Rummy is usually played by 2, 3 or 4 players, though in some online rummy games there can be up to 6 players. When there are 6 players, two decks are used.
You’ll find the odd rummy card game online which also uses Jokers and Wild Cards (WC) to add variety to the game and speed it up. We’ll explain the rules without those cards; just know you can substitute a Joker or Wild Card for any other card to make a set or run.
General Rules of Online Rummy
The number of cards dealt to players depends on the number of players. In a two-player online rummy game, it is usually 13 cards to each player, with the remainder of the deck in the centre (the stock). The top card is turned face up next to the stock, forming the discard pile.
You must create melds of either the same value or a run in the same suit. The aim is to be the first to get rid of all their cards. This can be done in a combination of three ways: melding, laying off and discarding.
Melding
The melds are formed from a minimum of 3 cards, which can be either a run or sets. The run must include cards of the same suit, for example 5♠ 6 ♠7♠ 8♠. The set is made up of the same value cards, for example A♥ A♣ A♦
Laying off
This is when a player adds a card from their hand to an existing meld on the table. You cannot rearrange the melds. For example, if there is a set of three aces (as above) and you have the other ace, you can lay off to make the full set.
Discarding
A player discards when they place a card from their hand on the discard pile. Each player must discard at the end of their turns.
Card Values
The game can be played with Aces high or Aces low. In other words, the Ace cards go at the beginning of a rank of cards or at the end:
Low: A, 2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,J,Q,K
High: 2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,J,Q,K,A
Card values are:
Face cards (K,Q,J) equal 10 points each
Aces are worth 1 or 15 points, depending on whether game is being played Ace Low or Ace High
Number cards are worth their face value. E.g. 6 equals six points, a 4 is four points.
Playing Rummy Online
Players take turns in making a play. Each play consists of one of more of the following elements:
• The Draw The player must start by taking the top card from either the stock pile or discard pile and adding it to their hand.
• Melding If you have a set or run, you can lay that combination on the table. It is optional, and you probably won’t be able to do meld on every play.
• Laying off This is also optional. If you have a card in your hand that can be added to an existing meld, you may do so. You can lay off as many cards as you wish in each play.
• Discard Once you have finished your play, you must discard one card from your hand onto the discard pile. There is no restriction on which card can be discarded.
A player wins a hand by either melding, laying off or discarding all their cards. This is called going out. Once a player goes out, the game stops. Scores are calculated at that point.
Rummy is usually played by 2, 3 or 4 players, though in some online rummy games there can be up to 6 players. When there are 6 players, two decks are used.
You’ll find the odd rummy card game online which also uses Jokers and Wild Cards (WC) to add variety to the game and speed it up. We’ll explain the rules without those cards; just know you can substitute a Joker or Wild Card for any other card…