A game of rummy is almost a tradition during festivals when family and friends get together and enjoy different card games. The Indian rummy card game offers different variations making it possible for anyone to enjoy the game. Even beginners can easily learn to play rummy online with a few rummy tips and tricks in hand. The number of players that the game is played between is usually two to six.
Indian Rummy Rules
Indian Rummy includes points rummy, pool rummy, and deals rummy variants. Rummy is played with a standard deck of cards of four different suits. While the rules are similar for all variants, the gameplay is slightly different. The objective is to make valid sets and sequences, using all 13 cards and declaring the game with zero points.
To win the rummy game online, you have to form a minimum of two sequences, including a pure sequence and an impure sequence. The first step in the game requires you to form a pure sequence without a joker, as without it, you can’t make a valid declaration.
Before you start your first online rummy game, here are the rules you need to learn to form sequences in rummy.
Also Read: Best Online Rummy Tips to Use Joker Card for Winning Games
Pure Sequence in Rummy
When you play rummy cards game, you have to form various sequences and sets. The objective of the card game is to form valid sequences and sets and be the first one to declare. As per rummy rules, there is no valid declaration without a pure sequence. Therefore, the best approach to starting the Indian rummy game is by forming one pure sequence and then use the remaining cards to form any other rummy card sequence or set.
A pure sequence is a group of three or more consecutive cards from the same suit. This implies that the cards have to be placed in consecutive order and you cannot use a printed joker card or a wild joker card. When you are sorting your cards and dividing them into groups, ensure that one of the groups contains at least one pure sequence. Here are a few examples:
5♠ 6♠ 7♠ 8♠ (A rummy sequence with four cards of Spades placed in consecutive order)
K♦ Q♦ J♦ (A sequence with three cards of Diamonds placed in consecutive order)
2♥ 3♥ 4♥ (A sequence with three cards of Hearts placed in consecutive order)
While grouping the cards in valid sets and sequences, you have to be smart and plan your moves in advance to win this draw and discard game. Be aware of all the cards; you have to avoid discarding a valuable card that can help you create a valid sequence. This requires skills which you will eventually gain when you get used to playing a few online rummy games.
How to form pure sequences in rummy?
The key to winning an Indian rummy game is to quickly form a pure sequence followed by other sets and pure or impure sequences. Here are several tips for beginners to form pure sequences in the rummy game and reduce points in hand:
- Always keep in mind to avoid using the Joker card and wild jokers in a pure sequence. As per rummy rules, it would make the sequence impure.
- A wildcard can be used to make a pure sequence only if the wildcard is from the same suit.
- You can make the sequence using face cards, low point cards, or high points cards.
Face cards sequence
You can create a sequence with King, Queen, and Jack face cards. The sequence using face cards scores 11, 12, and 13 for Jack, Queen, and King respectively.
Low point cards sequence
Arranging your cards from 2 to 5 in an ascending or descending order forms a sequence of low-point cards. For instance, you can form a low point card sequence with 2, 3, 4 or 3, 4, 5 of the same suit. For a valid pure sequence of low point cards, the cards have to be from the same suit.
High point cards sequence
Arranging your cards from 6 to 10 in combination with face cards forms a high-point cards sequence. For instance, you can form a high point cards sequence with 8,9,10 or 9, 10, Jack, Queen, or 10, Jack, Queen, etc, from the same suit.
Let’s now consider an example to explain the creation of a pure sequence with two players playing the game.
* H – ♥, S – ♠, D – ♦, C – ♣
Player 1
Dealt Cards: QH 10C JC KC 8S 6D 8D 6S 3H 2H 5D 7S AH
Sorted Cards: 2H 3H QH 8D 8S 6S 7S 5D 6D 10C JC KC AH
Player 1 groups the 13 cards in combinations of sequences and sets that may form pure or impure sequences in upcoming rounds. The player has also formed one impure sequence with 2H 3H QH and will find the right card to form a pure sequence with the three probable sequences, which are 6S 7S 5D 6D and 10C JC KC
Player 2
Dealt Cards: QC 4C AD 9S AH 3H AH 2H 4H 8D 6D AS
Sorted Cards: 2H 3H 4H AH AD AS 6D 6S QC 8D 4C 9S AD
Player 2 groups the 13 cards in combinations of sequences and sets and instantly forms a pure sequence with 2H 3H 4H, and two sets being AH AD AS and 6D 6S QC.
Impure Sequences in Rummy
An important part of forming a pure sequence is also knowing what forms an impure sequence to avoid making mistakes. A sequence with or without joker cards, formed by grouping three or more cards of the same suit, is an impure sequence.
For instance,
6♦ 7♦ Q♠ 9♦ – This is an impure sequence formed by using four consecutive cards of the same suit, with Q♠ (wild joker) used to substitute for 8♦
4♣ 5♣ PJ 7♣ – Another example of an impure sequence is a group of 4 cards with the Printed Joker used to replace 6♣
Conclusion
Rummy is a game that requires strategy, skills, and planning. You will need constant practice to improve your skills and strategy to win the game like a pro. Whether you are a beginner, intermediate player, or advanced player, the best approach to play is by forming a pure sequence in rummy at the offset. You will need to understand the various rules and strategies to eventually master the rummy card game. You can also read the top 5 secrets for your online rummy strategy to ace your game.
Are you ready to try your hand at online rummy? You can download the MPL app and start playing to master all the tips and tricks.
