Rummy Variations

Rummy is one of the most commonly played card games across the globe. It is a game of technique, planning, and chance; therefore, it is welcomed by social and professional players since people of all classes enjoy the game. With numerous variations available, players can choose the style that suits them best. Some of the top-played types of rummy are:

1. 13 Card Rummy

   One of the most commonly played kinds of rummy, 13 card rummy is purely a skill-based game. Here, each player is dealt 13 cards and the game aims to form sequences and sets. Valid sequence – This comprises three or more cards of the same suit put on a running basis. For instance, 6,7,8 diamonds. However, a set can be three or four cards of the same rank, like three Queen cards. The cards can be picked either from the deck or the discarded pile to make the sets and sequences of the required number. The game goes on until one of the players lays down all his cards in a meld. Start the Rummy app download process and stand a chance to win up to Rs. 1 Crore on TezRummy!

2. Indian Rummy

   Like the 13 card rummy, there are some differences in the rules pertaining to these games, such as Indian rummy, which is typically played using two decks of cards. It involves two to six participants, and the objective is to make correct runs and sloughs. The special rules of such games include that a player should possess two sequences in hand, one of which is pure and does not include joker cards. The interesting part? It is embraced by people for its strategic depth and engaging gameplay, making it an all-time favorite variant among rummy players.

3. Points Rummy

   Known for its fast-paced gameplay, points rummy decides the winner based on the scores of the players. The game features quick rounds, and the winner is immediately declared at the end of every hand, making it ideal for players who do not want to devote much time to the game. It requires two to six players to play a hand, and the entry fee starts at ₹1. In this type of rummy card game, every point has a monetary value, and players have to build all their cards to win the round.

4. Deals Rummy

   If you want to play a predetermined set of deals or rounds, choose deals rummy. In this variant, every player is assigned a certain number of points at the start of the game and they lose or gain points according to their performance in each round. The game is carried out until all rounds, and the winner will be decided as the person who receives the most points. Deals rummy makes the player employ his analytical brain to control card points over a few rounds, at the same time trying to beat opponents.

5. Pool Rummy

   Another common variation of rummy, pool rummy is usually played in informal settings. Here, the players decide on a fixed pool amount before starting the game. The goal of this variant is to have minimum points and eliminate players as the game progresses. These types of rummy cards deliver a competitive edge as players get knocked out when their points reach a certain limit. The last player who remains in the game wins the pool. No wonder it is a popular game in social gatherings and gaming platforms.

6. 21 Card Rummy

   A game played using an ordinary deck of cards, 21-card rummy requires two to six participants. Each player is dealt 21 cards, and the goal of the game is to make sequels and sets. In this variant also, the players can pick up cards in the deck or in the discarded pile to manage their sets as well as sequences. The only difference here is that more cards are used in play, and this further adds to the strategic content of the game as well as the strategies involved in gameplay. For this reason, such rummy games are considered highly interesting for experienced players.

Rummy is not only popular in India, but it has marked its place internationally as well. With the basic goal of farming sets and sequences, a few other interesting types of rummy games have appealed to players globally

1. Gin Rummy

   Prominent worldwide, gin rummy is a classic version of rummy game. It is played between two players, and each player is given 10 cards. The goal of each player is to create valid sense and sequences. The good part of these rummy variations is that it allow the players to end the round if they believe they have formed enough melds. Points are given based on the unmelded cards left with the opponent and the player with the maximum score at the end of multiple rounds, wins the game.

2. Canasta

   Founded in the 1940s in Uruguay, Canasta has evolved to be one of the most popular rummy variants, especially in the United States. It is laid with two decks of cards and the players have to form melds of seven cards of the same rank. This variant can also be played by two to six players, with partners often playing in teams of two. The players are also allowed to use jokers as wildcards, making the game more dynamic and strategic.

3. Rummikub

   Although rummikub is played with tiles rather than cards, it evolved from rummy variants games. Instead of suits and ranks, a standard deck has tiles with numbers and colours, and the players must form groups of three or more in runs or sets. To ensure that the game is highly interactive and very competitive, players can also adjust the existing sets on the table. It is a popular type in Europe and Israel.

4. Oklahoma Rummy

   A variation played in America, Oklahoma rummy is closely related to gin rummy, with one difference. The numerical value of the first drawn card describes the total number of cards. Every player can spread all the melded cards on the table before he is able to turn up. For example, if the rank drawn is “seven,” it means a player must have at least seven points worth of set or sequence to be declared a winner. Essentially, this version requires a strategic approach to designing and programming.

5. Kalooki Rummy

   Known and played in many regions in Europe, kalooki rummy is mostly played using two decks of 52 playing cards, and the jokers are the wild card. The basic aim is to clear all the cards off your hand by making legitimate melds before anyone else does that. What differentiates such rummy games as these from the rest? The Joker card is available from another store during the gameplay, and players can purchase it. This variant is played for point values and cards left with the player are penalized.

6. 500 Rummy

   Played with two to eight players, 500 rummy uses a standard deck of 52 cards. Players have to score points for making sets and sequences and the player who reaches 500 points first becomes the winner. The game is quite popular in many countries and perfectly combines both skill and luck. Plus, the joker acting as a wildcard adds complexity to the overall game.

7. Shanghai Rummy

   Shanghai rummy is played with two or more decks of cards. The primary goal of players is to complete a specific set of contracts over 10 rounds, with each round adding difficult goals into the gameplay. It has become quite popular in North America for its competitive and fast-paced technique.

8. Dummy Rummy

   A relatively new variant of rummy, dummy rummy has immensely gained popularity in recent years. In this variant, players have to complete sets and sequences in each round. It also requires the player to complete various preset contracts and the use of Joker as a wildcard adds unpredictability to the game, making it engaging and exciting.

9. Contract Rummy

   Contract rummy is another common type in which players are provided with specific contracts in each round. For example, players may be asked to create two sets or run a set. This game is played over multiple rounds, and if the player fails to complete the contract; they may need to pay a penalty. Plus, it features limiting types of metals players can form in each round, making the game challenging and strategic.