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Feb 16, 2025
2 min read
Rummy is an age-old card game that is played worldwide. Amongst all the variants of rummy, the Indian Rummy variant is the most popular game in India. The Indian Rummy card game has two further versions - 13 Cards Rummy and 21 Cards Rummy. Both these card games have similar gameplay with a slight variation in the rules.
13 card rummy vs 21 card rummy is often a topic of discussion amongst rummy players. Nevertheless, each game is equally thrilling to play with friends, family, and online players. Take a look at the differences and similarities between 13 card rummy and 21 card rummy.
13 Cards Rummy vs 21 Cards Rummy - Similarities and Differences
| Similarity/Difference | 13 Card Rummy | 21 Card Rummy |
| Number of Decks | 1-2 standard decks of 52 cards are used | 3 standard decks of 52 cards are used |
| Number of Players | 2-6 players | 2-6 players |
| Cards Dealt | 13 cards to each player | 21 cards to each player |
| Required Pure Sequences | At least one pure sequence | At least three pure sequences |
| Drop Penalty | Initial Drop - 20 Points Middle Drop - 40 Points | Initial Drop - 30 Points Middle Drop - 75 Points |
| Same Suit Cards | Two cards of the same suit cannot be used to make sets or sequences | Two cards of the same suit cannot be used to make sets or sequences |
| Rule to for Pure Sequence | Pure sequence can only be formed with three cards of the same suit | Three cards of the same suit and value are called Tunnela and can be used to make a pure sequence |
| Jokers | Jokers are printed or wild cards. Jokers can be used in impure sequences and sets only | Upper jokers and lower jokers are assigned according to the cut joker. The upper and lower jokers must be of the same suit as cut joker and can ve used only in impure sequences and sets |
| Types of formations | There are only two types of sequences: pure sequences and impure sequences (including triplets). In the 13-card variation, every set and sequence must have three cards or more. | You can also make a "Dublee" in addition to the Tunella. When two cards with the same value and suits are combined, a dublee is created. You can't make dublees with jokers. However, two "printed jokers" can be combined to create a valid Dublee. |
Rules of the 13-Card Rummy Game
Here are the main rules to play 13 Cards Rummy:
- The dealer deals 13 cards to each player at the beginning of the game.
- Each player must arrange all their cards in valid sets and sequences.
- The players must form at least 2 sequences (including one pure sequence).
- The first player to make a valid declaration wins the game.
Rules of the 21-Card Rummy Game
Here are the main rules to play 21 Cards Rummy:
- The dealer deals 21 cards to each player at the beginning of the game.
- Each player must arrange all their cards in valid sets and sequences.
- The players must form at least 3 pure sequences. The remaining cards can be arranged in other sets and sequences.
- Players can also make at least 3 tunnelas of different groups and arrange other cards in a single group.
- In the case of doubles, the players must make at least 8 combinations and can leave the remaining cards unpaired.
- Players can also announce 8 joker cards in individual groups during the declaration.
Kiran Kumar
Kiran is a Rummy pro and gaming writer, here to help you win big. He’s putting together a simple, easy-to-follow guide for all the different versions of Rummy. Whether it’s making the best hand, planning your moves, or figuring out when to raise and what to discard, Kiran’s tips have got you covered. His articles are packed with easy advice to help you outplay your opponents and win more. If you want to get better at Rummy, Kiran’s the guy to follow!
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