How to Play Rummy

The Objective of Rummy

The goal is to be the first player to go out by arranging all your cards into valid combinations:

- Sets: Three or four cards of the same rank (e.g. 7♠ 7♥ 7♦)
- Runs (sequences): Three or more consecutive cards of the same suit (e.g. 4♥ 5♥ 6♥ 7♥)

All cards must form valid combinations before you can go out.

Setup

Players: 2–6 players
Deck: Standard 52-card deck (no Jokers in basic Rummy)

Dealing:
- 2 players: 10 cards each
- 3–4 players: 7 cards each
- 5–6 players: 6 cards each

Remaining cards form the stockpile face-down. Flip the top card face-up to start the discard pile.

Card ranking: A (low only in basic Rummy) 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 J Q K

How to Play a Turn

On your turn, do three things in order:

1. Draw — Take either the top card from the stockpile (face-down) or the top card from the discard pile (face-up). You must take one.

2. Meld (optional) — If you have valid sets or runs, you may lay them face-up on the table. You may also 'lay off' cards on existing melds on the table — including other players' melds.

3. Discard — End your turn by placing one card face-up on the discard pile.

You may not discard a card you just picked up from the discard pile.

Going Out

You go out when all your remaining cards are in valid melds. On your turn, after melding all your cards, your final discard ends the round.

Going Rummy: If you can go out in one turn without having previously melded any cards, you've gone Rummy — a bonus that typically doubles your score.

Once someone goes out, all other players reveal their hands and count up the unmelded cards (deadwood) in their hand.

Scoring

The player who goes out scores points equal to the unmelded cards left in opponents' hands:

| Cards | Point Value |
|-------|-------------|
| Ace | 1 point |
| 2–10 | Face value |
| J, Q, K | 10 points each |

Play multiple rounds. The first player to reach a target score (usually 100, 200, or 500 points depending on group rules) wins the game.

Strategy Tips

Watch the discard pile. The discard pile reveals what your opponents need. If they keep picking up specific ranks or suits, don't give them the cards they want.

Draw from the discard pile sparingly. Taking a face-up card tells your opponents exactly what you have. Draw from the stockpile when possible unless the discard completes a meld.

Prioritize runs over sets. Runs can grow in two directions (add to either end). Sets max out at four cards.

Discard high cards early. Kings and Queens that don't fit your melds are expensive if caught in your hand. Get rid of them early.

Go Rummy when possible. If you're close to going out, hold back and wait for the card that lets you go Rummy in one move — doubled score is worth the patience.