Rummy Strategy

14 Different Types of Rummy Variations You Must Know

14 Different Types of Rummy Variations You Must Know

Indian Rummy is the most popular rummy variation, sometimes people playing together add variations for different rounds just to switch things up! The following are some of the different types of rummy variations.

Different Types Rummy Variations Game Introduction

Out of all the card games that most people play, Rummy happens to be one of the most popular ones. Its multiple variants make it ideal for different groups of people. If you are new to this exciting game, you must learn all you can about these different variations. Even though Indian Rummy is the most popular rummy variation, sometimes people playing together add variations for different rounds just to switch things up! You wouldn’t want to lose out on the chance of winning just because you’re unfamiliar with a variant, right?

So, with that in mind, the following are some of the different types of rummy variations:

Rummy Variations

1. Indian Rummy (13 Card Rummy)

Indian Rummy is also known as 13 Card Rummy, as it utilizes 13 cards per player. Many believe that is game stems from Rummy 500 and Gin Rummy. By discarding and picking cards, players create sequences and sets in order to win. The game also uses a joker that can be used as a substitute for any card that the player desires.

13 card rummy is popular because it is neither too complicated nor too simple. It is a thrilling skill game and you can play many matches in a day. Every player is dealt 13 cards that they have to arrange in valid sets (3 or more cards of the same rank but from different suits) and sequences (3 or more consecutive cards of the same suit). There has to be at least 1 pure sequence with a supported impure sequence. The remaining cards can be arranged into any combination of sets and sequences. The first one to be able to do so wins. Joker cards can be used to be placeholders for missing cards during the formation of valid sets and sequences.

2. 21 Cards Rummy (India Marriage Rummy)

Unlike 13 Cards rummy, this variant of the game has 21 cards and uses 3 decks instead of 2. Players must make 3 pure runs, with the remaining also being used to create as many sequences and sets as possible. In this variant of the game, players use value cards along with jokers. These value cards can be used in the same way as jokers – as substitutes for any other cards. Additionally, if players have a 7,8, and 9 of spades, then this hand is known as a Marriage Hand. It gives the player an additional 100 points from the other players.

There are many kinds of card games in existence, of which Rummy is probably one of the most popular and widely played. An Indian marriage is a kind of Rummy that is played with 3 or more packs of cards. It is also popularly and colloquially referred to as the 21-card Rummy. The objective at the end of the game is to remain the player with the maximum number of points even after playing all hands. This game is very popular and quite challenging at times. Expertise and experience are the cornerstones of a mastering Indian marriage. “Showing” the game must remain each player’s key aim in this online rummy game since it is through this strategy that the game can be won.

3. Canasta

Canasta is a form of Rummy that is quite popular in Spain. In this variant, there are a total of 4 jokers are used. All 4 jokers as well as all the 2s in the deck are treated the way wild cards are treated. Players must create melds or sets of 7 cards and go all out while playing.

4. Rummikubh

This game is a combination of Rummy and Mahjong and is quite popular in Europe and Asia. In this game, players use 104 tiles that are marked with the numbers 1-13 in black, orange, blue, and red. Also, there are two tiles that have the same color and number too. Players start with anywhere from 14-16 tiles and they must put their tiles into sets of three in the piles. If they cannot play during their turn, then they have to draw a fresh tile. Of course, the winner is the player who lays down every tile first.

Rummy Variations

5. Gin Rummy

Gin rummy is played with 2 players but even 6 players can play gin rummy games. Each player is given 10 cards and 1 deck is used. The unique feature of gin rummy games is the 'knock' feature. If the sum total of your unmatched cards is less than 10, you can 'knock' without arranging all of your cards into sets and sequences. If your opponent's unmatched cards' value is more than 10, then you win.

So, there you go, we gave you a brief description of the different types of rummy games. You can download a games app like Paytm First Games and start playing rummy online anytime you want.

Gin rummy is one of the most popular forms of rummy. As a rummy card game, it is quite popular and played all over the world. The game is interesting and fun and is often played with deals of money. So if you are a good rummy player and want to try out your luck, you can win a lot of money.

6. Oklahoma Rummy

Oklahoma Rummy, also known as Arlington (and not to be confused with Oklahoma Gin Rummy), is a game for two to eight players in the Rummy family. It plays much like a greatly simplified, non-partnership version of Canasta, incorporating the option to draw the entire discard pile into the hand. Oklahoma Rummy is based on an earlier game named Fortune Rummy, which was popular in the Midwest region of the United States in the first half of the twentieth century.

Oklahoma Rummy is quite similar to Gin rummy. Except that 2-4 players can play this game (instead of just 2). Players also use a joker in this game to create impure sets and sequences. In this version, players use 7 cards instead of 10.

7. Kalooki Rummy

Kalooki Rummy, a popular Rummy variation in Jamaica, is played with a maximum of 8 players. The number of players present at the table decides the number of decks they use to play. Kalooki is played for nine deals and players have to lay all their cards down at the end of each deal. The winner is the one who gets the lowest points after all the deals are played. The joker and ace cards carry the most points in this game.

This rummy version, also known as Kaluki or Kalooki can be played by two to four players. Essentially, the Kalookie rummy has almost all the rules of standard Rummy but a few important exceptions make this variation refreshingly different.

  • The Deck: two 52-card decks are pooled together with four additional jokers to make a total of 108 cards. Dealing and Scoring: Each person is dealt 15 cards if four players are playing. With five players, 13 cards are dealt out each, and with six, 11 cards.
  • Scoring: each numbered card has the same points as the pip number (five spades is worth five points); an ace is worth 15 points and each face card has 10 points. A joker when used in a set or run has the same points as the card it stands for and if a joker remains in a hand, it equals 25 points.
  • Main exceptions come out regarding the first meld – it must be equal to 51 points or more before a player can lay off or discard it.
  • Also, a player cannot do this unless he or she has made their first combination.

Kalooki 51

Kalooki (also Kaluki or Kalookie) is a Rummy game available online that combines the use of wild cards - Jokers.

The Jokers spice up the game, providing players with many opportunities to apply the skill they has acquired.

For this card game, the melds in one's hand must reach a total count of 51 or more in order for them to lay down melds. The winner is the first player to dispose of all the cards in his hand at once, called Hunt, or the first player to dispose of all the cards in his hand by gradually melding and building, called Going Out.

Kalooki 40

This British version of Kalooki 51 (also Kaluki or Kalookie) is a Rummy game that also combines the use of wild cards - Jokers. With this version, the melds in one's hand must reach a total count of 40 or more in order for them to lay down melds for the first time. Another exciting rule makes it impossible to pick up cards from the discard pile without laying down one or more melds.

8. 500 Rummy (Persian Rummy)

Rummy 500, also known as the 500 rum card game, is a popular variation on classic rummy played all around the world. Rummy 500 is easily adaptable to suit any player count and is simple enough to understand. Rummy 500 goes by many names, including Michigan Rummy, Persian Rummy, and 500 Rum, to name just a few. It’s also thought to have inspired several other popular playing card games like Canasta. The exact origin of Rummy 500 isn’t known. However, some believe the game may have originated as a variant of traditional Rummy in France. Before, spreading to other countries around the world.

The objective of Rummy 500 is to be the first player to score 500 points. The cards need to be played in melds. The setup of the game also changes slightly depending on the number of players. We’ll talk more about the gameplay and rules below. But first, let’s look at what you need to play.

9. Contract Rummy

Contract Rummy is a type of Rummy that deals with a series of rounds. For every round, there is a requirement for a different contract wherein the players need to collect a certain combination of sequences and groups which are then permitted to meld. As the game progresses, the contracts become very demanding on every deal. The game is best played with three to five players and is considered optimum when there are four players in the gameplay.

Contract Rummy game is best played when there are three or five players involved. It is considered optimum when there are four players playing. This game is generally played with two decks of cards of 52 each, with Jokers. However, the number of decks is not fixed as it is dependent upon the number of players and can vary from 2 to 4. The number of Jokers used for the game should be one less than the total number of players. This means that five players can play with 108 cars, four with 107, and so on. The first dealer is selected on a random basis and this is dealt with clockwise. The deal is also done clockwise per card.

There are a total of seven rounds in this Rummy format and the rules for every round are unique. The first four rounds provide the players with 10 cards and the last three rounds will ensure the players received 12 cards. The cards that remain at the end of the deal are placed downwards facing the table. This forms the stock pile where the top card has its face up and becomes the discard pile.

10. Shanghai Rummy

One of the unique aspects of Shanghai rummy is that it can be played with several standard 52 cards that include a Joker. Six or five players need 3 decks, and 2 decks are required for 4 players playing the game. Aces have a higher value than a King or lower than card 2. Every game has 10 hands, as well as the rules of every hand are different. A player starts as a dealer firsthand and starts dealing from the player on the left. After that, the dealer changes with every new round of the game. Every player is dealt 11 cards in every round of the tournament. The rest of the cards are kept in the center of the table in a face-down position. This set of cards is referred to as a set of decks. A single card is picked from the top of the deck and kept face-up beside it. The card is referred to as the upcard and is regarded as the start of the discard pile.

11. Dummy Rummy

The Dummy Rummy game is an interesting variation of rummy that is best played between 2 to 4 players. This game is played with 2 standard decks of 52 cards each adding up to a total of 108 cards. Originating in the United States, its basic gameplay is similar to 13 card rummy wherein a player needs to use his cards to make proper melds of sets and sequences.

The objective of the game according to Dummy Rummy rules is to make valid sets and sequences and finish the game with zero points in his tally. The rest of the players receive penalty points for their unused cards according to the scoring system in the game.

Dummy Rummy card game also has similarities to another popular rummy variant called Contract Rummy which means it's equally thrilling to keep you on your toes. Therefore, the game is a mixed bag that has traits similar to most variants of rummy. If you have played even the basic rummy game, understanding the Rummy rules for dummies should be a piece of cake.

Rummy Variations

12. Points Rummy

Points Rummy is the fastest form of Rummy - each game lasts for one deal only. After each game, the winner gets the chips from the other players depending on the count and point value. Not only do these games require a high level of skill but also generate tremendous excitement. Players can play and win a high number of games in a short span of time.

What makes points rummy different from other forms of rummy is that each player commits a cash amount to enter the game (also called the value the players bring to the table). The points scored in the game have a pre-decided rupee value. There is only one round of gameplay and the winner takes it all – all of the cash committed by all the players goes to the winner.

Another difference is the amount of time it takes to complete the game. Points rummy typically needs only one complete game to declare a winner.

13. Deals Rummy

Deals Rummy is lengthier than other variants. Players compete for a fixed number of deals. Every deal is pivotal for the competitors to become the final winner. The player with the highest score at the end of a fixed deal becomes the winner. The scores are obtained by the losers in each deal. This game is like a Tom & Jerry chase, as entertainment is guaranteed. If you are into adventure and enjoy being thrilled, you would love this variant. The risk factor here is slightly higher in comparison to other Rummy games. The player needs to win more games on average to win against his opponents, according to the rule book. Since the risk factor is high and you have invested, winning in this game makes you euphoric. It is advisable to play this game only if you are patient and adventure-loving.

14. Pool Rummy

Prepare yourself for a long game of Rummy if you decide to play this variant. The game is lengthy because the winner is declared after all players are eliminated. Elimination happens when a player crosses the said points. So, there are two subversions in this game; one is 101 Pool Rummy and 201 Pool Rummy. The player with the lowest score at the end becomes the winner and the players who reach the 101/201 point threshold get eliminated. People who love to grind non-stop and are blessed with an ample amount of patience will thoroughly enjoy this game. The ability to play steadily and perform under pressure is what’s important here. Also, you need to have an adequate amount of time on your hands if you consider playing this Rummy variant. So, if you love to be the last man standing after a long and exciting game, then start playing this game.

Conclusion

Rummy is a game of skill; the more you play the finger you get at it. It needs concentration, dedication, and power to visualize and interpret to ace it. Rummy players arrange, pick and discard cards and learn multitasking skills along with keeping an eye on opponent moves as well. Playing online rummy gives them a chance to play with multiple people with different personalities.

Rummy has been the most popular game after Poker worldwide. The most prominent variant of rummy that is played in India is the 13 card rummy. The other variant of rummy is the 21 cards rummy which is played in some parts of the country. There are more than a dozen variants for the rummy game which are played worldwide, but all of the games evolved from the basic 'draw and discard' gameplay. It is interesting to note that there are only minor rule differences in each of the rummy variations.

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