Introduction to Rummy and Its Objective

In rummy, the objective is to arrange the 13 cards into valid sets and sequences. For a valid declaration, a player must make at least two sequences, one of which has to be a pure sequence. The remaining combinations can be valid sets or sequences. A pure sequence is a must for a valid declaration. This is one of the most important rummy rules to remember.

Download the Rummy Rules PDF for a detailed understanding of how to master the rummy game. Start by learning the basics, the scoring system, and discover advanced strategies to elevate your gameplay. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, this rummy rules PDF has everything you need to become an experienced rummy player.

If you are just getting started with rummy game, follow these simple and important rummy rules and instructions to rummy game how to play from start to end.
If you have questions like: How Many Cards Are Dealt in Rummy? How does discarding and drawing Cards in rummy work? How to play cards rummy? And what’s a pure or impure sequence?
Below basic rummy card rules will surely help you.

1. Rummy is a card game where players have to form valid sequences and sets.
2. The game is usually played with 2 to 6 players using one or two decks.
3. Each player is dealt 13 cards at the start.
4. A wild card Joker is selected randomly from the deck.
5. The remaining cards are put on the table face down and form the closed deck.
6. The top card from the closed deck is placed face up on the table to start the open deck, which forms the discard pile.
7. On their turn, each player has to draw and discard cards from either the open or closed deck to form valid sets and sequences.
8. Players can also use wild jokers or printed jokers to make impure sequences and sets.
9. As per Indian rummy rules, once a player arranges his 13 cards in valid two sequences, including one pure sequence and more groups (sequences or sets), one can make a declaration and win the game.

There are two types of sequences: Pure Sequences and Impure Sequences. Having an understanding of how rummy is played crucial to playing the Rummy game effectively.

What is a Pure Sequence in rummy?

A Pure Sequence is a group of three or more consecutive cards of the same suit without the use of any Joker.

• The sequence shouldn’t have wild cards or substitutes for it to be considered pure. It should consist solely of natural cards of the same suit, arranged in consecutive order. For examples for Pure Sequence: A♠-2♠-3♠ is a pure sequence. Similarly, 6♥-7♥-8♥-9♥-10♥ is also a pure sequence.
• A pure sequence can also be formed using a wild joker, provided it must be used in its original value and as a card of its original suit, not to replace any card. Example: if 7♦ is a wild card joker in a game, you can form the following pure sequence: 5♦-6♦-7♦;6♦-7♦-8♦.

What Is an Impure Sequence?

An impure sequence in rummy is a group of three or more consecutive cards of the same suit that includes a Joker, which is being used as a substitute for a missing card.

• To create an impure sequence, you can use Jokers to replace missing cards within the sequence while maintaining consecutive numbers and the same suit.
• \Example: 5♠ J 7♠ Here, the Joker is replacing 6♠, so this can be called an impure sequence.

What is the Role of the Joker Card

In a rummy game, the Joker card plays a crucial role in helping players complete their sets/sequences and win the game. The card acts as a wildcard as it can substitute for any missing card in a set or an impure sequence. While a pure sequence must be formed without a Joker, jokers are extremely useful for completing other combinations quickly and increasing your chances of winning.

According to rummy’s rules, players can only arrange their cards in sets and sequences. A set is formed when three or more cards of the same rank but different suits are arranged together. You can use a printed joker or a wild joker to replace a card in a set. A set can also have more than four cards if one or more jokers are used in it.

Two types of Sets:

▪ Valid sets

A valid set is basically a combination of three or more cards of the same rank but different suits.

For Example:

Without Joker

7s from three different suits, 6s from four different suits

With Joker

3s from two different suits and printed joker, 9s from three different suits and wild joker

▪ Invalid Sets

A card group including two cards of the same suit is not a valid set. It automatically makes a declaration invalid.

For example

7♣ is repeated twice in the set, 6♦ is repeated twice in the set

After you have arranged all the 13 cards in valid sequences and sets, you can make a declaration.
Make sure you follow all the rummy game rules for a valid declaration. The player who makes a valid declaration first wins and gets zero points.

Valid Declaration

To make a valid declaration in a rummy game, one has to arrange the 13 cards in a valid set and sequence, as per the rummy rules. Discard the last unwanted card into the “Finish” slot and declare your hand.
For a valid declaration, below are the conditions that have to be fulfilled:

▪ One Pure Sequence

To declare your cards you need to have at least one pure sequence. Any declaration made without a pure sequence is invalid and the player loses the hand.

▪ Second Sequence

You need at least two sequences to make a valid declaration. Remember, the second sequence could be either a pure sequence or an impure one.

▪ Other Cards Arranged in Sequences/Sets

Arrange all remaining cards in valid sequences or sets (optional). Once all 13 cards are arranged in a valid combination, then make a valid declaration before your opponent to win. Here are two examples of valid declarations:

Example 1

Two sequences and two sets

4♠-5♠-6♠-7♠ (Pure Sequence), Q♦-K♦-printed joker (Impure Sequence), 7s from three different suits (Set 1) and 4s from two different suits and wild joker (Set 2)

Example 2

Three sequences and one set

A♥-2♥-3♥-4♥ (Pure Sequence), Q♣-K♣-4♥ (wild joker) (Impure Sequence 1), 4♦-5♦-printed joker (Impure Sequence 2) and 9s from three different suits (Set)

Invalid Declaration

When a declaration is made not as per the rummy rules, it leads to an invalid declaration. Making an invalid declaration will make you lose to your opponent by the biggest margin possible (maximum penalty points is 80).

Also, remember, in the case of a 6-player game, all the remaining players will keep playing until one of them wins.

Here are two examples of invalid declarations:

Example 1

Two sequences and two sets

5♦-6♦-7♦-8♣ (Invalid Sequence), 2♣-3♣-4♦(wild joker) (Impure Sequence), 6s from three different suits (Set 1) and 10s from two different suits and printed joker (Set 2)

Example 2

One sequence and three sets

4♦-5♦-6♦-7♦ (Pure Sequence), 2s from three different suits (Set 1), 7s from three different suits (Set 2) and Qs from two different suits and printed joker (Set 3)

How to Declare in Rummy

To declare in a rummy game, you must arrange all 13 cards into valid combinations — including at least two sequences, with one being a pure sequence (no Joker).
Once your hand is complete, discard one card to the finish slot and click on the “Declare” button. The game will then check if your declaration is valid. A correct declaration wins you the game, while a wrong one leads to penalty points.

Several important terms are commonly used in a Rummy game. Here are some key terms you should be familiar with:

Draw Pile: The stack of face-down cards from which players draw one card at a time during their turns.

Discard Pile: The stack of face-up cards next to the draw pile, where players discard unwanted cards at the end of their turns.

Sets: Groups of three or more cards of the same rank but different suits (e.g., 7 of Hearts, 7 of Diamonds, 7 of Clubs).

Sequences: Groups of three or more consecutive cards of the same suit (e.g., 4, 5, 6 of Spades).

Pure Sequence: A sequence formed without using Jokers or wild cards

Impure Sequence: A sequence that includes Jokers or wild cards to replace missing cards.

Joker: A designated card (usually a wild card) that can substitute for any other card in sets or sequences.

Declaration: Announcing that you've successfully formed valid sets and sequences and ending the round.

Drop: Choosing to leave the game voluntarily before making any moves, usually in the beginning.

Deadwood: The total point value of unmelded cards in a player's hand.

Knocking: Declaring and ending the round with unmelded cards having minimal points..

Round: A single game in Rummy, typically played until one player declares.

Score: The total points held by a player in a Rummy game.

In Indian Rummy, points are calculated at the end of each round to determine the winner. The goal is to minimize the points in your hand, as lower points are more favorable.

Penalty Points for Losers

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Playing

1. Not forming a pure sequence early : Always focus on creating a pure sequence first, as it’s mandatory for a valid declaration.
2. Holding high-value cards for too long : Discard face cards early to avoid heavy penalties if you lose.
3. Misusing or wasting Joker cards : Use Jokers wisely to complete tough combinations, not easy ones.
4. Declaring without a valid hand : Double-check your hand before declaring to avoid an 80-point penalty.
5. Ignoring opponents’ discards and picks : Watch what others pick or drop to guess their strategy and plan yours.

Legal and Skill Aspects of Rummy in India

Rummy is recognized as a game of skill under the law. Playing rummy online is legal In India.
The Supreme Court of India has ruled that playing rummy requires mental ability, memory, and strategy, making it legally permissible. This means playing rummy for real money is legal in most Indian states, as long as it involves skill.

Winnings in cash rummy games are calculated as per each variant. Before calculating the scores of each player, make sure to understand how they are calculated and on which basis the scoring is done in each rummy variant.

The Winner’s Score: The player who makes a valid declaration first is the winner and gets zero points.

Winnings = (Sum of points of all opponents) X (Rupee value of the point) – Rummy.com Fee