is played between 2 to 6 players and the goal is to make two sequences where one pure sequence is mandatory. The remaining cards can be a combination of sequences/sets. The game ends when a player makes a valid declaration.

How to Calculate Player Winnings in Points Rummy:

Player Winnings = [Points Value x Total Points of all Losing Players] – RummyBo Fee

Related Post - How to Play & Rules for Points Rummy Online? - The Ultimate Guide

2.Deals Rummy Rules

Objective: Deals Rummy is played between 2 players with one standard deck of cards. The game is played for a number of predetermined deals (also called rounds) and the player who has the lowest score at the end of the deal/rounds wins the entire prizepool.

How to Calculate Player Winning in Deals Rummy:

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

Related Post - How to Play & Rules for Deals Rummy Online? - The Ultimate Guide

3.Pool Rummy Rules (101 & 201)

Objective of 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.

How to Calculate Player Winning in Pool Rummy:

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

Related Post - How to Play & Rules for Pool Rummy Online? - The Ultimate Guide

Related Post - How to Calculate Rummy Points? - Scoring System

Game Winning Tips & Tricks For Rummy Game

• 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.
• 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🧡).
• 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.
• 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.
• Check before declaring: An invalid declaration can be the difference between winning and losing. Always check your cards before declaring.
• Observe your opponents: Always keep an eye on your opponent and their moves.

Related Post - Best Rummy Tips & Tricks for Winning at Online Rummy

Steps To Play Online Rummy Card Games

• Download the RummyBo app and register.
• Choose the Rummy game you want to play (Points, Deals or Pool).
• Select the table of either 2 or 6 players.
• The game starts with 13 cards dealt to each player and a random card selected as the wild joker.
• Draw a card from the closed deck or the open deck and discard a card to the open deck (no player should have more than 13 cards).
• According to the rummy rules, you need to arrange all the cards in your hand to form at least one pure sequence and other valid sequences/sets.
• Once you have one pure sequence and other valid sequence/sets by grouping your 13 cards, make a declaration to win the game.
• The first player to make a valid declaration wins the game!

Why Play Rummy Games at RummyBo

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Rummy Glossary: Important Terms to Learn Rummy Rules

13-Card Rummy

13 Card Rummy is played by 2 to 6 players. For 2 players a standard deck of 52 cards is selected and for 6 players two decks of 52 cards are combined. To win, players must form sets or sequences (with at least one pure and one impure sequence).

Aces

There are four Aces (A♠️, A♥️, A♦️, A♣️) in a standard deck of 52 cards and can be used to form either a low-value (A♥️, 2♥️, 3♥️) or a high-value sequence (A♣️, K♣️, Q♣️).

Best of Three

Used in Deals Rummy where three deals are played and the player with the highest number of chips at the end of the three rounds is the winner.

Buy-In:

Also known as entry fee, it is the amount required to join a cash tournament.

Cash Games

Games which players play for real cash. The player who wins takes home real money.

Chips

Chips are virtual money used for playing Rummy. At RummyBo, every player gets 10,000 practice chips for free to play Practice games and sharpen their skills. Chips are used to play practice games on RummyBo. You get free chips when you register on RummyBo and you can reload chips when you run out of them.

Closed Deck:

After the cards have been dealt to players, the remaining face-down cards is the closed deck. Players pick cards from the closed deck and it’s reshuffled when all the cards from the closed deck are picked up.

Deadwood/Unmatched Cards

Cards that don’t form any valid combinations (2♥️, 5♣️, J♥️) and are not part of a meld.

Dealer

The player who distributes the cards to all other players at the start of a round. All players pick a card from the deck and the one with the lowest/highest card (depending on the house rules) becomes the dealer.

Dealing

The distribution of cards by the dealer to each player at the start of each round.

Deck

A pack of playing cards. A standard deck has 52 cards - four suits (♠️, ♥️, ♦️, ♣️) of thirteen cards each and two printed Jokers. The 13 cards are 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, J, Q, K and A.

Declare

Declaring means that a player has completed the objective of the Rummy game and lays out his/her cards for other players to verify if the combinations are as per the rules of the game.

Discard

During every player’s turn, they have to pick up a card, either from the closed or open deck, and then throw away (discard) a card face-up in the open deck.

Discard Pile (Open Deck)

After the cards have been dealt to players, one card from the remaining cards is placed facing up on the table and forms the discard pile/open deck. After a player picks up a card, he/she has to then throw away a card face-up in the open deck. The next player can either pick a card from the closed deck or the top card from the discard pile.

Draw

Picking one card from the closed deck or the top card from the open deck.

Drop

A player quitting the game before the game has finished. Players are penalised for dropping out depending on the game they are playing.

Face Card

A card that has the face of a member of the royal court printed on it. These cards are Jack, Queen and Kings (of all suits). Contrary to popular belief, the Ace (A) is not a face card since it has no face printed on it.

First Drop

Quitting the game before or during the very first move without picking a card.

Full Count

Maximum possible points that can be scored by a player in a game (irrespective of the total value of cards in their hand).

Hand

The cards dealt to a player at the start of the game. Players have to arrange their hands to form melds to finish the game.

Impure Sequence

A sequence of same suited consecutive cards formed with a Joker/wild joker (7♠️, 8♠️, Joker).

Meld

Forming a group of three or more cards into a valid sequence (7♠️, 8♠️, 9♠️) or a set (6♠️, 6♥️, 6♦️).

Middle Drop

Quitting a game any time after the first turn. If a player misses three consecutive turns, they will be automatically dropped out of the game.

Paplu

Another version of Indian Cherokee Rummy - considered a mix of Gin Rummy and Rummy 500.

Points

Every card in a standard deck of cards is assigned a certain value. All the numbered cards (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10) have the same point value as the numbers on them while Jack (J), Queen (Q), King (K) and Ace (A) are assigned 10 points each. A losing player’s points is tallied by adding the points of their unmatched cards.

Printed Joker

In a standard deck, there are 52 cards and two Joker cards. The Joker card, also called the “Trump card”, can be used to replace any card to form an impure sequence or a set. Joker cards cannot be used to form pure sequences.

Pure Sequence

A sequence of consecutive cards of the same suit (7♠️, 8♠️, 9♠️). Joker/wild joker cannot be used to make a pure sequence.

Rummy Tournaments

Multiplayer rummy games played against multi players on multi tables where the players with the highest number of chips move forward to the next round. To register for a rummy tournament, players need to pay an entry fee (buy-in). If the entry fee is 0, it is called a freeroll tournament (free entry).

Set

A combination of three or more cards of the same value but of different suits (6♠️, 6♥️, 6♦️). A joker/wild joker can be used to make a set (6♠️, 6♥️, Joker).

Sequence

A combination of three or more cards of the same suit. Sequences can be either pure (7♠️, 8♠️, 9♠️) or impure (7♠️, 8♠️, Joker).

Shuffling

The act of intermixing cards to ensure randomness of the cards. In offline games, shuffling is almost always followed by cutting the cards (split the deck into two by lifting one packet and placing it face down while the other packet is put on top of it) to further decrease the chances of the dealer having manipulated the cards.

Sorting

Arranging or grouping cards to help form sequences/sets. While playing at RummyBo, press the “Sort” button and all your cards will be grouped properly.

Suit

A standard deck of cards has 52 cards which are divided into 13 cards of four different ‘suits’ - spades ♠️, hearts ♥️, diamonds ♦️ and clubs ♣️.

Table

A table (real or virtual) where a game of rummy is played. Depending on the rules of the rummy variant, two to six players can play at a given table.

Wild Joker

After the dealer has dealt 13 cards each to all the players, one card is selected from the deck randomly as the wild Joker which can be used to form an impure set/sequence by replacing any card.

Want to Learn More About How to Win at Online Rummy?

1. Learn about Different Types of Rummy
2. How to win Rummy Cash Games Online and Win Real Cash Daily?
3. Free Rummy Games to Earn Real Cash

FAQs

1. How do you play rummy and win?

• 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.
• 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🧡).
• 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.
• 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.
• Check before declaring: An invalid declaration can be the difference between winning and losing. Always check your cards before declaring.
• Observe your opponents: Always keep an eye on your opponent and their moves.

2. How is Indian rummy played?

13 Card Rummy (Indian Rummy) is a cross between Gin Rummy and 500 Rummy. Indian Rummy is played by 2 to 6 players and is the most popular type of rummy that is played in the Indian subcontinent, enjoyed mostly at family gatherings or kitty parties, and especially during Diwali. For 2 players a standard deck of 52 cards is selected and for 6 players two decks of 52 cards are combined. To win, players must form sets or sequences (with at least one pure and one impure sequence) and make a valid declaration. The three most widely played 13 Card Rummy are:

• Points Rummy
• Deals Rummy
• Pool Rummy

3. How many cards do you play in rummy?

In Indian Rummy (Points, Deals and Pool) players are dealt 13 cards each at the beginning of the round.

4. What is a run in rummy (also called sequence)?

A sequence or run is a combination of three or more cards of the same suit. Sequences can be either pure (7♠️, 8♠️, 9♠️) or impure (7♠️, 8♠️, Joker).

5. What are the sets in rummy?

A set is a combination of three or more cards of the same value but of different suits (6♠️, 6♥️, 6♦️). A joker/wild joker can be used to make a set (6♠️, 6♥️, Joker).

6. Is rummy a skill or luck game?

Rummy is a game of skill and not a game of chance as declared by the Hon’ble. Supreme Court of India in 1968. Hence, online rummy is absolutely legal to play for free or cash.

7. Which card is highest in Rummy?

A, K, Q, J has 10 points. Other cards (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10) are equal to their face value.

8. How do you count points in Rummy?

After a round ends, losing players are penalised according to the summed up value of their unmatched cards (deadwood).

9. What’s the difference between rummy and Gin Rummy?

Indian Rummy differs from Gin Rummy in a lot of ways. Most importantly, in Indian Rummy 13 cards are dealt to players while in Gin Rummy 10 cards are dealt to the players. Also, Indian Rummy is played between 2-6 players while Gin Rummy is played between 2 players.

10. What is an ace worth in rummy?

In Indian Rummy, an Aces (A) is worth 10 points.

11. Do you always discard in rummy?

During a player’s turn. he/she must pick a card from the top of the open or closed deck and discard one card from his hand to the discard pile (open deck).

12. What is the aim of rummy?

The objective of Rummy is to win - by forming sequences and sets with the thirteen cards you are dealt and making a valid declaration before your opponents. As per the rummy rules, at least one pure sequence needs to be made along with another impure sequence and sets.

13. How do you master rummy?

• 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.
• 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🧡).
• 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.
• 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.
• Check before declaring: An invalid declaration can be the difference between winning and losing. Always check your cards before declaring.
• Observe your opponents: Always keep an eye on your opponent and their moves.

14. Is Rummy game safe to play?

When playing Rummy on a credible platform like RummyBo, it is completely safe for you to register to play online rummy. We have the best RNG algorithm (random number generator) that guarantees fair play.

15. Is playing rummy hard?

Rummy is very easy to learn and fun to play. Learn rummy in 10 minutes by going through our How to Play Rummy guide.

16. Why is it called rummy?

There are various theories as to where the name ‘rummy’ came from. Some believe the word ‘rummy’ comes from the word ‘rum’ which was a slang in Great Britain that meant odd, peculiar, strange or queer while others believe the word originated from Rum, the popular alcoholic beverage. There is also another theory that rummy comes from Whiskey Poker which eventually came to be known as Rum Poker and finally became simply Rummy.

17. What is full count in rummy?

Full count is the maximum possible points that can be scored by a player in a game (irrespective of the total value of cards in their hand).

18. Can you use 2 jokers in rummy?

The Joker card, also called the “Trump card”, can be used to replace any card to form an impure sequence or a set. Joker cards cannot be used twice in a single meld (two jokers cannot be placed next to each other).

19. Can you pick up the whole discard pile in rummy?

No, you cannot pick up the whole discard pile. During your turn, you can only pick the top card from the discard pile (open deck).

20. How many games are in Rummy?

Though there are over 40 types of Rummy Variants, the three main types of rummy played all over the word are - 13 Card Rummy, 21 Card Rummy and Gin Rummy.

21. How many people can play Rummy?

Rummy is generally played between two to six players