Rummy is typically played with a standard 52-card deck.
Each player is dealt a certain number of cards (typically 10 cards in a standard game) depending on the variation being played.
Gameplay:
Drawing Cards: On each turn, players have the option to draw a card from the stock pile (face-down pile) or the discard pile (face-up pile). If a player takes a card from the discard pile, they must take all the cards above the desired card.
Forming Sets and Runs: After drawing a card, players can try to form sets (groups of cards with the same rank) and runs (sequences of consecutive cards in the same suit). A valid set must have at least three cards, and a valid run must have at least three consecutive cards of the same suit.
Discarding Cards: At the end of each turn, players must discard one card from their hand onto the discard pile.
Ending the Round: A player wins the round by successfully forming sets or runs with all the cards in their hand. This player is declared the winner of the round, and the other players count the points left in their hands.
Scoring: In some variations of Rummy, cards have point values. Players typically score points based on the cards remaining in their hands. Number cards are worth their face value, face cards are worth 10 points each, and Aces are usually worth 1 point each. The winner of the round earns 0 points for that round.
Variations:
Gin Rummy: A two-player version of Rummy where players aim to form sets and runs to “knock” before the opponent.
Rummy 500: A variation where players aim to reach a target score (usually 500 points) by forming sets and runs.
Indian Rummy: A popular version of Rummy in India where players aim to form sets and runs to declare and subsequently “meld” all their cards.
Additional Notes:
Rummy is a game of skill, strategy, and memory. Players must pay attention to the cards drawn and discarded by opponents to make informed decisions.
There are many variations of Rummy played around the world, each with its own specific rules and scoring systems.
Rummy can be played with two or more players, with the rules adjusted accordingly.