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Know About Rummy Sets

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In Indian rummy, you have to arrange your cards in sequences and sets. It is mandatory to create at least 2 sequences but the other cards can be arranged in sets to make a valid declaration.

What are Sets in Rummy?

  • A rummy set is a group of 3 or 4 cards with the same ranking but different suits
  • Along with sequences, you can also form rummy sets
  • To win a game of rummy, your 13 cards must be grouped into sequences, or sequences and sets

Types of Sets

A group of three or four cards with the same rank but different suits is referred to as a set. According to rummy set rules, a set may contain both printed and wild jokers. Unlike sequences, which can be pure or impure, there is no such classification for sets in rummy — a set is a set whether it contains a joker or not.

  • Valid Card Set in Rummy

  • In rummy, valid rummy sets are three to four cards of the same rank but different suits grouped together. For example, 3-3♣-3. Jokers can be used as a substitute for any missing card in a set.

    • A♥-A♣-A♦ (All of the aces in this set represent different suits, making it a playable rummy card set)

    • 8♦-8♣-8♠-8♥ (Four 8s of four distinct suits make up this set)

    • 9♦-Q♠-9♠-9♥ (Here Q♠ has been used as a wild joker and acts as a substitution for 9♣ to make a set)

  • Invalid Card Set in Rummy

  • Two cards of the same suit cannot be used in a set. Such a set will make your declaration invalid.

    Here are some examples of invalid sets:

    • Q-Q-Q♦ (Here, two Qs () of the same suit clearly make it an invalid set)
    • 7♠-7-7-7♠ (It has two 7s of spades (♠), which makes it an invalid set)

How to Form Sets in Rummy

To form rummy sets, group three or four cards of the same rank but different suits. Even if two decks of cards are being used in the game, you cannot use 2 cards of the same suit in a set.

Is it Mandatory to Have 1 Set to Win a Rummy Game?

To win an Indian rummy game, you must create at least 2 sequences, including at least one pure sequence, and all other cards in your hand must be arranged in sequences or sets. Creating a rummy card set is optional in rummy.

How to Create Sets with Jokers

To form sets, you can use both wild jokers and printed jokers.

  • Set with Printed Joker
  • Here are some sets containing printed jokers (PJ):

    • 5♦-5♣-5♠-PJ (A printed joker has replaced 5♥ to make a set)
    • 8♦-8♣-8♥-PJ (Here 8♠ has been replaced by a printed joker)
  • Set with Wild Card Joker
  • Here are some sets containing wild jokers (WJ):

    • 5♦-5♣-5♥-3♠ (Here 3♠ is a wild joker replacing 5♠)
    • 9♦-Q♠-9♠-9♥ (Here Q♠ has been used as a wild joker replacing 9♣ to make a set)

Rummy Set Rules

  • In rummy sets, you can have 3 cards or 4 cards.
  • In Indian rummy, you cannot use 2 cards of the same suit in a set.
  • You can also use a printed joker or wild joker in a set.

Here are some examples of 3-card sets and 4-card sets:

  • K-K♣-K
  • 4-4-9♠(WJ)
  • A-A-PJ
  • 7♠-7-7-7♣
  • 2-2-2♠-7♣ (WJ)
  • 3-3-3♠-PJ

Rummy Set FAQs

What are sets in rummy?

In rummy, a set is a group of three or four cards that are of the same value but different suits. You can use both wild jokers and printed jokers in rummy sets. For example A-A♣-A♦, 8-8♣-8♠-8 and 2-2-2♠-PJ.

Is creating a set compulsory in rummy?

To win an Indian rummy game, you must create at least 2 sequences, including at least one pure sequence, and all other cards in your hand must be arranged in sequences or sets. Creating a set is optional in rummy and you can also arrange all your 13 cards in sequences.

Are there pure and impure sets like pure and impure sequences in rummy?

No, there is no concept of a pure set in rummy. A set is set irrespective of whether it contains a printed joker or a wild joker.

How many cards can a rummy set have?

A set can have a minimum of 3 cards and a maximum of 4 cards.