By Rummy has been played in India for generations as a popular pastime and a real star during seasons of festivals. Different generations together enjoy it due to not-so-complicated rules gripping gameplay and stage to show strategic mastery.
As technology advanced, rummy evolved, providing a bigger, stronger and more diverse stage for their players. In this article, let’s talk about a few of the most popular rummy variants so you get your perfect stage to showcase your rummy talent.
Understanding Different Rummy Variants
| Parameters | Classic Rummy | Indian Rummy | Gin Rummy |
| Objective | Players create sets and sequences by discarding and drawing cards. (E.g., 2,3,4 of spades – a sequence; 6,6,6 of hearts, spades, clubs – a set) | Indian Rummy is similar to classic rummy, but the only difference in this rummy variant is Joker. | Gin rummy is played to create a valid set of sequences and sets with the aim of no invalid set and sequence remaining. |
| Number of Players
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Played between 2 to 6 players with 1 or more than one deck of 52 cards. | There are 2 to 6 players. 2 decks of 52 cards each are used for playing. | 2 – 4 players with one deck of 52 cards. |
| How to Play?
|
● Players get alternate chances to draw and discard cards. It means that at every chance, players draw cards from the discarded pile and check whether the drawn card suits their needed set and sequence.
● If the drawn card is suitable, the player keeps it and discards an alternate card from his hand. ● If the drawn card is unsuitable, it is discarded, and the next player gets the chance to pick it up or go for drawing. |
● Players get alternate chances to draw and discard cards, like in classic rummy.
● The only difference in this variation is the use of a joker, i.e., printed joker, and players can randomly choose another joker from the deck, which becomes a wild card. ● Players can use the Joker as a substitute for any cards to complete their sets and sequences. (E.g., Joker, 2 of hearts, 3 of hearts can form a valid sequence) |
● Players get alternate chances to draw and discard cards.
● At every chance, players draw cards from the discarded pile and check whether the drawn card suits their needed set and sequence. ● If the drawn card is suitable, the player keeps it and discards an alternate card from his hand. ● If the drawn card is unsuitable, it is discarded, and the next player has the chance to pick it up or draw it. |
| Dealt Cards | Classic Rummy is Played between 10, 13 or 21 cards. When it is played between 4-6 players, each player gets 7 cards each. | Indian rummy is played with 13 cards; therefore, it is also known as 13-card rummy. | Gin rummy is played with 10 cards each. |
| How is the Winner Decided?
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● The player who declares first is the winner of this rummy variation. They must successfully form sets and sequences.
● The score is kept based on the player’s invalid set and sequences(not formed), and the person with the lowest score wins. |
● The player who declares first is the winner of this rummy variation.
● They must successfully form sets and sequences with one pure sequence. ● The score is kept based on the player’s invalid set and sequences (not formed), and the person with the lowest score wins. |
● The winner of this rummy variation is decided by successfully forming and declaring a set and sequence.
● All cards in your hand must be in a set or sequence before you can declare. You can not have any invalid cards. |
Conclusion
Classic, Indian and Gin are the most loved and popular rummy variants. Therefore, if you are planning to start playing rummy, these variants are best. The rummy variant list is big, including Canasta, Oklahoma rummy, Contract rummy, and Kalooki rummy.
These variants have a rich historical background and offer different gameplay mechanics. Hence, explore and choose which variants suit you best.
