History of Rummy

Rummy is undoubtedly one of the most popular card games across the globe, with numerous fun variants. The game has remained popular through centuries in different parts of the world. Even though rummy has various versions, the basics of the games remain the same. The popularity of the rummy card game is such that the origin and history of rummy carry varied hypotheses.

Do you know the rummy history, where the game evolved, and who invented it?

The History of Rummy Card Game

Rummy history is a coin with many sides. There are numerous origin stories and myths about the game, believed by people in different countries. David Parlett, a renowned game history scholar, has researched extensively on the history of rummy. His book, The Penguin Book of Card Games, delves into the history of rummy card games. David found a link between the Spanish card game - Conquian and Rummy.

The Conquian card game is believed to be the direct ancestor of rummy, the first variant of this skill game. The game originated in Spain and evolved to the early versions of rummy in Mexico, America, and Canada as the Spanish immigrants spread across the countries in the 19th century.

Take a look at the vast history of rummy and the varied theories about its origin.

Theories of Rummy Origin

Connection with Spain

The most popular theory about the origin of rummy is that it evolved from the Conquian game in Spain or Mexico. The game is believed to have been invented by the Spanish people and gradually spread across America by Spanish migrants during the 19th century.

Asian Origin

While the majority of rummy enthusiasts believe that the game originated in Spain, there's also the Asian theory linked to the origin of rummy. As per this theory, the game originated in China from the popular Chinese game Mahjong. The game of Mahjong was quite similar to rummy as it involved the same drawing and discarding techniques to win. In the 19th century, the same game was also given names, such as Kon Khin and Khanhoo.

The Chinese game, 'Mahjong', gradually spread across India and came to be known as Indian Rummy. Indian Rummy is now a rummy variant that is played with 52 cards, and each player makes sequences and sets out of the 13 cards dealt to them.

Did Rummy Evolve from Poker?

Many theories also link the origin of rummy to the poker game. It is believed that rummy is a version of a form of poker called whiskey poker. Whiskey poker was eventually renamed rum poker and then came to be known as rummy.

Rummy During the World War 1

According to Hungarian newspapers, the rummy game was played even during the time of World War 1. The game may have emerged around 1915 at the coffee shop tables and became popular amongst denizens.

Rummy in India

Rummy in India gained popularity through the Indian Rummy variant. Indian Rummy is also known as 13 Card Rummy and is played with a standard deck of 52 cards with printed jokers. Rummy played in India is a blend of 500 rummy and Gin Rummy games, and it gained popularity in India during the 20th century.

Modern Version of the Rummy Game

It may be difficult to identify the actual origin of rummy; nevertheless, the game's popularity is always on the rise. The modern rummy game exists in numerous variants played across the globe. Some of the popular modern rummy variants include Indian Rummy, Gin Rummy, 500 Rummy, and Contract Rummy. The game is not only played in live settings but is popularly played on online gaming platforms for real cash.

The History of Rummy Name

The popular belief of the rummy name is that it came from the word 'rum', which means odd, stranger, peculiar, or queer in British slang. It could have been that the British found the game to be odd. However, many people also believe that rummy got its name from Rum poker or Whiskey Poker, which is considered to be the ancestor of rummy games.

As per another theory, it is also believed that the rummy name was derived from the alcoholic beverage rum, as the player who lost a game had to pay for the next round of drinks. According to this theory, the rummy name originated in the Netherlands from the word 'Roemer', which means a glass drinking vessel in Dutch.

How did Rummy Gain Popularity?

There's no doubt that the rummy game is extremely interesting and requires skills to play. Moreover, it is one of the card games that is easy to learn and play. The blend of ease of learning and mental simulation is what led to the popularity of rummy.

Rummy gained immense popularity in the 1930s when renowned Hollywood celebrities played the game. This card game was one of the entertainment and leisure activities for people in the 19th century.

Today, the popularity of rummy has increased manifolds due to the availability of the internet, online gaming platforms and the increase in the number of mobile users.