Introduction

Rummy refers to a large family of card games with a very interestinghistory and evolution. Rummy games are played all overthe world, mostly in social or family groups, but also in competitive andgambling environments. Not only are there the more or less well knownRummy-like games listed here (and many that are not,) but most will have commonlyused alternate rules or game variations that some groups use when playing. Rummyis one of those things where just about anybody will find some game or variationthat appeals to them.

If you are not yet familiar with any Rummy or Rummy-like games, be sure to readthe Rummy Basics page first, where you can learn more about the thingsthat are common across most Rummy games, and also learn some of the terminologyused in most of the games.

Basic Rummy Games

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. 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. General Rules of Rummy Games. The following basic rules are common, to one degree or another, to all rummy games and variations. Each individual game has it's own specific rules, of course, but once these general rules are understood, players will find it easy to learn any variant of the basic game.

Basic Rummy The game is best played with two to four players, but up to six can take part. Either a fixed number of deals are played, or the game is played to a target score. The number of deals or the target score needs to be agreed before beginning to play. Rummy is a family of card games, but the rules here are for the most basic of the rummy games and a good introduction to the concept for the entire family. It's a popular card game that's fun for all ages. It's perfect for two to six players. All you need to play is a deck of cards.

This group of games have similar concepts and rules, and one of these is oftenwhat one thinks of when somebody says the name 'Rummy.' The aim is simply toform your whole hand into Sets or Runs, as soon as possible. When someonesucceeds in this and goes out, the other players may lose a fixed amount, or maybe penalized according to the number of unmelded cards they have left.

• Kalooki (North American, European)
• Three Thirteen (North America)
• Scala Quaranta / Scala 40 (Italy)
• Vazhushal / Vazhishal / Wipe (Southern India)
• Seven Bridge (Japan)
• Tres y Dos (Dominican Republic)
• Loba de Menos (Argentina)
• Marriage (Nepal)

Conquian Games

Conquian is generally regarded as the earliest form of Rummy. The objective, asin other Rummy games, is to complete a hand consisting entirely of validcombinations. However, the draw and discard mechanism is somewhat different.Cards drawn from the stock or taken from the discard pile are never added to aplayer's hand, they must be melded or discarded.

Contract Rummy Games

The object is the same as in Standard Rummy, but in each round, eachplayer's first meld has to conform to a predetermined contract. Generally, thecontract becomes more difficult through a series of rounds.

Texas Rummy Rules

• Contract Rummy

• Other Contract-like Games

  • Caribbean Kalooki
  • South African Kalookie
  • Telefunken

Manipulation Rummy Games

Again the aim is to get rid of all your cards by melding them. The distinctivefeature of these games is that when melding, you are also allowed to rearrangethe existing melds on the table to form new melds incorporating cards you addfrom your hand.

• Carousel

• Machiavelli

Knock Rummy Games

In these games, you do not necessarily have to form all your cards into sets togo out. You go out when you think that the value of your unmatched cards (thedeadwood) is less than that of the other players. If you are correct you win,but if another player can do better you are penalized.

Basic Gin Rummy Rules

• Gin Rummy

  • Cutthroat Gin (3 players)
  • Chouette Gin (3+ players)
  • Battle Royal Gin (3 players)
  • Partnership Gin (4+ players)

• Other Knock Style Games

  • Rumino

Meld Scoring Games

In this type of game positive points are scored for melds. There is still anadvantage in going out, but it is also necessary to consider gaining points bymaking valuable melds.

• Indonesian Remi
• Banakil (Jordan, Palestine, Syria and Lebanon)
• Mille
• Arlington

Canasta Games

This is a particular type of Meld Scoring Rummy with special bonuses for meldsof seven cards, known as Canastas.

• Classic Canasta and Modern American Canasta

  • Canasta for Two
  • Canasta for Three
  • Canasta for Five
  • Canasta for Six

Games for kids

Many Rummy games are suitable for kids to master and enjoy. I remember playingStandard Rummy with my Grandma when I was quite young, (around 7 or 8)and it was a great experience. A few games here at the Rummy Rulebook are simpleenough that they can be learned by even younger children, and they have beencollected in this group for easy access. For example, my 4 year oldgranddaughter won the first game of Tres y Dos that we played, with onlya little help.