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How to Play Rummy Online?
Rummy is a card game that you play with two decks of cards and two Jokers. A player needs to make a valid declaration from two piles by picking and discarding them. One of them is a closed deck, where the player cannot see the cards that they are picking, while the other one is an open deck with discarded cards. To win a game of rummy, the players have to group the cards into valid sets and sequences.
Objective
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.
How to Play Rummy - Important Rummy Rules
The Rules of rummy are as follows:
- 2 to 6 players are required to play the rummy game with 2 decks. Every player gets 13 cards, and a random card becomes the wild joker or joker card of the game.
- To form valid sets and sequences, the player has to draw and discard cards at every turn. They can also use the wild joker or the printed joker of the deck to make an impure sequence and sets.
- 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.
Important Rummy Terms
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 and 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: In the rummy card game, 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 in rummy?
A sequence is three or more consecutive cards that belong to the same suit. Basically, sequences are of two types- a pure and an impure sequence. According to the rummy rules, you need one pure sequence.
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. Here are a few examples:
- 6♥ 7♥ 8♥ (It is a pure sequence with three cards)
- 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.
- 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♠.)
How to form 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 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♠️ PJ - 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 sets and Invalid sets
Examples of valid sets
- A♥ A♣ A♦ - In this set, all the Aces are of different suits; make a valid set.
- 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.
8♠️ 8♥️ 8♦️ 8♠️ K♥️ - This is an invalid set as it includes two 8s of the same suit (Clubs). The K♥️ is a wild joker.
Steps to Play Rummy on MPL
- Download the MPL app on your mobile device. For Android users, enter the mobile number on the website to get the apk link. For iOS users, download the app from the App Store.
- 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 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.
- 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 is the winner.
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 rummy rules, 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?
How are points calculated as per Indian Rummy Rules
According to the Indian rummy rules, the points distribution is as follows:
Cards | Value |
Ace, King, Queen, Jack | 10 points each |
Joker and Wild Cards | Zero points each |
Other cards For Example: 5 ♥️, 6 ♥️, 7 ♥️ | Same value as the face Value 5 points, 6 points, 7 points |
Points calculated on different variants
Points Rummy
Cards | Value |
No. of players | 2 to 5 |
Maximum number of points | 80 points |
Winning Amount in Points Rummy | (Sum of all points that opponents lost) x (Pre-decided rupee value of points) – MPL fee |
Penalty Points for the Losing Player:
Penalty | Value |
No set or sequence made | All the points for the cards are added |
No pure sequence | All card points added |
One pure sequence but no other sequence | Excluding the pure sequence, all points are added |
Pool Rummy
Cards | Value |
No. of players | 2 to 5 |
Maximum number of points | 80 points |
Points after re entering the round | 79 points and below- 101 Rummy 174 points and below- 201 Rummy |
First drop | 20 points- 101 Rummy 25 points- 201 Rummy |
Middle drop | 40 points- 101 Rummy 50 points- 201 Rummy |
Winning Amount in Pool Rummy | (Entry Fee Amount) x (Number of Players) – MPL fee |
The penalty points for the loser in pool rummy:
Not finishing all rounds | 80 points |
Missing 3 rounds consecutively | 40 points- 101 Rummy 50 points- 201 Rummy |
Two sequences + One Pure Sequence | Points for ungrouped cards are added |
Deals Rummy
Cards | Value |
No. of players | 2 to 5 |
No. of deals | 2 to 6 |
Winning Amount in Deals Rummy | (Entry Fee) x (Number of Players) – MPL fee |
Penalty Points for Deals Rummy
Cards | Value |
First drop | 20 points |
Middle drop | 40 points |
Missing three turns consecutively | Automatically dropped with 40 points |
FAQs
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?
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 in rummy. However, they will lose points in that round of play.
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?
Here are the points score in Indian Rummy:
Rummy points system:
| Cards | Value |
| Ace, King, Queen, Jack | 10 points each |
Joker and Wild Cards
| Zero points each |
Other cards For Example: 5 ♥️, 6 ♥️, 7 ♥️ | Same value as the face Value 5 points, 6 points, 7 points |
Table for Points Rummy
| Cards | Value |
| No. of players | 2 to 5 |
| Maximum number of points | 80 points |
| Winning Amount in Points Rummy | (Sum of all points that opponents lost) x (Pre-decided rupee value of points) – MPL fee |
Penalty Points for the Losing Player (Points Rummy):
| Penalty | Value |
| No set or sequence made | All the points for the cards are added |
| No pure sequence | All card points added |
| One pure sequence but no other sequence | Excluding the pure sequence, all points are added |
Table for Pool Rummy
| Cards | Value |
| No. of players | 2 to 5 |
| Maximum number of points | 80 points |
| Points after re entering the round | 79 points and below- 101 Rummy 174 points and below- 201 Rummy |
| First drop | 20 points- 101 Rummy 25 points- 201 Rummy |
| Middle drop | 40 points- 101 Rummy 50 points- 201 Rummy |
| Winning Amount in Pool Rummy | (Entry Fee Amount) x (Number of Players) – MPL fee |
Penalty Points for Pool Rummy:
| Not finishing all rounds | 80 points |
| Missing 3 rounds consecutively | 40 points- 101 Rummy 50 points- 201 Rummy |
| Two sequences + One Pure Sequence | Points for ungrouped cards are added |
Table for Deals Rummy
| Cards | Value |
| No. of players | 2 to 5 |
| No. of deals | 2 to 6 |
| Winning Amount in Deals Rummy |
(Entry Fee) x (Number of Players) – MPL fee |
Penalty Points for Deals Rummy
| Cards | Value |
| First drop | 20 points |
| Middle drop | 40 points |
| Missing three turns consecutively | Automatically dropped with 40 points |
Is it mandatory to have a pure sequence in rummy?
Yes. In order to make a valid declaration in a rummy game, a player has to make a minimum of two sequences out of which one has to 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.
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