Basic Rules of Rummy
Objective of the Game

The objective of Rummy is to form sets and runs by drawing and discarding cards. Players take turns drawing a card and discarding one from their hand. When a player has a valid hand of sets and runs, they can declare to win the game. This game on this website is for fun and does not involve real money. You may buy credits and play Rummy with friends from all around the world.

Cards

A standard deck in Rummy includes 52 cards, divided into four suits: Hearts, Diamonds, Clubs, and Spades. Each suit contains cards numbered 2 through 10, along with face cards (Jack, Queen, King) and an Ace. Some variations also use jokers as wild cards, which can substitute any card in forming a set or run.

Game Flow

Each player is dealt a specific number of cards (usually 10 or 13) at the start. Players then draw one card from the deck or the discard pile on their turn, followed by discarding a card. The goal is to arrange cards into sets (three or four of a kind) and runs (three or more consecutive cards of the same suit). Players continue until one player declares, achieving the required combinations.

Declaring
  • A player may declare when they have all their cards in valid sets or runs.
  • After declaring, the player lays down their cards for verification.
Forming Sets and Runs
  • A **Set** consists of three or four cards of the same rank, but different suits (e.g., 7 of Hearts, 7 of Diamonds, 7 of Spades).
  • A **Run** consists of three or more consecutive cards of the same suit (e.g., 4, 5, 6 of Clubs).
Scoring

When a player declares, points are calculated based on the cards remaining in other players' hands. Numbered cards are worth their face value, face cards (Jack, Queen, King) are worth 10 points each, and Aces can be worth 1 or 11 points depending on the variation. The player with the lowest score wins the game, often played in multiple rounds.

Note that some variations have a specific target score to reach to end the game. Strategies in Rummy involve balancing offensive moves (creating your sets and runs) and defensive ones (discarding cards that are harder for other players to use in their sets or runs).