All You Need to Know About Indian Rummy
Countless people in India play rummy with their friends and family. However, how is the game different from American or European rummy? What are the rules? How do you win a deal?
Now, let’s find out more.
What is Indian Rummy?
Indian rummy is a 13-card rummy game, similar to the basic card game. Each player receives 13 cards in one deal. The game is played between 2 to 6 players and may use one or two decks of cards.
The Indian version of rummy is exciting and fast. You can enjoy several rounds in a short time for more fun and wins.
How is Indian Rummy Different?
Rummy played in India has different rules. It is a 13-card rummy, whereas the basic version uses 6, 7, or 10 cards.
Moreover, some versions of the game limit the sets or sequences to 3 or 4 cards. However, in India, you can create longer sequences with several cards.
Likewise, some variants are more popular in India, such as points rummy or deals rummy.
How to Win Indian Rummy?
The rules of rummy played in India are simple. You will have to make a minimum of two sequences, one of which must be a pure sequence.
What is a pure sequence?
A pure sequence is made of three or more cards of consecutive ranks of the same suit. It does not have a joker or wild card.
Example of a pure sequence is – K♣, Q♣, J♣, 10♣, 9♣.
You have to make another sequence to win the game, which can be pure or impure. An impure sequence contains consecutive cards of the same suit and a joker.
An example of a impure sequence is – 2♠, 3♠, 4♠, 5♠, 10💗. Here, 10💗 is the joker or wild card.
The remaining cards in your hands must form more sequences or sets. You may even create a single sequence consisting of 7 cards.
You can “declare” once you have an eligible hand, one where all the cards make valid combinations.
What are the Points in Indian Rummy?
The goal of 13-card rummy is to score the least points. You get points when you have unmatched cards in your hand after you “declare”, or the game ends.
How are the points calculated?
- All the aces, kings, queens, and jacks carry 10 points in rummy.
- All number cards have points the same as their face value (5💗 = 5 points, 7♠ = 7 points, and so on).
- Jokers or wild cards carry 0 points.
The points of all the invalid cards are added to announce the winner. However, you also get penalty points for an invalid declaration or using “drop.”
The penalty points for drops are:
- The first drop is 20 points.
- Middle drop is 40 points.
How to Play Indian Rummy?
You will first need to download and install the RummyTime app. Next, you should:
- Sort your hand after you are dealt the cards
- Pick cards from the closed or discard pile
- Discard a card from your hand that you don’t need
- Try to form a pure sequence with succeeding cards of the same suit
- Create more sequences (may include impure sequences) and sets
- Form a valid hand meeting all the rules of declaration
- Declare your hand
Is It Legal to Play Indian Rummy?
You can play rummy in most states in India without any worry. It is legal and safe, based on the judgment passed by the Supreme Court of India. Rummy is a game of skill and does not depend on luck.
Note: States like Orissa, Assam, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Meghalaya have banned cash rummy apps. People from these regions can only play practice games.
Variations of Indian Rummy
You can play different versions of rummy in India. Some of them are:
Points Rummy
Points rummy is quick and more fun. The game happens for one round, during which they try to form a valid hand to make a “show.”
The player who meets all the rules wins the game. The other players receive points based on unmatched cards in their hand.
Pool Rummy
61, 101 and 201 pool rummy are very popular in India. The goal is to score minimum points.
Additionally, players who score 61, 101 or 201 points are eliminated. The last player who remains at the end is the winner.
Deals Rummy
Deals rummy is played for a set number of rounds. Players who win each round are given chips.
The person with the most chips at the end of the pre-decided rounds wins the match.
Rummy is a common part of the daily lives of many people in India. We hope you learned everything about the game here. You can now play rummy with your friends or online using an app or website.