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Know About Rummy Sequence

A sequence in rummy is a group of three or more sequential cards of the same suit. A pure sequence and an impure sequence are the two different types of sequences that can be formed in rummy. You must have at least one pure sequence in your hand to win the game.

What Is a Sequence in Rummy?

Rummy is a popular card game where you need to create sets and sequences to win. You need to use your skills and the right set of strategies to arrange cards in the required combinations. Whichever player successfully creates the required sequences, or sequences and sets, and is the first to declare the cards wins the game.

The rules of rummy make it compulsory to create sequences. Any player that declares their cards without having at least 2 sequences not only ends up losing the game but is also awarded an 80-points penalty. Read on to find out more about how to create a valid sequence in rummy.

A sequence is a group of cards that are in consecutive order and belong to a single suit. In rummy, you must have at least one pure sequence to win the game. Here are some examples of sequences.

• 5♣-6♣-7♣-8♣
• J♠-Q♠-K♠
• A♥-2♥-3♥
• 5♥-6♥-PJ

Types of Sequences

You can create sequences using 3 or more cards from the same suit or by using jokers/wild cards. Here are the types of sequences that you can create:

Pure Sequence in Rummy

A sequence created using cards from the same suit is called a pure sequence. Wild cards cannot be used to replace any card in a pure sequence. However, a sequence is still pure if the wild joker is used in its original value and as a card of its original suit.

Examples

• 8♣-9♣-10♣
• 10♠-J♠-Q♠-K♠
• 4♣-5♣-6♣ (WJ)

Impure Sequence in Rummy

A sequence using cards from the same suit and jokers/wild cards is called an impure sequence. In an impure sequence, at least one of the cards is replaced by a joker.

Examples

• 4♣-5♣-PJ (printed joker)
• 10♥-PJ-Q♥-K♥
• 7♥-8♥-3♣ (wild joker)

Know Rummy Sequence Rules

Rummy is a game of skills that gives everyone an equal opportunity to win. There is a set of rules for creating sequences in rummy. Here are the rules you need to follow while creating a sequence:

• Two sequences are mandatory to win a game of rummy. Out of these two sequences, at least one must be a pure sequence.
• The minimum number of cards that can be used to make a rummy sequence is 3.
• You are awarded an 80-point penalty if you declare your hand without having at least two sequences.
• While you can make sets and sequences to win the game, it is not mandatory to create sets unlike making sequences.

How to Create a Sequence with Low and High Points Cards in Rummy

Now that you know how to create sequences, let's discuss low-point and high-point card sequences.

Low Points Cards Sequence

Though the value of a valid sequence is zero irrespective of the cards it has, creating low-points card sequences is less risky than creating high-point card sequences. If your opponent declares before your sequence is complete, low-value cards result in a smaller penalty on you than high-value cards.

Here are some sequences created with low-value cards.

• 2-3-4
• 3-4-5
• 4-5-6

High Points Cards Sequence

Here are some sequences created with high-value cards.

• 9-10-J
• 10-J-Q
• J-Q-K
• Q-K-A

Sequence of Face Cards (Jack, Queen, King, Ace)

While making sequences in rummy, you will often come across a situation where you will have face cards that can be used to create a sequence. Here is how to put face cards into a sequence.

• J-Q-K
• Q-K-A

Note: All the cards in each of the sequences above must belong to the same suit, i.e. clubs (♣), diamonds (♦), hearts (♥), or spades (♠).

Why Is a Pure Sequence Mandatory in 13 Card Rummy Games?

In Indian rummy, a pure sequence is the most important card group. According to Indian rummy rules, you must create at least one pure sequence to win. Additionally, once you create a pure sequence, a button "best group" gets activated giving you an opportunity to group or create sequences or sets as suggested under "best group". Also, if your opponent makes a valid declaration first and you have not created a pure sequence, then the points of all the cards in your hand will be added up to determine the margin of loss you will suffer. Even if you have created impure sequences or sets, the points of all your 13 cards will be added up.

How to Create Sequence with Jokers

In the game of rummy, jokers have a special place as they can be used to create sequences and sets even when you are 1 card short. Here are some of the valid sequences that can be made using printed jokers and wild jokers.

Impure sequences with printed jokers (PJ)

• 9♦-10♦-PJ
• PJ-Q♣-K♣

Impure sequences with wild jokers (WJ)

• 2♠-3♠-7♦ (WJ)
• J♥-Q♥-5♣ (WJ)

Pure sequence with wild joker (WJ)

• 7♠-8♠-9♦ (WJ)

Rules of Rummy Sequence

A sequence in rummy is a group of 3 or more consecutive cards of the same suit. You can also use a joker in place of any missing card. Such a sequence is called an impure sequence. If no card has been replaced by a joker, the sequence is called a pure sequence.

According to the rules of Indian rummy, to win the rummy game is mandatory to create at least 2 sequences, which include at least one pure sequence.

Avoid Declaration with Invalid Sequence

The biggest mistake you can make in rummy is making a wrong declaration. By making a wrong declaration, you not only lose the game but lose it with the biggest margin possible. So never make that mistake. Before declaring your hand, double-check to ensure that it includes at least 1 pure sequence and a second sequence and that all the other cards are arranged in sequences or sets.

Rummy Sequence FAQs