Strange
The origins of Rummy are centuries old. The game, along with its many variations, is one of the most popular card games in the world today. Rummy belongs to a group of card games that share similar rules and features, known as ‘draw and discard’ games.
The game is usually played by two to four players, but occasionally more. The object of the game is for players to get rid of all their cards through a series of rounds and turns.
A turn consists of two actions:
Pick up a card and discard a card at the end of the turn.
A player can take cards from the deck or take the card that the previous player discarded. When discarding cards, players will generally choose to discard the card that has the least value for their hand, or a card with a high value in terms of penalty points; the latter is calculated at the end of a game.
Upon receiving cards each round, the player must decide on their usability in ‘combinations’ (‘sets’ and ‘runs’). To throw the cards, players must form sets or races and place them in the meld area. A card must be held in hand to complete a turn.
Run – at least three consecutive cards of the same suit – really a bit like a straight.
Place – at least three cards, of the same value, of different suits.
When a player has no cards left in their hand, they win the game. Opponents that are left with cards are penalized according to the accumulated value of those cards.
Traditional rummy can end after one or three rounds. Players have two main options: gradually build combinations/sets/runs to reduce the risk of being ‘caught’ by an opponent, or try to build all of their combinations at once, in a type of victory called ‘hunt and win’.
variations
Rummy has many variations throughout the world. Your country will determine the type of Rummy variation that is played.
For example, in Europe Rummy is better known as: Ramino, Rummikup, Remi, Kalooki, Chinchon, Okey, Bribas, Romme, Rummy 500 or Rummy, depending on which country you are from. In North America the game is better known as: Gin Rummy or Oklahoma Gin. In South America the game is better known as: Burraco, Canasta or Conquian. In Australia and New Zealand ‘Tonk’ is the popular version. In the Far East, it is known as Mahjong.
Each game will generally have subtle variations on the original Rummy game. Perhaps the best advice is to start with Rummy and go from there.
Good luck.