Rummy Points and Scoring System

The point system in rummy is an interesting and unique feature. Here, points have a negative value, and therefore in order to win the game, you will have to reach zero points.

If you are starting your online rummy journey, you should have a complete understanding of how rummy scoring works. It will help you plan and play effectively and maximize your chances of winning. Here is a guide to understanding the calculation of points in rummy.

How to Calculate Points in a 13-Card Rummy Game

To understand the scoring system, you must know the ranking of each card. The cards are ranked as follows:

Rummy Rules for Points: Sequence, Sets, and Jokers

According to the rummy scoring system, when cards are arranged in sequences or sets, their value becomes zero. The objective of the game is to arrange all 13 cards in sequences, or sequences and sets, to bring your score to zero.

Rummy Points System for Sequences

In rummy, there are two types of sequences: pure sequences and impure sequences. You cannot win an Indian rummy game without a pure sequence. To make a valid declaration and win the game, you need at least two sequences, out of which at least one should be a pure sequence.

Rules to Calculate Points for Pure Sequence

A pure sequence is a group of three or more consecutive cards of the same suit. For example, A♠, 2♠ and 3♠ can be grouped together to form the pure sequence (A♠-2♠-3♠). The sequence can also include a wild joker (WJ) if it belongs to the same suit and is used in its original value. A pure sequence is worth zero points in rummy.

Rules to Calculate Points for Impure Sequence

An impure sequence is a group of three or more consecutive cards of the same suit where any card is replaced by either a printed joker (PJ) or a wild joker. Let’s say you have 2♦, 3♦ and PJ. When you group them together, it becomes an impure sequence (2♦-3♦-PJ). An impure sequence is also worth zero points according to the rummy scoring system. You can also use wild jokers to form impure sequences.

Rummy Points System for Sets

A set is a combination of three or four cards of the same rank but different suits. All sets are the same in rummy, and you can use both printed jokers and wild jokers to form a set. For example, 6♦-6♠-6♣ is a set. However, if you add a PJ or a WJ in place of one of the cards to complete the set, (for example, 6♦-6♠-PJ or 6♦-6♠-WJ), it is still a set. A set is also worth zero points in a rummy game.

Rummy Points System for Joker

Jokers play an important role in rummy. Since these cards are worth zero rummy points, you don’t have to worry about additional points when you get them. A joker is used to complete sets and form impure sequences. Jokers help you reduce your score and maximize your chances of winning.

Both the printed joker and the wild joker are very useful and must be used smartly. According to the Indian rummy points system, when a joker is used to complete a set or sequence, the value of that card group (set or sequence) becomes zero. If you already have a set of three cards, you can still add a joker to the group. It helps keep your score low and you can also use your joker elsewhere in the next few turns.

Rummy 500 Rules for Scoring

Rummy 500 is played by 2 to 6 players. This version is different from other variants. The players have to arrange cards, and whoever scores 500 points first wins the game. A standard deck of 52 cards plus 2 jokers are used to play this variant. The number of cards dealt depends on the number of players. Rummy 500 rules for scoring are as follows:

Points Calculation: Winner vs Loser

In rummy, points are calculated to determine the winner. A player can only win when they have made a valid declaration and scored zero.

For a losing player, the points of the unmelded/ungrouped cards in his/her hand are added up. In a cash rummy game, points are added up to calculate the winning amount as well.

Points Calculation for Winner

Suppose a player has formed two pure sequences and two sets: 5♣-6♣-7♣, J♥-Q ♥-K ♥-A♥, 7♦-7♠-7♥, 6 ♦-6 ♣-PJ. This is a valid declaration, and the points of this player will be zero if he/she declares first.

Points Calculation for Loser

Now let’s look at the second player. Let’s say the player has created one pure sequence (5♣-6♣-7♣), one impure sequence (4♥-5-♥-10♠ {WJ}), and a set (3♠-3♥-PJ). The value of these combinations is zero. However, there are 4 more cards that are ungrouped. Thus, the rummy scoring will be done on the basis of the four ungrouped cards. In this specific case, the ungrouped cards are K ♥, Q♥, A♣, and 2♣. Here K ♥, Q♥ and A♣ are worth 10 points each, and 2♣ is worth 2 points. The penalty calculation will be as follows:

Rummy Points System for Points, Pool, and Deals Rummy

According to the rummy scoring system, points are calculated based on the ungrouped cards of the losing player. Here is how the point calculation works in points, pools, and deals rummy.

Points Rummy Scoring System

In points rummy, each point has a monetary value in a cash game. This value is decided before starting the game. The winner gets the amount their opponent loses/opponents lose at the table. A small Rummy.com fee is deducted from the winnings.

Winnings = Sum of the points of all losing players X Value of each point in rupees — Rummy.com Fee

In deals rummy, the winner gets chips that are equal to the points lost by losing players. The winnings in a deals rummy game are calculated as follows:

Rummy Points System FAQs

Can a player win if their points are not zero?

No, to win a rummy game you must arrange all your cards in sequences, or sequences and sets, and make a valid declaration before your opponents. This is not possible if your score is not zero.

Can I bring my points to zero by creating 3 sets and only 1 sequence?

No, to win a rummy game, you need at least two sequences, out of which at least one must be a pure sequence. You can arrange the rest of your cards in sequences or sets, but you need at least two sequences to win. Sets are optional.

Can I use the ace with 2 and 3?

Yes, the ace (A) has a dual value and can be used to form sequences with both low cards and high cards: A-2-3 and Q-K-A.