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A Beginners Guide On How To Play Rummy – Rules, Tips & More

Rummy is an exciting card game that can be played between 2-6 (or more) players. The main objective of the game is to make runs or sets in order to win the game. In this, you arrange 13 cards in valid sequences and out of this, one of the two sequences should be a pure sequence.

Knowing the game rules clearly makes you win it every time you play. So, here is an ultimate guide on how to play rummy- Nail it like no one did before. 

We know that rummy is one such game that churns your brain and involves tricks and detailed understanding. So whether you wish to involve in money based games, or looking to have some interesting hours with friends, here’s a detailed introduction to how to play rummy game like an expert!


What is Rummy? 

Rummy is a pick and discard card game. In the beginning of the game, you have two piles (open and hidden deck) of cards from which you have to draw or discard cards. People of all ages and groups enjoy rummy as it is thrilling and a skill based game where you form a sequence or set of cards of same denominations or suits. 

It is similar to the game Poker but is not exactly the same. In rummy, these cards in each suit are ranked low to high starting with an Ace, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Jack, Queen and King. You need to keep a track of them because it gets you points which later on makes you a winner. Jack, Queen, King and Ace usually have 10 points and the remaining cards have points according to their number or face value. 

For example, the 5th card will have 5 points. The 6th card will have 6 points and so on…


Basic Rummy Rules You Should Know

Before understanding that how to play rummy game, you must know the following rules:

  • Rummy can be played between 2-6 players 
  • Two deck of cards needed 
  • Every player has 13 cards to deal with 
  • A player draws one random card which is known as the wild card or the joker (forms an impure sequence) 
  • The players have to draw and discard cards and form valid sequence of 13 cards in his hand 
  • If a player forms an impure sequence as well as one pure sequence, he is the winner

Read More: Rummy Rules


Objectives of Rummy 

Well, the main aim of the game is very simple: 

  • Form Runs- Runs are consecutive sequences made by at least 3 cards of the same suit. For example- three, four, and 5 of hearts 
  • Form Sets- In this, you need to form three cards of the same rank. For example- you can have eights. 

PRO TIP: Sometimes, sets are also referred to as ‘books’. 


Importance of Jokers in Rummy

In card hames, especially rummy, joker cards are those that can make a huge impact on the game. These indispensable cards do not possess any specific value, however, they have the potential to take your game towards vistory. A joker card in rummy is used to replace the other cards and you would find two types of jokers, that are, printed jokers and wild card jokers.

A standard deck of 52 cards comprises of 2 printed jokers and the wild joker is formed when a card is randomly picked from the closed deck in the begining of the game. If you pick the wild card joker then all the cards bearing that number, irrespective of the suit will become wild cards. For better understanding, if 8 of Diamonds is picked as the wild card joker, then the same number of Spades, Hearts, and Clubs can also be treated as wild card jokers. 

Here are the examples to use jokers in rummy:

1. An impure sequence with printed joker: 7♠️-8♠️-🃟

2. A set with printed joker: 3♣️-3♥️-🃟3. An impure sequence with wild joker: 7♣️-8♣️-K♥️-10♣️ (Here K♥️ is the wild joker)

How Can You Form Sequences In Rummy?

According to rummy game rules, a sequence is a group of two or more consecutive cards of the same suit. You need to form an impure and a pure sequence in order to win the game. 

Impure Sequence

It is a group of three (or more) cards of the same suit with one (or more) joker cards.

For example,

  • If it is a heart suit, an impure sequence would be 4, 5, (wild card or joker card of any suit), 7.
  • If it is a spade suit, an impure sequence would be 5, (wild card of any suit), 7, 8, (printed joker card).

Pure Sequence 

A pure sequence is a group of three or more cards of the same suit that are placed in consecutive order. Always remember, there is no wild card or a joker card in a pure sequence.

For example,

  • If it is a heart suit, a pure sequence of three would be 5, 6, 7.
  • If it is a spade suit, a pure sequence of four would be 3, 4, 5, 6.

What is a Set in Rummy?

The set in rummy refers to a group of three or more cards that has the same value, but different suits. Kindly note that a valid set must not have more than one card of the same suit. You can also bring your wild card or Jokers in use to form a set. Here are the examples of a valid sets – 2♥ 2♣ 2♦ and A♦ A♣ A♠ A♥.

If you wish to use jokers to form a set then here are the examples for you – 10♠️-10♣️-K♦️ (K♦️ is the wild card joker in this set), J♦️-🃟-J♥️ (🃟 is completes the set).

Tricks to Win a Rummy Card Game

  • While picking cards from the open pile, you must know that the opponents get a clue of your game. You can divert them by throwing a card that you may need and later pick two of them to complete your sequence.
  • Set the priorities in the beginning of game. 
  • Have a close look on other’s game. Observe what opponents are doing, their discarded cards as well as those picked. This will give you a better understanding of their game plan. 
  • Try to get rid of cards with higher points. This will reduce your deadwood points. 
  • You must know that a run can have more than 3 cards. 
  • Pick smart cards that will help in completing your sequence. For instance, a 7 can be put together with 5 & 6 and even with 8 & 9 of the same suit.
  • Use Jokers wisely, they can change the game.  
  • Never keep waiting for a particular card, rather change the game according to the possibilities. 

You must clearly know the rules to play rummy otherwise you might loose the game.

How to Play Rummy – Rummy Rules, Tips & More

The following are the detailed information to understand how to play rummy card game:

  • To begin with, a player gets 13 cards. Since, the game is played between 2-6 players two decks of cards are used.
  • In the game, there is a dealer who deals the cards. He places the remaining cards in the centre. The placed cards in the centre are known as ‘stock’. The dealer turns the first card over (face up) and sets it beside the centre cards as the first card in the ‘discard pile’
  • The game begins when the player to the left of the dealer takes one card from the stock or the discard pile. Now, the player makes certain combinations and if somehow, the player is not able to make the combination, he may discard any of his cards
  • As the game progresses, the second player may or may not take the discarded card. He can also draw one card from the stock. Now, it is his turn to make combinations. 
  • The game continues in a clockwise manner turn by turn 
  • If by chance, the stock runs out, the dealer shuffles the discard pile and it becomes the new stock 
  • The game continues until one player makes runs or sets out of all their cards except one, which has to be placed in the discard pile 
  • When any player believes that he has won, he’ll tell the other players that he has only one card left. The player who announced that he might be the winner has to show that his other cards are arranged into sets and runs. Now, he has to discard his final card 
  • Once the winner is declared, each player totals his scores 

Generally, aces are 15 points, face cards and 10s are 10 points, and other cards are scored according to their face value. 

Note: if this is a tournament, the player with the highest score is eliminated and a new round for the rest of the players begins. 


Tips on How to Form Sets | Rummy

When you form a group of three or more cards having the same value but are from different suits, it is called a set. A wild card or the joker card can be used to form a set. But, you can never use more than four cards to form a set. 

For example,

  • If you are planning to make an ace set, there should be three or more aces of different suits 
  • If you are planning to make a 9 set, then you can choose three cards of different suits and one wild card (or printed joker card) of any suit

Quick Tips on How To Win the Rummy Game 

While knowing all the rummy rules is a must, quick tips on how you can win might save you from losing the game. Stay ahead with the rest of the players in the game: 

  • Focus on forming a pure sequence when the game begins. You can’t win unless you make a pure sequence 
  • Always try discarding cards with high points like Ace, Jack, Queen, King. You should replace these cards with joker, wild cards. This will reduce the point load at the end of the game
  • If it is possible, do not pick from the discard pile as it discloses what hand you are trying to form
  • Always be on a lookout for smart cards like 7 of any suit. 7 of any suit works with 5 or 6 of the same suit and more 
  • Always replace your high value cards with Joker 
  • Joker and wild cards are used to form pure sequence
  • Recheck and recheck before making a declaration because an invalid declaration turns the game into a complete loss for you 

FAQs about How to Win Rummy Games Online

Q) What is the best strategy to play Rummy?

A) Well, there are different strategies for different variants of Rummy. But the first and foremost is, never draw from the discard pile until the first run is completed. 

Q) Is there a cheat sheet to win Rummy? 

A) Yes, there are some points that you can surely utilise to win the game. The most important one is to be watchful and always make sure you have a lifeline. 

Q) Is WinZO Rummy a safe platform? 

A) Yes, it is a completely and 100% safe and secure platform. 

Q) Where can I play rummy online?

A) There are numerous gaming app that offers rummy, however, there are quite a few platforms that ensure a fair play. Winzo Rummy is the most trusted gaming app to play rummy games online.

Q) Can I play rummy online with my friends?

A) Yes, you can play rummy games online with your friends. You just need to send the joining link and ask them to join in to play the online games with you, including rummy.

Q) Can I win real cash with online rummy?

A) Yes, you can win real cash by playing rummy online. However, make sure that you are playing on a trusted platform. Winzo Rummy is the most trusted gaming app to play rummy games online.


Final Words 

This was all about how to play Rummy and certain Rummy rules that you should know before playing the game. 

I hope that you will find these tips and tricks really useful when you play. If you wanna have a wonderful gaming experience, play here.

Do, let us know if we missed anything on our Instagram.

Also, for your next game, All the best! 

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