13 Cards Rummy Game

The 13-card rummy, often referred to as Indian Rummy stands out as India's most beloved card game variant. It is the most popular variation of the classic card game, finding a place in numerous family gatherings and festive celebrations in India. Played with real enthusiasts nationwide, this version promises not just a game but an immersive experience. So, whether you are traveling or sitting idle at home, Indian Rummy beckons you for a match. Join the game and discover the magic within these cards.

13 Cards Rummy Rules

To play 13-card rummy, you must be aware of all the important rules of the game. Here follow all the 13 hand rummy rules that you must know:

  • 13-card rummy online is played by 2-6 players. A standard 52-deck and one printed joker are used for two players, and two standard decks + 2 printed jokers are used if more than 2 players are playing
  • 13 cards are dealt to each player at the beginning of the game
  • The remaining deck is put on the table face down which is called the closed deck
  • The top card from the open deck is placed face up on the table. It is known as the open deck, and players discard their cards in the open deck
  • A wild card joker is selected at random at the beginning of the game. Cards of all suits of that rank become jokers for that game. For example, if 6♦ is a wild joker in a game, 6♠, 6♥ and 6♣ will also be wild jokers in that game
  • In 13 cards rummy, a sequence is a group of three or more consecutive cards of the same suit. There are two types of sequences in rummy: pure sequences and impure sequences. Pure sequences: 7♠-8♠-9♠ , A -2-3-4 & Impure sequences: 7♠-8♠-PJ (printed joker), 5♣-6♣-8♥ (wild joker)
  • Players can arrange their cards in a set as well, a set is a group of either three or four cards of the same rank but different suits. Example: A-A♠-A, 8♥-8♦-PJ, 3♠-3-10(WJ).
  • The objective of the game is to arrange your cards in sequences, or sequences and sets as per Rummy rules 13 card and make a valid declaration before your opponent
  • Your goal is to bring your score to zero as the points have a negative value in the 13 cards game
  • On each turn, the player has to pick a card from either the open deck or the closed deck and then discard any one of their cards to the open deck
  • The player who arranges all 13 cards in sequences, or sequences and sets, and makes a valid declaration first and wins the game

Types of 13 Cards Rummy

The 13-card rummy game is available in several variants on Rummy.com. You can enjoy the incredibly popular card game in different formats.

Points Rummy

Points rummy is played by 2 to 6 players. It is the most engaging 13-card game. Each game is played for only one deal, and every point has a fixed monetary value in cash rummy games. The player who wins gets the cash prize.

Pool Rummy

Pool rummy is available in two formats: 101 pool and 201 pool. The player whose score reaches, 101 points (in 101 pool rummy) or 201 points (in 201 pool rummy) gets eliminated. The player who is left alone at the table, in the end, is declared the winner and gets the whole prize pool.

Deals Rummy

Deals rummy is played for a pre-decided number of deals. In this format, each player receives an equal number of chips at the beginning of the game. When a deal ends, the winner gets chips from losing players. At the end of all deals, the player who has the highest number of chips is declared the winner.

Spin and Go

Spin and Go is the perfect way to maximize your winnings in 13 card game online. In this game variant, you can win up to 10x your entry fee. The spin and Go variant is played by 3 players and by default it is played in the deals rummy format. A spinner is spun to decide the value of the prize pool. The winner gets the entire prize pool amount displayed on the spinner, which is anywhere between 2x to 10x of the entry fee.

Role of Jokers in 13 Card Rummy

Joker cards are extremely important in rummy. They are used to create impure sequences as well as to create sets. In a rummy game, there are two types of jokers.

Wild Joker

A wild joker is picked randomly at the beginning of each game. All the other cards of the same rank also become wild jokers for the game.

For example, if 7♥ is a wild joker in a game, 7♠, 7♣ and 7♦ will also be wild jokers in that game.

Printed Joker

A printed joker is already included in the deck of 53 cards used in 13 cards rummy. It has the picture of a joker or clown printed on it.

Tips & Tricks to Win 13 Card Rummy Online

Playing 13-card rummy online is fun and exciting. These tips and strategies of 13 card rummy will help you become a better player.

  • Play free practice games on Rummy.com before enrolling in cash games and cash/free tournaments.
  • Learn new tricks and strategies by observing your opponent’s gameplay.
  • Practice your strategies in free games
  • Trick your opponents by bluffing, and always make sure to keep a close eye on their discarded cards to further anticipate

Why 13 Card Rummy Game is So Popular in india

The 13-card rummy game, commonly known as Indian Rummy, has an intrinsic connection with Indian culture and social customs. Its widespread popularity can be attributed to several factors:

  • Cultural Legacy: For generations, rummy has been an integral part of Indian festivities and gatherings. It's not just a game; it's a tradition. Families and friends bond over endless rounds during festivals, making it an intrinsic part of celebrations.
  • Easy to Learn: The simplicity of rules in the 13-card rummy ensures that even newcomers can quickly grasp the game. This ease of understanding has helped in expanding its player base.
  • Mental Stimulation: Indian Rummy demands skill, strategy, and sharp memory, offering intellectual stimulation, which many Indians appreciate as a pastime.
  • Social Interaction: The game encourages social interaction. In an era of technology, online platforms have recreated this social essence by enabling players to engage with peers from different parts of the country.
  • Monetary Incentives: The advent of online rummy platforms has introduced real cash games and tournaments, attracting enthusiasts keen on combining leisure with potential earnings.

Common Terms Used in 13 Card Rummy

The below fundamental terms can help players navigate the 13 card rummy game with more clarity and finesse. The understanding of these terms is beneficial for both beginners and experienced players.

Deal: The act of distributing cards to each player at the beginning of a game.

Deck: A standard set of 52 cards, often two decks, are used in rummy.

Joker: A card that can substitute for any other card to form sets or sequences. There's a printed Joker and a 'wild card' Joker, which is randomly selected at the game's start.

Pure Sequence: A group of three or more consecutive cards of the same suit without using a Joker.

Impure Sequence: A sequence that uses a Joker to replace one or more cards.

Set: Three or four cards of the same rank but different suits.

Meld: To arrange cards in valid sequences or sets.

Declare: Finish the game by placing your cards in valid sets or sequences and discarding one card to the 'Finish' slot.

Discard: The act of discarding an unwanted card from the open deck.

Draw: Picking up a card from either the open deck or the closed deck.

Closed Deck: The pile of face-down cards from which players draw.

Open Deck: The pile of cards discarded by players during the game.

Drop: Opting out of the game. A player can choose a 'First Drop' at the beginning or a 'Middle Drop' during the game for fewer penalty points.

Difference Between 13 Card Rummy & 21 Card Rummy

The below difference will help players choose the rummy variant that best suits their skill level and preference.

Features 13 Card Rummy 21 Card Rummy
Number of Cards Dealt 13 cards dealt to each player 21 cards dealt to each player
Objective Form at least 2 sequences, with one being pure. Form at least 3 pure sequences.
Use of Jokers Uses both printed and wild card Jokers. In addition to regular Jokers, use value cards as Joker (cards above and below the cut Joker).
Game Complexity Relatively simpler and suitable for beginners. More complex due to the larger number of cards.
Sequence Formation Typically, 3-4 card sequences are formed. Longer sequences, usually 3-8 cards, are formed.
Tunnela and Dublee Not applicable. Special sequences: Tunnela (three identical cards) and Dublee (two identical cards).
Game Duration Generally shorter due to fewer cards. Tends to be longer due to more cards and complexity.
Popularity More popular and widely played. Played by those seeking more complexity and challenge.

How to Download 13 Card Rummy Game App

Rummy.com is the best app to play 13 card rummy online. You can easily download the rummy app onto your mobile and start playing rummy on your phone. All you need is a stable internet connection to connect with real players from across the country and play rummy with them.

Here is how you can download the rummy app onto your mobile:

Android Users
To play rummy on an Android mobile, follow these steps:

  • Go to Google Play Store, type “Rummy.com” in the search bar, and search
  • Tap on the Rummy.com app and tap “Install.”
  • Once the app is installed, tap “Open” to begin your rummy journey on Rummy.com.

Rummy.com offers a plethora of opportunities to all rummy players to participate in its tournaments and win whopping big cash prizes.

Note: Rummy.com is 100% safe and secure. We do not intend to harm our users in any way whatsoever.

13 Cards Rummy FAQs

How many decks of cards are used to play 13-card rummy?

For two players, 1 deck with a printed joker (total 53 cards) is used. If there are more than 2 players, 2 decks of 52 cards each plus 2 printed jokers (total 106 cards) are used.

How many wild jokers are there in a 13-card rummy game?

There are 4 wild jokers per deck in a 13-card rummy game.

Can anyone enter Spin and Go in 13-card rummy?

Yes, Spin and Go is played by 3 players in the deals rummy format. You can win up to 10x of the entry fee in this format of the game.

What are the rules of 13 card rummy?

The rules of 13-card rummy involve each player drawing and discarding cards to form "melds" which can be set (3 or 4 cards of the same rank) or sequences (3 or more cards in a consecutive order of the same suit), aiming to have all 13 cards formed into melds.

What are some common mistakes to avoid in 13 card rummy?

Common mistakes to avoid in 13-card rummy include not planning your hand properly, discarding useful cards, and keeping high-value cards for too long, increasing your points if your opponent declares "rummy" before you.

What are the different variations of 13 card rummy?

Variations of 13-card rummy include Indian Rummy, Gin Rummy, and Contract Rummy, each with unique scoring rules, the number of deals, and the specific conditions for forming melds.

What are some tips for reading your opponent's moves in 13 card rummy?

To read opponents' moves in 13-card rummy, observe their discards and draws. If they pick from the discard pile often, they will likely build specific melds. Additionally, the kind of cards they discard can give you a hint about the cards they are collecting.