Learn How to Play Rummy Online with Simple Rummy Rules

Rummy is a card game played with two decks of 52 cards and two Jokers, making a total of 106 cards. The goal is to arrange your 13 cards into groups and sequences.

A sequence is a set of three or more cards in a row of the same suit (like 4, 5, 6 of ♥️ ). A set is a group of three or four cards with the same number but from different suits (like 7 of Hearts ♥️ , 7 of Spades ♠️ , and 7 of Clubs ♣).

Each turn, players pick a card from one of two piles:

• A closed pile, where the cards are hidden.
• An open pile, where the cards are visible.

After picking a card, players must discard one card from their hand, placing it in the open pile. To win, you need to organize your 13 cards into valid groups and sequences. Watch the video to learn more about the rummy rules and how to play rummy.

Objective of the Game of Rummy

The objective of rummy is to arrange the 13 cards rummy in valid sequences and sets. To win, the player has to make at least one pure sequence out of the minimum of two sequences. The rest of them can be any valid sequences or sets. The player cannot make a valid rummy declaration if there is no pure sequence. This is among the most important rummy rules to remember.

Following the rules of rummy, this is what a winning hand may look like:

How to Play Rummy - Important Rummy Rules

If you are just starting off with the Rummy game, please know these Rummy game rules to win. Know that the rummy card games rules may vary with the different variations of the game.

1. For a game of rummy, 2 to 6 players are required to play with 2 decks. Every player gets 13 cards, a random card becomes the wild joker or joker card of the game. These cards are kept hidden from the other players.
2. To form valid sets and sequences, the player has to draw and discard cards at every turn from a closed and open pile of cards. They can also use the wild joker or the printed joker of the deck to make an impure sequence and sets. The joker can be used to replace any card in a sequence or set to complete the group.
3. In Indian rummy, once a player arranges all 13 cards in 2 valid sequences- one being a pure sequence and more groups of sequences and sets. Once that is complete, they can make a declaration and win the game.

Terms Linked to Rummy Rules

Along with the rummy rules, there are some important terms that you must know before starting off. These terms are linked to the rules of playing rummy and will help you understand the game.

• Table: The rummy table is the virtual or the physical table to play rummy. Each table has 2 to 6 players. On MPL, one table can seat a maximum of 5 players.
• Deck: A deck has 52 cards and a printed Joker. Each deck has four sets of 13 cards of 4 different suits- Clubs, Hearts, Spades, and Diamonds. All these cards have Ace, King, Queen, Jack, and others from 2 to 10.
• Joker Cards/Wild Cards: A wild card is selected randomly after the cards are distributed. Each open deck has a printed Joker. The joker and the wild card are used as replacements for the desired card to make impure sequences and sets. At the end of the game, all these cards carry zero points. For example, if the Joker is a printed one, the Aces can be wild cards.
• Sorting: Arrangement of cards at the beginning of the game after the cards are dealt. To prevent mixing of the cards, every user sorts their cards in a certain manner to help form sets and sequences.
• Draw and Discard: Each player has 13 cards in every rummy game. In addition to that, there are 2 stacks from which each player can choose a card. In rummy terms, it is called "drawing a card". The moment a player draws a card, they have to get rid of another. It is called "discarding".
• Rummy Points: According to the rummy card game rules, there are dedicated points for each and every one of them. Face cards like Ace, King, Queen, and Jack have 10 points each. The cards carry the same points as their face value. For example, a 7 (spades) will have 7 points.
• Sequence: A group of three or more cards of the same suit in consecutive order is a sequence. A sequence can be pure or impure. Example: 6 (Clubs) 7 (Clubs) 8 (Clubs)
• Pure Sequence: A sequence that contains no Joker is a pure sequence. However, if there is a wild joker of the same suit, it can make a pure sequence. Example: 7 (hearts) 8 (hearts) 9 (hearts)
• Impure Sequence: A sequence with the joker card is always an impure sequence. Example: K (Spades) PJ J(spades) 10 (spades), where PJ is a printed joker. Another example: K( Clubs), Q (Clubs), J (clubs), 7 (diamonds), where 7 (diamonds) is a wild card.
• Set: A set is a group of three or four cards of the same rank but different suits. You can also use a wild card or a joker to form a set.
• Drop: A player can drop out of a rummy game, but they have to pay a penalty. There are different penalty points for dropping out at different times during the game.

How to Form a Sequence According to Rummy Rules?

A sequence is three or more consecutive cards that belong to the same suit. Basically, as explained earlier in this article, sequences are of two types- a pure and an impure sequence. According to the rummy rules, you must have at leats one pure sequence to win! To know know more about what these sequences look like, please see below:

Pure Sequence

A pure sequence is formed when a group of three or more cards are of the same suit which are placed in consecutive order. A player cannot use any Joker or wild card while forming these.

Examples of pure sequence:

1. 6♥ 7♥ 8♥ (It is a pure sequence with three cards)
2. 5♠ 6♠ 7♠ 8♠ (It is a pure sequence with four cards)

Impure Sequence

A group of three or more cards of the same suit where one or more Joker cards are used in an impure sequence. 

Examples of impure sequence:

1. 7♦ 8♦ Q♠ 10♦ (Here Q♠ has been used as a wild Joker replacing 9♦ to form an impure sequence.)

6♠ Q♥ 8♠ 9♠ PJ (Impure sequence with Q♥ as wild joker that is replacing 7♠ and the Printed Joker is replacing 10♠.)
 

Understanding Rummy Rules for Forming Sets

In Rummy, a group of three or more cards of the same value but of different suits are used to form sets. While forming sets, you can also use wild cards and Jokers. 

Examples of sets:

2♥️ 2♠️ 2♣️ 2♦️ - This set is formed using 2s of different suits, and without a Joker.

A♥️ A♣️ A♦️ - In this set, three Aces of different suits are used to make a valid set.

4♦️ 4♣️ 4♠️, and J - This set is formed using 4s of different suits and a printed Joker to replace 4♥️.

7♠️ 7♣️ K♥️ - This set is formed using 7s of different suits and K♥️ as a wild Joker.

Valid and Invalid sets in Rummy Rules

Look below for examples of valid and invalid sets according to the rules of rummy:

Examples of valid sets

1. A♥ A♣ A♦ - In this set, all the Aces are of different suits; make a valid set.
2. 6♠️ 7♠️ 8♠️ - Consecutive numbers of the same suit

Examples of invalid sets

Q♥️ Q♥️ Q♦️ - This is an invalid set as it includes two Qs of the same suit. Had they all been from different suits, it would have made a valid set.

8♠️ 8♥️ 8♦️ 8♠️ K♥️ - This is an invalid set because it includes two 8s of the same suit (Spades). In a valid set, each card must be of a different suit. The K♥️ here is an extra card and does not form part of the set of 8s.

How to Play Rummy on MPL

Follow the below steps to play Rummy on MPL. There are different versions of rummy that you can find on MPL - Points, Pools, Deals, and win cash prizes. MPL has a dedicated app for Rummy card game where you can play the game and get exciting rewards. 

• Simply go the Rummy page on MPL's website and scan the QR code to download the Rummy apk. install on your phone and start playing. If you are an iOS user, download the app from the App Store by searching for 'MPL' or 'Rummy by MPL', which is a dedicated app for Rummy.
• Once downloaded, follow these steps:
• Choose Rummy from the list of the games given. Choose the variation you want to play- Points, Deals, and Pool Rummy.
• Select the Rummy cash game depending on your budget among the variations given. Choose an entry table depending on your skills. You can choose to play on the table of either 2 to 5 players. On MPL, the maximum number of players on a table is 5.
• Players get 13 cards at the start of the game, with a randomly chosen card serving as the wild joker. Arrange your cards to create a pure sequence, followed by additional valid sequences and sets. A player can draw from the closed deck and discard cards; however, no player can exceed 13 cards at any time.
• As per the Rummy rules, making a declaration requires forming two valid sequences, including one pure sequence and other sets, using the 13 cards in hand.
• The first player who declares with zero points stands as the winner.

Playing rummy on MPL is very easy because of the easy-to-understand interface and you can look at the tutorial to understand the rummy rules if you are a beginner.

Valid declaration

A valid declaration means that a player has to make two sequences, with one being a Pure Sequence (excluding Jokers). The remaining cards can be organized into sets or sequences. Before clicking the 'Declare' button, it is essential to double-check the cards. An early declaration lacking valid or containing incorrect combinations will be considered invalid, meaning the player will lose points.

 A valid declaration must consist of two sequences—one pure and one impure—with the remaining cards forming a combination (set or sequence).

For example, a valid set could look like:

6♠️ 7♠️ 8♠️ | A♥️ 2♥️ PJ | 6♣️ 7♠️ 7♥️ | 4♠️ 4♥️ 4♦️

During each turn, players must draw a card and discard one from their hand, choosing from the topmost card in the closed deck or the card discarded in the previous turn.

Invalid Declaration

As per the rules of rummy, when a player declares a hand, having one pure sequence out of two sequences is mandatory. When that does not occur, the declaration becomes an invalid declaration. There cannot be more than two sets in a valid declaration. There are some examples in which minor mistakes can cause you to lose points. Here are some examples where the set is an invalid declaration.

4♦️ 4♥️ 4♥️. Here, the declaration is invalid because it contains 2 fours of hearts.

5♠️ 5♠️ 5♥️ 5♦️. It is an invalid declaration because of 2 fives of spades.

The provided combination, 3♣️ 4♣️ 5♣️ 6♠️ | 7♦️ 8♦️ PJ | 5♣️ 5♠️ 5♥️ | 7♠️ 7♥️ 7♦️, is considered invalid because it lacks the required pure sequence according to the game rules.

How The Points & Winnings Are Calculated As Per Indian Rummy Rules?

According to the Indian rummy rules, the points distribution is as follows:

Rummy points system:

Points calculated on different variants

Points Rummy

Penalty Points for the Losing Player:

Pool Rummy

The penalty points for the loser in pool rummy:

Deals Rummy

Penalty Points for Deals Rummy

How to Download and Play Rummy on the MPL App

• Visit MPL’s Website and go to the Rummy page.
• Scan the QR Code to download the app, or download the Rummy by MPL app from Play Store/App Store.
• Tap OK to download.
• You may get a safety check pop app. Click on "Download Anyway". MPL App is 100% safe to download.
• Install and Open the app.
• Sign Up with your mobile number.
• Select a Rummy Game (like Pool, Points, or Deals Rummy).
• Form Sequences and Sets with your cards, then Declare to win.
• If you are using an iOS device, search MPL app on the App Store and click on "Get" to download the app.

FAQs About Rummy Rules

How are cards dealt in rummy?

To begin the rummy game, each player takes turns receiving 13 cards each, one by one. This card distribution is called "dealing." In 13-Card Rummy, the Joker plays a crucial role. It can step in as a substitute for missing cards in a sequence or a set.

What is the significance of the Joker in rummy?

The rules for playing rummy say: Since the Joker can substitute for any card, it can be a part of both sequences ( consecutive cards of the same suit) and sets (three or four cards of the same rank). Example: You need a 3 to go between 4 and 5 of Clubs? Joker can be that card. Even if you are missing a black four to complete a set of fours, the Joker is your card.

Can a player skip their turn in rummy?

Yes. A player can skip their turn. However, they will lose points in that round of play as per the rules of the rummy game.

Can a joker be used in any sequence or set?

Yes. A joker can be used to complete a set or a sequence. However, it will be used as an impure sequence. A pure sequence cannot have any Joker card. That is one of the primary rummy rules.

How is scoring done in Indian rummy?

In Indian Rummy rules, scoring is based on the cards left in a player's hand when someone declares.

• Number cards (2-10) are worth their face value.
• Face cards (Jack, Queen, King) and Aces are worth 10 points each.
• Jokers are worth 0 points.

The player who declares a valid hand gets 0 points, and others get points for the cards they haven't grouped. The goal is to have the lowest score.

Is it mandatory to have a pure sequence in rummy?

Yes. According to rummy rules, in order to make declaration, a player has to make a minimum of two sequences out of which one must be a pure sequence.

How does the discard pile work?

A discard pile is placed next to the stock, turned face up. At the beginning of every turn, the player has to draw a card from the stock or the discard pile. When the turn ends, you must play one of the cards in your hand to the discard pile. Then, it will be available to the next player.

It is not allowed to play a card to the discard pile that came from the pile in the same turn. However, if you draw a card from the stock, then it is allowed to play it to the discard pile immediately.

How does the rummy game end?

The rummy game ends when a player gets rid of all the cards. If all their remaining cards match, the player can lay them down without discarding on their last turn. Then the game ends, and there are no further rounds.

What happens if a player declares incorrectly?

If a player declares a set incorrectly, it is known as an invalid set. According to rummy rules, a player has to declare a minimum of two sets, out of which one of the sequences will be pure. If that does not happen, they will lose crucial points.

How can I learn more about advanced strategies in rummy?

Master the Game with These Essential Rummy Tips:

Know Your Rummy Game: Different variations have different rules. Master the basics to avoid penalties and understand the slight changes in each game. Click on the MPL rummy page to understand more about them.

Organize Your Hand: Keep cards sorted by suit and rank (blacks and reds separate) to avoid missing opportunities, especially in larger decks.

Pure Sequence First: This is crucial, especially in Indian Rummy! Focus on building a sequence without jokers before tackling other sets.

Take Wild Cards into Consideration: After creating a pure sequence, jokers and wild cards are your allies. Use them strategically to complete combinations, but be mindful of penalty rules in some game variations.

Minimize the Value: Minimize your point total to reduce potential losses. Discard high-value cards strategically, but wait until you're sure you won't benefit from them first.

Hold on to Middle Cards: Cards like 5s, 6s, and 7s offer more combination potential than very low or high cards. They can fit into multiple runs, increasing your options.

Read the Room: Observe what others discard and pick up. This reveals their potential sequences and sets, allowing you to hold onto key cards that hinder their progress. For example, if one player has picked up 8♥ and 10♥ then, chances are they are forming 8,9,10, and getting rid of your 9♥ will help the player.

Be Discreet: Keep your game plan hidden. Avoid picking from the discard pile unless it's truly advantageous, as others will try to deduce your strategy.

Master "Fishing": "Fishing" involves strategically discarding cards to lure opponents into discarding what you need. Master it, and the win might just be yours! Also, check out the frequent rummy tournaments held on the MPL platform.

Practice Makes Perfect: Regularly playing rummy hones your skills. Implement these tips to play rummy and develop your own winning strategies through experience.