Rummy, or more specifically Indian Rummy, is primarily played between 2 to 6 players and the answer to “How to play rummy” is fairly simple - the prime goal of winning a game is to match the cards of the same rank (2♥, 2♣, 2♦, 2♠) or the same suit (4♣, 5♣, 6♣) to form melds, and the player who makes a valid declaration first wins the game.
However, there are some other 13 card rummy rules that you must follow to make a valid declaration, which we will go over step-by-step in this post.
Rummy has traditionally been played offline for ages, but with the advent of the internet, rummy enthusiasts can now play their favourite game wherever they are.
Is the 13-card rummy your favourite card game as well? Have you been playing it with your friends and family for many years and only recently heard about its digital version?
Rummy Passion is the most loved Rummy app that offers the best online Rummy gameplay experience in India.
If you love playing cards you can easily learn how to play rummy, India's most popular card game. You can play rummy online while in the free office time, during commute/travel, while waiting for someone, or simply to relax during short breaks at the office.
Although the rules of playing traditional Rummy and online Rummy are the same, as a beginner, you might need some time to get used to playing rummy online. This is the most comprehensive introduction to play online rummy - it covers everything you need to know.
Basic Rummy Rules for Beginner to play rummy at Rummy Passion
The Objective of Online Rummy
Indian Rummy; also known simply as ‘Rummy’, is played on 2 player tables (with one deck of cards) or 6 player tables (with two decks of cards). The main goal of the game is to arrange all 13 cards into sequences and sets.
Players must create at least 2 sequences out of which 1 must be pure (a sequence made without a joker) and the other of which can either be pure or impure. A player, on the other hand, can make a maximum of 2 sets that can either be pure or impure.
To win a game, a player must complete all these melds and press the Declare button before the opponents.
Toss in Rummy
The first step is making a Toss to decide which player will make the first move and the order of the turns. A random card is dealt from the closed deck to every player. The one who receives a card with the highest value, is given the chance to play the first move. The cards dealt for a toss are all shuffled back into the closed deck. After the Toss Winner, the turns move in clockwise order.
Card Dealing
Following the toss, each player is dealt 13 cards at random. To indicate that the game has begun, the first card of the pack is placed in the open deck. The remaining cards are placed face down in the closed deck spot on the table (as shown in the image below).
At the start of each game, a random card is drawn from the closed deck and all cards of the same value are considered wild card jokers for that game.
For example, if the random card picked up is a 5♠, then all 5 value cards, regardless of their suits, will act as a wild card joker for that particular deal. (as shown in the above image)
If the randomly selected card is the printed Joker, then players may use the Ace card of any suit as a joker in the sets and sequences they create.
Gameplay
After each player on the table is dealt 13 cards, the game begins.
The cards in Rummy Passion are dealt with using RNG (Random Number Generator) software certified by the internationally renowned iTech Labs, Australia. The RNG software, as the name implies, uses a complex algorithm for card dealing, ensuring that cards are dealt randomly and without the possibility of cheating in card dealing.
On their turn, each player picks the topmost card either from an open card deck or the closed card deck. After selecting the card, they must discard one card to the open deck in order to keep the total number of 13 cards in their hand.
To win the game, players aim to meld all cards into valid sets and or sequences. They can complete their sets and sequences by using one or more joker cards. They can declare by moving a card to the 'finish' spot on the game table once all of the sets and sequences are complete.
Declaring
Players should be aware that in order to win a game, they must make a valid declaration. Consider the following factors to ensure a valid declaration:
- You must have at least 1 Pure Sequence
- You need to have two sequences, where one must be a pure sequence, the other can be either pure or impure
- The remaining cards must be arranged in either valid sets or sequences
- There must be no deadwood or stray cards in your hand
Please note that if two packs of cards are being used in the game, you cannot use the same card twice in a set. For example, 9♠, 9♠, 9♥ is not considered a valid set and will make your declare an invalid one.
The declaration must be valid. An invalid declaration makes the player lose the game.
Understanding Sets and Sequences in Online Rummy
A sequence is simply three or more cards of the same suit arranged in ascending or descending order.
Creating sequences is critical to winning the game. A rummy sequence can be a pure or impure sequence.
How to Form Sequences in Rummy?
Players must arrange their cards into valid sets and sequences in order to make a valid declaration in online rummy. Players must create at least two valid sequences, one of which must be a Pure Sequence.
The remaining cards can be used to form valid sets or additional sequences. Consider the following examples to better understand the distinction between pure and impure sequences:
Pure Sequence
A pure sequence is defined as a group of three or more consecutive cards of the same suit that do not include a Joker.
Pure Sequence examples:
4♣, 5♣, 6♣, 7♣ (Pure sequence with four cards, without a Joker)
A♦, K♦, Q♦ (Pure Sequence with three cards)
Impure Sequence
An impure sequence is formed when two or more consecutive cards of the same suit are combined with one or more joker cards.
Impure Sequence examples:
2♥, PJ, 4♥, 5♥ (Impure sequence of four cards with a Printed Joker (PJ) to replace the 3 of Hearts)
8♠, Q♥, 10♠, J♠ (Impure sequence of four cards, where Q♥, is the wild card joker substituting for 9♠)
5♣, PJ, 7♣ (Impure sequence with 3 cards, where printed joker substitutes the 6 of clubs)
How to Form Sets in Rummy?
A rummy set is a collection of three or four cards with the same value but different suits. Players must form valid rummy sets as well as pure and impure sequences in order to win a game.
Rummy sets, like sequences, can be either impure or impure. Let's look at some examples to help you understand:
Pure Set
A pure set is a group of three or four cards with the same value from different suits.
Example of Pure Set:
8♦, 8♣, 8♠ (A set made without using Jokers)
2♥, 2♣, 2♦ (A set of three cards without using Joker)
Impure Set
An impure set is a group of two or three cards of different suits having the same value grouped with a printed or a wild joker.
Example of Impure Set
5♥, PJ, 5♣, 5♠ (A set of 4 cards with a Printed Joker)
9♥, Q♠, 9♠ (A set of 3 cards with Q♠ being the wild-card joker)
It’s important to note that you cannot group two or more cards of the same suit in a set because it will be declared invalid. For example, 2♥, 2♣ , 2♣ will be an invalid set because it contains the 2 club suits twice. To make it legitimate, you must replace the second 2♣ with a Joker card, a 2♦ or 2♠
There are also a couple of unmelded cards in the image above that are not part of any meld. These are known as deadwood cards and must be discarded as soon as possible.
To play online rummy effectively, you must first establish your priorities, i.e., focus on making a pure sequence, then a second sequence (either pure or impure), and finally group the remaining cards into valid sets or sequences.
When playing with 1 deck (2 players table) and 2 decks (6 players table) cards, the strategy is quite different. The game moves quickly with only one deck. You can count the cards discarded by the opposing player and plan your strategy accordingly, whereas it is more difficult to keep track of all the cards in a 2-deck game.
What are the Rules of the Rummy Card Game?
Understanding the rummy game rules, particularly the significance of Rummy Sequences, is critical when learning how to play rummy.
A perfect rummy card sequence consists of three or more consecutive cards from the same suit. However, out of the two mandatory sequences, the players can choose an impure sequence in addition to a pure one. An impure sequence is one that substitutes a joker or a wild card for any missing card.
For more information, see the table below for an exclusive comparison of various types of Classic Rummy Rules.
| Points Rummy | Pool Rummy | Deals Rummy | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cards per Player | 13 Cards | 13 Cards | 13 Cards |
| Pure Sequences | At Least 1 | At Least 1 | At Least 1 |
| Minimum Sequence | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Maximum Sequence | Up to 4 | Up to 4 | Up to 4 |
| Minimum Sets | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Maximum Sets | Up to 2 | Up to 2 | Up to 2 |
| Printed Joker in Deck | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Wildcard Card Joker | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Joker Utilization | To form impure sets and sequences | To form impure sets and sequences | To form impure sets and sequences |
| Game Play Type | Cash and Free Play | Cash and Free Play | Cash and Free Play |
| Table Size | 2 and 6 Player Table | 2 and 6 Player Table | 2 Player Table |
| Calculation Unit | Points | Points | Chips |
| Drop Availability | Yes | Yes | No |
| Initial Drop Value | 20 Points | 20 in 101 & 25 in 201 Pool | NA |
| Mid Drop Value | 40 Points | 40 in 101 & 50 in 201 Pool | NA |
| Maximum loss | 80 Points | 80 Points | 80 Chips |
| Wrong Show | Loss of 80 Points | Loss of 80 Points | Loss of 80 Chips |
| Next Game Auto Start | Yes | No | No |
| Empty Seats on Table | Yes | Yes | No - Starts when all seats are occupied |
| Classic Rummy Types | Points Calculation | 101 and 201 Point | 2 Deals & 3 Deals |
| Number of Deals | 1 | Till 1 player remains with score below selected points | 2 or 3 deals depending on selected game |
| Initially Dealt Chips | NA | NA | 160 Chips in 2 Deals and 240 Chips in 3 Deals |
| Number of Winners | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Winning Hand | Make valid Sequences & Sets before making a valid declaration | Make valid Sequences & Sets before making a valid declaration | Make valid Sequences & Sets before making a valid declaration |
| Winning the Game | Make valid Sequences & Sets before making a valid declaration | The player has to maintain a score below 101/201 | Player with more chips at the end of the total number of deals will be the winner. |
| Rebuy Option | No | Yes | No |
How to Use Joker in a Rummy Game?
The presence of the Joker adds to the excitement and intrigue of rummy. Yes! In the online rummy card game, the Joker could be the game-changer.
The Joker card is a zero-point card that can be combined with any rank or suit to form an impure set or sequence. To win the game, you must have at least one Pure Sequence.
Jokers are classified into two types:
- Printed Joker – There is one printed joker in every deck of cards.
- Wild Card Joker – After cards are dealt amongst players, a card is randomly selected which then acts as a wild card joker for that particular game/deal. All cards with the same face value as the selected card act as a wild card Joker for that particular game. If the selected joker is a printed joker, then all Aces are considered as wild card jokers.
If the chosen joker is a printed joker, all Aces are considered wild card jokers.
Usage of Joker
- Picture joker and wild card jokers can be used to complete any impure sequence or a set
- The wild card joker and printed joker are treated equally in the game of Indian Rummy
- If the opponent player discards the joker by mistake, then other players at the table cannot pick it up
- A joker can be picked from the open deck provided it is the first turn of the game
- A joker can be picked from the closed deck by the player at any time as long as it is that player’s turn to pick
- A joker card carries no points
Rummy Points Calculation
Except for the Joker card, which is a zero-point card with no points, each card in online rummy carries points. When a player loses, they are awarded points based on their hand score. In rummy, each card is valued differently.
| CARDS | VALUE |
|---|---|
| All numbered cards from 2 to 10 | Carry their face value. For example, an 8 of any suit will carry 8 points. |
| Ace, Jack, Queen, King (High-value cards) | Carry 10 points each |
| Printed Joker and Wild Card Joker | Carry zero points |
The Joker card has no value. At the end of the game, points are tallied for all cards that are not arranged in sets or sequences for each losing player. Even if his or her hand score totals more than 80 points, a losing player can only receive 80 points.
Calculation of Points for Losing Players
| CONDITION | POINTS CALCULATION |
|---|---|
| Player has only made sets and impure sequences, and there's no Pure sequence | Value of all cards is added. Capped at 80 points |
| Player has made the pure sequence, but not made a second sequence | Value of all cards except those in the Pure sequence are added, capped at 80 points |
| Player has made 2 sequences, one of which is Pure, but remaining cards have not been arranged | Value of cards that are not arranged in either set/sequence are calculated |
| Initial Drop | Player lose 20 points. In Pool 201 player lose 25 points. |
| Middle drop | Player lose 40 points. In Pool 201 player lose 50 points. |
| Wrong Declare | Player lose 80 points |
| Missing 3 turns consecutively in Deals Rummy | Player lose 80 points as it is considered as a Middle drop |
| Leaving Table after picking a card | Considered as Middle drop, the player loses 40 points |
| Leaving Table without picking any card or playing a turn | Considered as Initial Drop, the player loses 20 points |
| An opponent declares when you've not even played your first turn | You get only half the points of your hand score |
An Example of Point Calculation
Here the J♠ is considered as a wild-card Joker
| SITUATIONS | CARDS IN HAND | POINTS CALCULATED |
|---|---|---|
| Situation 1 | 2♥ 3♥ 4♥ | 8♣ 9♣ J♠ | 6♦ 6♣ | 2♦ 3♦ | 4♠ 5♠ | 8♠ | The player has made 2 sequences, i.e., 1 Pure and 1 Impure. So, only the points of unmelded cards will be counted = 34 |
| Situation 2 | 2♠ 2♥ 2♣ | Q♦ Q♦ J♠ | 3♠ 7♠ 8♠ | 2♦ 4♦ | J♣ Q♣ | The player has omitted both sequences. Hence, the point calculation will be done on all the cards in hand = 60 |
| Situation 3 | 3♥ 4♥ 5♥ | 5♣ J♠ 7♣ | 8♦ 5♣ | 2♦ 2♣ 2♥ | K♠ | 8♦ | The player has 2 sequences, 1 pure and 1 impure, along with 1 set. The points will be calculated only for the ungrouped cards = 31 |
| Situation 4 | 2♥ 3♥ 4♥ | 5♣ 6♣ J♠ 8♣ | 5♦ 5♣ 5♥ | 2♦ 2♣ 2♥ | Winning player,since all melds are properly made. To win, he should be the first one to declare |
How are Winnings Calculated in Rummy Cash Games?
Now that you understand how to calculate Rummy points, you should also understand how to calculate winning in various rummy variants.
In rummy, each card is worth a certain number of points, and the losing player receives points equal to the total value of the remaining cards in his/her hand. For example, if a player fails to complete the two mandatory sequences, the value of all cards is added and capped at 80 points. If, on the other hand, a player has formed two sequences, one of which must be a mandatory pure sequence, only the value of ungrouped cards is calculated.
Points Rummy: Points Rummy Rules are simple, requiring players to make valid sequences/sets before their opponents and declare their cards in order to win a game. Each table in Indian Points Rummy has a different point value. In general, it ranges from 10 paise per point to Rs. 250 per point.
For example, if you're playing on a table with a point value of Rs. 2.00, and your opponent has invalid cards worth Rs. 60, your winnings will be 60 x 2 = Rs. 120 after a minor adjustment for service charges.
Pool Rummy: Pool Rummy is a multi-deal Online Rummy Game in India that can be played at 2 or 6 player tables. This Rummy game has two variations: 101 and 201, which means that in order to win Pool Rummy Online, you must push your entire opponent(s) to cross the magic number, which is 101 or 201 points.
The winner will receive all winnings calculated as entry fees multiplied by the number of players, with minor adjustments for service charges.
Deals Rummy: Rummy Deals Rummy is available in two variations: Best of 2 Deals and Best of 3 Deals. In Deals, rummy chips are distributed evenly among all players at the table, and the number of chips depends upon the deal selected. The winner of each deal/hand receives all of the chips lost by the other players, and the player with the most chips after two or three deals is the ultimate winner.
The winnings in Deals rummy are calculated by multiplying the entry fees by the number of players, with a small adjustment for service charges.
Drop Option in Rummy
What is the Drop Option? It’s your gateway to leave a game mid-way without gaining as many points as upon losing a game or making an invalid declare. There’s more, you get two chances to drop as follows, and your points are calculated accordingly:
- The Initial Drop: When you click on the green drop button without playing any moves, you are opting for an initial drop. This option costs you just 20 points, and can be useful when you haven’t got a good rummy hand.
- The Middle Drop: You are in the middle of a game, and realize the game is not going in a favourable direction, no matter what strategies you employ. To reduce your points, it’s best to go for the middle drop and lose the game by just 40 points.
With a few exceptions, the Drop option is available for almost every rummy variant. For example, players cannot Drop in a Deals Rummy Game. The first drop in 201 Pool Rummy costs 25 points, while the middle drop costs 50 points.
In all variants of Rummy Games, if a player misses three turns in a row or consecutively, they will get dropped from the game (treated as a middle drop). Their points will be calculated based on their hand's score, the maximum points being 80.
To drop the game, the player should not have picked a card from the open or closed deck in that particular turn.
In case you get disconnected, you can ask to be either dropped after three missed turns or, you may ask to remain at the game table till you are connected again.
What if You Miss Three Moves?
In 2 player games, if a player misses 3 turns in a row, he/she will be automatically dropped from the game with a score which is equal to 80 points or the actual hand score, whichever is lower.
In more than 2 player games, if a player misses 3 turns in a row, he/she is dropped automatically from the game with a middle drop score.
Card Game Rummy Variations
In online rummy, besides tournaments, there are three main rummy variants available to players. These include
- Points Rummy: Preferred by 40-45% of rummy enthusiasts, Points Rummy is also known as the quickest version of Indian rummy. The goal of this rummy variant, known as the 80-point game, is to quickly form valid melds and declare before the opponents. The detailed can be found by clicking on this rules of Point Rummy.
- Pool Rummy: Pool Rummy is a multi-deal variation of Indian rummy that consists of two sub-variants, 101 Pool and 201 Pool Rummy. The goal is to keep your score as low as possible by beating your opponents deal after deal until you are the last one on the table and all of your opponents have crossed 101 or 201 points. You can learn a lot more about this exciting rummy variant Pool Rummy.
- Deals Rummy: Deals Rummy is another exciting variant of the 13-card game. This game type, like Pool Rummy, has two sub-variants: Best of 2 Deals and Best of 3 Deals. A game usually consists of two or three rounds, with the winner being the player with the most chips at the end. Read about Deals Rummy for detailed information on how to play Deals Rummy.
- Rummy Tournaments: Rummy tournaments are for those who enjoy a good game of rummy. The gameplay is similar to that of rummy, but there are many more competitors vying for the grand prize. Rummy Passion offers both freeroll and cash tournaments for the chance to win big prizes. Check out the current and upcoming tournaments.
Tips to Win the Rummy Card Game
Rummy is an exciting and simple to learn skill-based card game. It does not include complex strategies, but you must follow the fundamental principles to win at the rummy table.
We have some interesting yet effective 13 cards Rummy tips and tricks that can help you crack the game and gain a much-needed winning edge.
- Arrange the cards correctly
- Play calmly and avoid becoming predictable
- Make smart use of the Joker Card
- Do not use odd cards
- Focus on creating a Pure Sequence
- Quickly get rid of high-value cards
- Make use of cards with an intermediate value
- Closely watch your opponents' moves
- Do not keep weak cards
- Arrange the cards in alternate colours
- Strategize and alter your game plan if required
Once you are familiar with the tips and tricks to play online rummy, you can simply register to start playing at Rummy Passion - India’s Most Loved Rummy App.
Tips for Choosing the Right Table
Rummy Passion provides a variety of Online Rummy Cash Game variants with a wide range of stakes. However, which table to play at and what type of players to play against are largely determined by the player's skill set.
For example, if you choose a table with higher stakes, the level of opponents will be higher as well. As a result, in order to be successful in high stakes cash rummy games, you will need to practice and build your game.
This is especially important if you are new to Online Rummy.
So, let's go over a few fundamental tips to keep in mind when selecting the best table to play Online Rummy:
- If you're just starting out, it's best to start with the low-value tables. Before you join a table, think about how much you're willing to spend and how much risk you're willing to take. For example, if you are a beginner and want to play Deals Rummy, you should choose a 2-player BO2 Deals Rummy table with a low entry fee of Rs 5, Rs 10, etc.
- However, if you are confident in your rummy skills, you should choose a higher value table based on your skill level and the amount of time you have available. For example, if you want to play a quick game that is also challenging, choose a Points Rummy table with a Point value of 20 or higher.
- Before you join an Online Rummy Table, remember to conduct a thorough risk analysis of the entry fees and your ability to win a game.
Common Terms in 13 Card Online Rummy
Playing rummy online could be a good source of earning money online for professional players. For that, you need to be very attentive, focused, good at card counting and keep an eye on the cards picked and discarded by opponents. With some practice, you can get a hold of all these things and win and earn money while playing rummy.
Here's the rummy glossary you must know by heart.
- Deck of Cards: It’s a standard collection of 52 playing cards containing four suites. There are 13 cards belonging to each suit, numbered 2 to 10, apart from the Ace, King, Queen and Jack.
- Chips: At Rummy Passion, free chips are the virtual currencies offered to the players to play Practice Games and to hone their skills for playing Online Rummy.
- Draw: To draw a card means to pick up a card from either the closed or open decks. In each turn, players draw a card and discard another one to ensure only 13 cards remain in their hands.
- Discard: In each turn, players must pick one card and let go of another one, often that they least require. The action of dropping the said card is known as discard. All discarded cards ultimately get collected and form the Open Deck.
- Points: Points are the values that each card holds. A player accumulates points based upon the ungrouped cards in their hand, which determines their hand score.
- Drop: In rummy, players have the option to leave a table in between, with fewer points as compared to facing a loss. It is called the drop option. Players can either opt for an initial drop or a middle drop except in Deals Rummy.
- Face Cards: All Kings, Queens and Jacks are known as the face cards, carrying the highest value of 10 points each. Along with the Aces, which are also referred to as the High-Value Cards.
- Meld: The sets and sequences formed by the players while playing rummy are commonly known as melds. These comprise Pure sequences, Impure sequences and sets.
- Deadwood Cards: In rummy, any card in a player’s hand that cannot be compiled into a valid set or sequence is known as deadwood. Hence, a player must form valid sets and sequences as early as possible to get rid of deadwood cards in the game.
- Finish Slot: As soon as you've completed all your melds, you must hit the game declare button. But, before declaring, you must discard your last card to the finish slot present on the right side of the rummy table. After you opt to finish, you must sort and arrange your cards into valid melds and hit the declare button.
- Closed Deck: The closed deck comprises all the unopened cards i.e. the cards that are laid face down on the table. Players can pick up cards from the closed deck upon their turn and do it often so as to not reveal their strategy to opponents.
- Open Deck: The Open Deck is a pile of cards lying face up, which every player can view. Any player can pick up the topmost card from the open deck upon their turn except Joker.
- Discards Pile: The discards pile consists of all the cards discarded by players on the 13-card table. It also combines to form the open deck which means a card once discarded by a player can be picked up by the next in turn.
- Deal: To deal means to distribute 13 cards each to every player on the table. In Deals Rummy and Pool Rummy, it also signifies the number of rounds played from the beginning until the end of a game.
- Declare: To declare the game means you have arranged all your cards into valid melds, including at least two sequences, of which one is a Pure Sequence. Being the first to make a valid declaration makes you a winner in the game.
Rummy Game Table Design
Rummy Passion promotes a vibrant, secure and exhilarating gaming experience as shown in the following screenshot.
Starting from the top left, moving anti-clockwise, the features on Rummy Passion's tables include:
- The arrow key (←) marks the exit button.
- The ₹+ allows you to add cash in the middle of a game.
- Your profile icon at the bottom left corner displays your move timer, as well as the time remaining out of the additional 30 seconds you get in a game.
- Moving further; you can click on the Add Game button to access our Multi-Table Feature, which allows you to play up to 3 games at a given time. The other two games are displayed alongside the add game button so that you can monitor your turn simultaneously.
- The Green drop button at the bottom right corner allows you to drop out of the game quickly.
- DISCARDS button in the bottom right corner can be used to view all the discarded cards.
- Lastly, the network symbol denotes the strength of your internet connection, helping you identify the right spot for a stable connection while playing the game.
System Requirements to Play Rummy Online
The Rummy Passion App is available for download and use on any mobile device. However, a smooth and stable internet connection on your Smartphone, laptop, tablet, or PC is essential.
Ready to Play Online Rummy Cash Games?
Rummy is an exciting and simple card game that not only allows you to spend quality leisure time but also allows you to learn new skills. Time management, improved observation skills, clear decision making, better planning, and mental agility are just a few of the skills players have gained from playing the game on a regular basis.
Are you eager to learn how to win in the midst of the competition at our vibrant rummy tables? The first thing you should do is download the Rummy Passion App. Also, keep an eye on our Promotions section to stay up to date on the latest Rummy Passion offers.
Do you wish to learn how to play rummy in Hindi? Read in detail how to play rummy in Hindi