Rummy Variations
Rummy, along with its various versions, has been a favorite card game in India for generations. Its popularity and accessibility have grown significantly with the availability of the game on smartphones. Now recognized as a global game, rummy players must become acquainted with the different versions available. Although the basic rules of rummy stay the same, there are now many ways to enjoy and play the game with friends.
The most popular types of rummy are 13 Card Rummy, 21 Card Rummy, Gin, and Contract Rummy. Each type includes different categories. 13 card rummy is especially popular in India, with many sites like Rummyprime hosting a range of 13 card rummy games.
Types of Rummy Games
The various types of rummy include:
- 13 Card Rummy
- Points Rummy
- Pool Rummy
- Deals Rummy
- 21 Card Rummy
- Gin Rummy
13 Card Rummy
Played mainly in India, the 13-card rummy game involves giving each player 13 cards. The rules require players to form at least one pure sequence (a sequence without any Joker) and one impure sequence (which can include a Joker) to declare victory.
In games with two players, a single standard 52-card deck is used. For games with six players, two 52-card decks are combined. The goal is for players to complete their sets and sequences, and upon doing so, they must make a valid declaration to win.
Points Rummy
This version of rummy is a twist on the traditional 13 card Indian rummy. In it, players aim for points that have a pre-set value in rupees. The goal is to declare and reach a score of 0. The player who doesn’t win must tally up the points from any cards not in sets, and add them to their score. The game’s victor walks away with all the cash, which is calculated from the total points their opponents gather.
Pool Rummy
Pool rummy is a variation of the traditional 13-card game that’s available on many online rummy apps. It’s different from points rummy because it’s played in rounds. The goal in pool rummy is to keep your score low to avoid reaching 101 or 201 points, depending on the version you’re playing. In each round, the player who wins does not earn any points. As a result, pool rummy games usually last longer than other variants.
Types of Pool Rummy You Can Learn About:
- 101 Pool Rummy
- 201 Pool Rummy
- 61 Pool Rummy
Deals Rummy
Deals Rummy is a version of the 13-card rummy game, a popular variant in India. In this game, each player starts with a specific number of cards. When playing online, participants are allocated a fixed number of chips to play with. As rounds conclude, the winning player gains chips from their opponent, depending on the scores. Ultimately, the player with the most chips at the game’s end is declared the winner.
21 Card Rummy
21 Card Rummy shares similarities with other rummy games, but it stands out due to its unique rules. In this version, players receive 21 cards each and are required to create at least 3 pure sequences, increasing the game’s difficulty. It also introduces specific penalty rules; if a player quits before playing any card, they are penalized 30 points, and leaving after playing results in a 75-point penalty.
A notable feature of 21 Card Rummy is the incorporation of jokers. Upper and lower jokers are determined by the cut-joker. For instance, if the cut-joker is the 4♦, then the 5♦ becomes the upper joker, and the 3♦, the lower joker, both of which must be in the same suit as the cut-joker. These jokers can replace any card to help form impure sequences.
Gin Rummy
Gin Rummy is a variation of the classic Rummy game that accommodates 2-4 players. It varies somewhat from 13 Card Rummy and 21 Card Rummy. In Gin Rummy, each player receives 10 cards, unlike the 13 cards dealt in the other versions, with the goal of creating sets and sequences. A unique feature is that the Ace can serve as either the lowest card, before the 2, or follow the 3 in a sequence.
What sets Gin Rummy apart from other Rummy games is the possibility for a player to win without a complete set of valid cards. If a player’s points total less than 10, they can “knock” to claim victory. The winner’s score is determined by comparing their unused cards’ points (deadwood) to those of their opponent. Though 13 Card Rummy and 21 Card Rummy might be more widespread, Gin Rummy still enjoys a dedicated fan base.
Summary of Rummy Variants:
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Rummy Type
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Description
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Winning Objective
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|---|---|---|
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13 Card Rummy
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Classic Indian Rummy variant with 13 cards; form valid sets and sequences.
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Form valid sets and sequences.
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Points Rummy
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Fast-paced game with points assigned to cards; winner collects points from others.
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Collect points from opponents’ cards.
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Pool Rummy
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Players keep getting eliminated if they reach the points limit (61, 101 or 201).
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Have the lowest points and avoid elimination.
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Deals Rummy
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Predetermined deals; lowest points in each deal wins; cumulative scores matter.
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Have the lowest cumulative score in deals.
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21 Card Rummy
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Fast-paced game with 21 cards; form sets and sequences to achieve the lowest score.
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Achieve the lowest score with sets/sequences.
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Gin Rummy
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Match cards into sets and runs; ‘knock’ to end rounds; score based on unmelded cards.
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Achieve the lowest score by knocking.
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Discover Various Online Rummy Games at Rummyprime
Join various Indian rummy games on Rummyprime easily. Here’s how to start:
- Download the Rummyprime app by registering on your mobile device.
- Add cash to your account and receive an exciting Rs 12,000 bonus.
- Choose your preferred type of Rummy game.
- Pick the table you want to play at.
- Begin playing!
FAQs About Rummy Game Variations
How Many Different Types of Rummy Exist?
There are different types of rummy games, such as Indian 13 Card Rummy, 21 Card Rummy, Rummy 500, Canasta Rummy, Gin Rummy, Oklahoma Rummy, Shanghai Rummy, and Kalooki Rummy. The Indian 13-card rummy is further categorized into points, pools, and deals rummy.
What Variants of Rummy Does Rummyprime Offer?
Rummyprime offers three types of rummy games: points rummy, deals rummy, and pool rummy, which includes the 61, 101, and 201 variations.
Do the Rules for Different Versions of Rummy Vary?
No, the rules may vary slightly depending on the type of rummy game you’re playing. Yet, the main goal of creating sets and runs stays the same in most rummy game variations.