The love of rummy is a common trait among Indian card players. This is one of the popular card games. Indian Rummy card game is often referred to as a skills game because it improves important skills in the players. If you wish to learn rummy and enjoy rummy card games online, Khelplay Rummy is the perfect place to be. Here we have shared the different stages of beginning rummy card gaming on the Khelplay Rummy app. Check them out:
One of the most popular card games in India is the Indian Rummy card games. The game is also referred to as a skills game because people who learn this game also acquire several important skills. The game is easy to learn. If you are still new to rummy card games, this post will help you understand the nuances of the game of rummy.
Different Cards Used in Rummy Card Games
Before you understand the rules of rummy gaming, it is important to understand the cards used in the game. Here we have shared a list of the different types of cards used in rummy card games. In the section melds and sequences, you will learn how each of these cards are put to use.
Number Cards: The cards that have numbers on them are referred to as number cards. The cards from 2 to 10 in spades, hearts, clubs and diamonds are number cards used in rummy card games.
Picture Cards: The cards that have pictures on them are referred to as picture cards. The cards A, K, Q and J in spades, hearts, diamonds and clubs are picture cards.
Joker Cards: Every deck of cards has 2-3 joker cards in them. These are the wild cards in rummy card games.
Pulled-out Joker: The player next to the dealer pulls a random card from the deck to play the pulled-out joker. The role of the pulled-out joker is same as that of regular jokers. If the player next to the dealer pulled a 5 of hearts, then all the 5s in the deck are used as pulled-out jokers.
Blanks: Each deck of playing cards is also provided with blank cards. These cards are referred to as blanks in rummy games.
High Point Cards: The cards that have higher point value are referred to as high point cards in rummy card games. The cards from 6 to 10 in hearts, spades, clubs and diamonds are referred to as high point cards.
Low Point Cards: The cards that have lower point value are referred to as low point cards. All the cards from 2 to 5 in hearts, spades, diamonds and clubs are referred to as low point cards.
Open Card: The topmost card in the deck is left open by the dealer and this is called open card. The first player can either pick the topmost card on the deck or the open card. Every other player can either pick the topmost card on the disposed pile or the topmost card on the deck.
Different Types of Melds and Sequences
Once you understand all the cards used in rummy card games, you reach the next level of learning rummy games. In this stage, you understand the different types of sequences and melds created in rummy card games.
Sequence: An arrangement of cards belonging to the same sign in the ascending or descending order of their values is referred to as a sequence. There are different types of sequences in rummy card games.
Pure Sequence: A sequence that is made without the use of jokers for its completion is referred to as a pure (natural) sequence.
Real Sequence: A sequence that makes use of jokers for completion is referred to as real (artificial) sequence.
Picture Card Sequence: A sequence made just by using the picture cards of s sign is referred to as a picture card sequence. The A, K, Q of spades form a picture card sequence.
Number Card Sequence: A sequence made by combining number cards of the same sign together is referred to as number card sequence. The 5, 6, 7 of clubs together form a number card sequence.
Mixed Sequence: A mixed sequence is a sequence made by combining number cards and picture cards of one sign. An example of a mixed sequence is 9,10, J, Q of diamonds.
Meld: An arrangement of cards of different signs but same value together is referred to as a meld. A classic example of a meld is 6 of spades, 6 of diamonds and 6 of hearts put together.
Rules Governing a Standard Rummy Card Game
Once you understand the different types of cards in rummy games and the different ways in which these are arranged, you can go to the next stage. In this stage, you understand the different rules governing the game. We have stated these rules in simple words to help the readers understand. Check it out:
Points in Rummy: The points in rummy card games are calculated in different ways in different variations of rummy games. In series rummy card games, the points accumulated in each round are calculated till it reaches the cut-off. It is important to understand how points are calculated in each variation of rummy before playing that variation.
Disposed Pile: Each time a player picks up a card, he has to dispose another card instead. The pile of cards formed by all the cards disposed during individual turns is referred to as the disposed pile.
Life: In rummy card games, life is the minimum arrangement of cards up to which a player’s hand is regarded as a full hand and complete points are calculated.
False Call: When a player calls it rummy before completion of his hand, it is referred to as a false call. A penalty maybe charged for false call.
Full Hand: A hand is regarded as a full hand if the opponent wins before the player completes his life.
First Drop: A player can quit rummy card game before the first card is played. This is regarded as first drop and minimum points are charged in this case.
Second Drop: A player can also quit rummy card game any time after the first move is played. This is referred to as second drop. The points charged in case of second drop is double the points charged in case of first drop.
Standard Rummy Variation: The 13 cards rummy game is regarded as the standard rummy variation. Each player is dealt 13 cards by the dealer. The life in this variation is made from one pure sequence and one real sequence. The points charged for first drop is 20 points and that charged for second drop is 40 points. A full hand will be charged 80 points. All the picture cards have the value 10 including As. The number cards have the value of the number displayed on them.
Different Ways to Use a Joker in Rummy Card Games
A joker in rummy card games is similar to a wild card in UNO because it can help to save the game. There are many ways in which jokers can be used to complete the sets in rummy and to win the game. Here we have shared some of the ways:
Joker to complete a Real Sequence: Joker cards can be used to complete real (artificial) sequences. You may use the joker adjacent to two consecutive cards of the same sign. For example, if you have 5 of hearts and a 6 of hearts, you may use the joker to be the 7 of hearts. This will complete the real sequence.
Another way to complete a real sequence is by placing it between two cards of same sign but with different values. For example, if you have 3 of spades and 5 of spades with you, you may use the joker instead of the 4 of spades and the sequence will be complete.
Joker to complete a Meld: Jokers may also be used to complete melds. If you have q of two signs then you may use the joker to play the Q of the third sign.
Joker can never be used to complete a pure or natural sequence. All variations of rummy card games require you to have at least one pure sequence for the completion of life.
Once you understand these basics of standard rummy card game, you can go ahead and play a few practice rummy variations. It will help you understand what you have just learnt about the basics of rummy card games.
