The Most Popular Types of Rummy Games
Every table game has numerous variations, whether it’s different rules, varying card numbers, or alternate payouts. Rummy is no exception to this. The game has been around since at least the late-19th century, so it’s had a lot of time to undergo tweaks and changes.
Before you read on and learn about the different Rummy games, read our guide on how to play Rummy.
Types of Rummy
How you play Rummy might not be how your friends or neighbors play the game. The basic concept remains the same, but the variations can be substantial enough to create an entirely different game.
Here are some of the different types of Rummy you can play:
Gin Rummy
Gin Rummy is the most popular Rummy game in most countries, and is what many people picture when they think of Rummy.
Typically played between two and four players, everyone gets ten cards, and it’s possible to win even if you don’t complete all of your melds (sets of matching or consecutive cards).
Players can choose to “knock” if they have a point value of 10 or less, and their “deadwood” (the cards not included in melds) is then added together and compared to other hands.
Indian Rummy
Popular throughout India, this Rummy variation uses 13 cards and adds an extra deck if there are six or more players.
Players create melds containing three or four cards each, and one of the cards is randomly chosen to be the Joker. If you’re dealt a Joker, it’s wild, which means it can substitute for any other card in the deck.
Contract Rummy
One of the most popular Rummy games, Contract Rummy, is played with two to four decks of 54 cards, as both Jokers are used.
Players get ten cards to begin with and take turns dealing. The way Contract Rummy differs from other types of Rummy is with the use of multiple rounds that get progressively harder.
There are usually seven rounds, and players must form a specific number of melds in each.
500 Rummy
Rummy 500 rules are pretty simple: The game follows other Rummy variants but adds a point system. Players compete over multiple rounds, and points are awarded to the winners of those rounds.
The first player who makes it to 500 points wins the game.
Shanghai Rummy
Similar to 500 Rummy, Shanghai Rummy gives each player 11 cards, and it’s usually played with between three and five players. Both the 2 of Spades and the 2 of Clubs are used as Jokers in this game, which means they are wild and can replace any other card.
Dummy Rummy
As with Shanghai Rummy, Dummy Rummy takes standard Rummy rules and adds a couple of twists. Two decks are used in this case, and all four of the Jokers are maintained, along with the 2s.
The addition of these wild cards means there are many possible combinations, and as it’s easy to form melds with wild cards, the games are usually short.
21 Card Rummy
As the name suggests, this variation gives 21 cards to each player. Three decks are used, with one Joker from each, and there are a series of unique rules. These include melds created in a pure sequence, meaning the cards are identical (such as three 7 of Hearts) and have no wilds.
Summary: The Best Rummy Variations
Rummy is a fun party game and gambling game, and as the above Rummy games list shows, there are plenty of variations to explore. You can also find versions of this game and games like it at BetUS. This is a great place to start if you’re looking for a different type of table game.
Rummy Games Common Queries
How many types of Rummy are there?
There are dozens of Rummy variations, each with unique rules, card numbers, and names. We have outlined the most common types above, but there are many more out there, including games like Canasta, which uses wild cards and has a target score, and Rummikub, which blends Rummy and Mahjong.
What is the most popular Rummy game?
Gin Rummy and 500 Rummy are the two most popular Rummy variations in North America and Europe.
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