21 Card Rummy Game

21 Card Rummy is a fun variation of the classic rummy game, often played at Indian weddings and festivals. Unlike the standard rummy, where players get 13 cards, in 21 Card Rummy, each player gets 21 cards. The game is a bit more complex, with special rules like "Tunnela" (pure sequences), "Dublee" (pairs), and different types of jokers. It’s usually played for points with a pre-decided rupee value. While it started as a traditional, social game, it has now become popular online, allowing players to enjoy it anytime, anywhere, and even win real money.

To understand this game properly, you must know the commonly used terms while playing 21 cards rummy online or offline.

Terms Used in 21 Card Rummy

To master the 21-card rummy game, you must be familiar with the below terms:

21 Card Rummy Rules

While the rules for 21 card rummy game rules are similar to the other 13 Card Rummy cash game variants, the rules for declaring the cards are a little different. Here are the basic 21 card rummy rules you must remember to declare a show:

• You must have at least 3 pure sequences; the rest of the cards can be arranged in sets or sequences. A tunnela is also treated as a pure sequence.
• You need at least 3 tunnelas in separate groups, and other cards can be arranged or clubbed in a single group or can be left as it is.
• You need at least 8 dublees; the remaining cards can be left alone. Each pair should be arranged in individual groups during the declaration.
• You have to declare 8 jokers in a single group. There is no need to arrange them in any order. Every joker should be arranged in one group during the declaration.

Calculating rummy points is tricky in the 21-card rummy game. We will simplify this further for you.

21 Card Rummy Points Calculation for Marriage or Jackpot

Calculation of Points for Different Combinations of Value Cards

How To Play 21 Card Rummy?

If you know how to play rummy with 13 cards, the 21 Cards Rummy game will be easy to understand. Here's how you can play this game:

Objective

In 21 Card Rummy, arranging your cards involves forming valid sets and sequences. A valid set is a group of cards of the same rank but different suits, and a valid sequence is a group of consecutive cards of the same suit. Organize your cards into sets and sequences to declare and win the game.

21 cards rummy is one of the most engaging rummy card games; however, it is one of the most elaborate rummy games. Just like 13 cards rummy, the 21 cards variant of the game is also widely played in India on different occasions due to the entertainment it offers.

Here are a few steps that you should follow to play 21 cards rummy game and understand the gameplay:

GamePlay

In a 21 card rummy game, there are 3 decks of 53 cards each, and it includes 3 printed jokers. A card is pulled out from the top of the closed deck and placed face-up at the bottom of that deck. This is called a wild joker.

Each player is dealt 21 cards which should be arranged in valid sequences and sets. The players can pick a card from a closed deck or open deck and discard one card to the open deck.

21 cards rummy is played in the same way as other rummy games. However, it has some important concepts like dublee, tunnela, and upper and lower jokers.

Scoring

Point Calculation for cards

Each card in 21 card rummy carries points as follows:

• J, Q, K, and A carry 10 points each.
• The number cards have the same value as their face value. So, 9 of any suit carries 9 points.
• Joker cards carry zero points.

Points calculation for unmatched cards (Deadwood)

• The cards that are not melded in any group are called deadwood.
• The total points for each player will be calculated based on the number of unmatched cards.

Points for valid sets and sequences

• A player gets zero points for the round if they combine all the cards at hand into valid sets and sequences.
• The player declaring with a valid hand scores zero points.
• A valid meld contains at least three pure sequences (without a joker) and an impure sequence (with a joker.)

Drop Option

Drop is crucial within the game if you want to play safe. Every player is offered an option to drop out of the game after every round. The type of drop depends on whether the player has picked a card from the open or closed deck. There are two types of drops available:

• First drop: When a player drops from the game during the very first round without picking up any card from any pile, it is called the first drop. It makes the player lose 30 points.
• Middle drop: When a player drops from the game after picking up one or more cards from the discard or draw pile, that player loses 70 points.

Winning Hand in 21 Card Rummy

The player with a positive score at the end of the game receives the prize money. The prize money is determined using the following formula:

Example: 5 Players in ₹3 per Point 21 Card Rummy Game

• Player 1 successfully declares, and the other players have the following points:
  -5, -15, -25, -35.

  Prize Money Calculation:

• Prize money = Positive score of the winner × Point value − Rake amount applicable
  1. Add up the absolute values of the losing players' points:
     • 5 + 15 + 25 + 35 = 80 points.

  2. Multiply the total points by the point value (₹3 per point):

     • 80 × 3 = ₹240.

     So, the prize money (before rake) is ₹240.

Winning Amount Calculation:

• The winning amount is the prize money minus the rake amount.
• Rake is a fee deducted by the platform (e.g., Classic Rummy), and it will be subtracted from ₹240.
• Winning Amount = ₹240 - Rake Amount.
• So, the player with the positive score will receive ₹240 (before rake), and the final amount will be the prize money after the rake is deducted.

Non-Winning Hand in 21 Card Rummy

Here are the rules listed to calculate non-winning players in 21 card rummy. When the game ends, the player's points are calculated by adding the value of unmelded cards. However, there might be some changes based on a few circumstances:

• f a player does not have any pure sequences, all cards in their hand are counted as unmelded and are added to the score.
• If a player has only 2 pure sequences instead of 3, the points for the melded sequences (sets and sequences formed) will be counted first before calculating the score for unmelded cards.
• If there are 3 pure sequences, the sequences and sets melded with jokers will also be considered before calculating the lost points.
• When all this is done, the ‘points won' section of every player is filled up. If the points in that list are negative, the player is a losing player. If those points are positive, then the player is winning.

Card Arrangement Strategies in 21 Card Rummy

In order to win this variation of the rummy game, you must know how to arrange your cards for declaration. Look below to get an idea:

Minimum Three (3) Pure Sequences

A valid declaration can be made with at least three pure sequences, each with a minimum of three cards. The remaining cards can be arranged in sets or sequences. Tunnela is also considered a pure sequence.

Minimum Three (3) Tunnelas

According to 21 cards Rummy rules, declare a minimum of three tunnelas; the remaining cards do not need a specific order. They can either be ungrouped or grouped into a single set.

Minimum Eight (8) Dublees

Declare at least eight dublees; the remaining cards do not need a specific order. Each pair of dublees should be arranged in individual groups during the declaration as specified in the 21 cards rummy rules.

Minimum 8 Jokers

Declare eight jokers in a single group; the remaining cards do not need a specific order.

Understanding Points In 21 Card Rummy

Each card carries certain points, which are discussed below:

• J, Q, K, and A of any suit carry 10 points each.
• The number cards have the same value as their face value. So, 9 of any suit carries 9 points.
• Joker cards have zero points.
• As discussed earlier, once any player on the table makes a valid declaration, that player wins the game. Once it is done, the scores for all the other players are calculated in the following manner:
• If a player goes for the first drop, he/she loses 30 points.
• If a player goes for a middle drop, he/she loses 70 points.
• The player who makes a valid declaration gets a score that is the sum of the scores of all losing players.
• The player who wins the game gets positive points in the ‘points won' section.

Winning Strategies in 21 Rummy Card

In order to win this variation of rummy, you must know some 21 cards rummy tricks​ that you can apply.

1. Understanding the rules: The 21 card rummy game has some specific rules that you have to understand to make a valid declaration. There are certain terms like tunnelas, dublees, etc., to make the game simple and give more choices for forming certain combinations.
2. Arranging the cards: Immediately after the dealer deals the cards, the essential thing is to arrange the cards that will make the combinations. This will give you an idea of which card to keep and what to discard.
3. Creating pure sequences as soon as possible: The first step to form a valid declaration is to make pure sequences as soon as you get the cards.
4. Keep the middle cards in your hand: Middle cards help create combinations easily. For, e.g., you have a 7, which can be melded as 5, 6, 7 or 7, 8, 9. These will help create quicker combinations.

Common Mistakes To Avoid While 21 Card Rummy

Skipping Practice Games

For both beginners and experienced players, practicing is crucial. It helps you understand the game better, learn strategies, and learn tips by playing against real players. Skipping practice and jumping straight into playing for real money can lead to losing streaks and significant losses. Ensure you play enough practice games before entering cash contests or tournaments.

Holding High-Value Cards

If you're dealt many high-value cards in rummy, like A's, Ks, Qs, and Js, and they remain ungrouped, discard them early to avoid penalties. High-value cards carry 10 points each, and keeping them ungrouped can lead to substantial losses.

Wild Jokers

Don't discard wild jokers quickly; they play a crucial role in the game. Mistakenly discarding a wild joker reduces your chances of forming required combinations quickly. Take a closer look at your cards before discarding them to avoid this common mistake.

Making Invalid Declarations

Rushing to declare your cards without proper inspection can lead to an invalid declaration, incurring an 80-point penalty – the highest in a rummy game. Thoroughly check your cards before declaring to avoid this costly mistake.

Ignoring Opponent's Moves

Multitasking is essential in rummy. Keep a close eye not only on your cards but also on your opponent's moves. Observing their strategy helps you anticipate their moves and avoid falling for their tricks. Ignoring your opponent's moves can lead to losing the game

13 Card Rummy Vs 21 Card Rummy

Both games are similar, but they have a different way of playing. The big difference between the two is the number of cards dealt to each player. In 13 card rummy, players are dealt 13 cards, while in 21-card rummy, players are dealt 21 cards.

So, 13-card rummy uses fewer decks than 21-card rummy. Making combinations in 13-card rummy is easier as compared to the 21-card rummy game due to fewer pure sequence requirements. Moreover, the terms used in 21-card rummy are different and take time to remember.

Therefore, if you are a beginner, starting with the 13-card rummy game is easier.

FAQs for 21 Card Rummy

Do I need an account to play 21 Card Rummy online?

Typically, players must create an account to play 21 card rummy on any platform. This account allows you to log in, track your progress, and sometimes play multiplayer games with other players. To play MPL Rummy go to the rummy apk for android to try the variant that you want.

Is Rummy the same as 21 card rummy?

Rummy, or the 13-card rummy game varies slightly from the 21-Card Rummy game. Both games involve making sequences and sets, but 21 Card Rummy adds more complexities. It has special combinations like tunnelas, dublees, and different ways to win, making it different from regular Rummy.

How should I arrange my 21 cards?

In 21 Card Rummy, arranging your cards involves forming valid sets and sequences. A valid set is a group of cards of the same rank but different suits, and a valid sequence is a group of consecutive cards of the same suit. Organize your cards into sets and sequences to declare and win the game.

How do I earn points in 21 Card Rummy?

There are three ways of earning points according to rummy 21 rules, as given below:

• 1 Upper + 1 Same Suit + 1 Lower = 100 points
• 2 Upper + 2 Same Suit + 2 Lower = 300 points
• 3 Upper + 3 Same Suit + 3 Lower = 500 points