Rummy is one of the most popular card games in Indian homes. It is played at family gatherings, during holidays and on long train journeys. The 13-card version, often called Indian rummy, is easy to learn and rewards careful thinking.
What you need
- Two to six players
- Two standard decks of 52 cards, plus the printed jokers
- A pen and paper to keep score
The goal of the game
Each player receives 13 cards. The aim is to arrange all 13 cards into valid groups, called sequences and sets, and then declare before your opponents do.
Sequences and sets
Sequences
A sequence is three or more consecutive cards of the same suit, for example 5♥ 6♥ 7♥. A pure sequence uses no joker. An impure sequence uses a joker to replace a missing card.
Sets
A set is three or four cards of the same rank in different suits, for example 9♠ 9♦ 9♣.
The jokers
At the start of the game one card is drawn at random as the wild joker. Every card of that rank can then be used as a joker, along with the printed jokers. Jokers can complete impure sequences and sets.
How a turn works
- Draw one card, either from the closed deck or the top of the open (discard) pile.
- Decide whether it helps you form a group.
- Discard one card face up on the open pile.
You always end your turn with 13 cards.
Making a valid declaration
To declare, you must show:
- At least two sequences
- At least one of them must be a pure sequence
- All remaining cards arranged in valid sequences or sets
The pure sequence is often called the first life, and the second sequence the second life. Without them, a declaration is not valid.
Scoring
When a player declares correctly, the others count the points on their ungrouped cards. Face cards and aces usually count as 10 points, number cards count at face value and jokers count as zero. The player with the lowest total across several rounds wins the game.
Tips for your first games
- Focus on building a pure sequence early.
- Discard high-value cards you cannot use, to reduce your score if someone declares.
- Watch what other players pick from the open pile; it tells you what they are collecting.
Rummy is best enjoyed as a friendly game with family and friends, keeping score on paper for fun.
