The game of rummy is about turning a hand into combinations on the table for everyone to see: sets of equal ranks and runs in one suit. This version of the card game is for two players, with ten cards each and seven rounds, and you score by emptying your hand before your opponent does. Rummy is really a whole family, with Gin Rummy, Canasta and even Rummikub among its relatives, and it probably descends from the Mexican game Conquian. Press Play now at the top of the page to play a bot right here, no account needed.
Mobile gameplay: Rummy
See the game board, controls and moves on a mobile screen.
How to play
- Start a turn by drawing from the stock or the top of the discard pile.
- Lay down one meld per turn: three or four equal ranks, or a same-suit run of at least three cards. Aces are low.
- You may also extend valid melds already on the table, including the opponent’s, with as many cards as you like. Finish your turn with a discard if you still hold cards.
- Emptying your hand ends the round, including when your last cards form a meld or extend one. The winner scores the value of the opponent’s remaining hand.
- If the stock runs out and the next player does not take the discard, the whole discard pile is turned over, unshuffled, to form a new stock, and no card is left face up. When the stock runs out for the third time, a player who does not take the discard ends the round instead: the lower count in hand scores the difference between the two counts.
Example
With four-five-six of clubs on the table, a seven of clubs can be laid off onto that run. A seven of hearts cannot extend it, however close it looks.
Playing tip
Before you discard, look at the table as well as your hand: a card that seems useless to you may extend a run already laid down. And whatever you are still holding when your opponent goes out scores for them: Aces 1, picture cards 10 and number cards their face value.
Guides and tools
Frequently asked questions
How do you play a first turn in Rummy?
Draw one card from the stock or the discard pile. If you hold the 4, 5 and 6 of clubs, you can lay that run on the table, and you can add a matching card to a meld already there. If cards remain in your hand, discard one to end the turn. Unlike Gin Rummy, you do not keep every meld hidden until the round ends.
How does Rummy differ from Gin Rummy?
In Rummy, melds go face up on the shared table and either player can extend them. In Gin, you keep your combinations in hand and may end a round by knocking.
Do I have to keep a final card to discard?
No. This version lets you go out by laying down your final meld or extending a table meld with your last card.