Rummy is the name given to several variations of card games whose diversity compels players globally to spend time on the game, making it one of the most played Card games. This name “Rummy” first appeared in the 1900s as “Rhum”, and later became the official name for card rummy games online in the umbrella.

One can divide the Rummy family into two groups: positive and negative, where positive consists of games with Melds that carry plus scores, making the primary aim to meld as much as possible and delay going out until it is profitable. As for negative, the melds have no value, making the aim to go out as quickly as possible.

Rummy Card Games received an explosion of fame in the first half of the 20th century and continued to develop from there. Eventually, in the 1950s, it reached its climax of development in a partnership game of Canasta.

The rapid evolution of the game is directly responsible for the large variety of informal games we see today as well as their confusing names and regulations. For example, Kalookie is a Rummy game that plays with a 104 double-packed card which includes a joker.

This article aims to shed more light on rummy games explaining their different varieties as well as how to play them.

Rules for Playing Rummy

While there are variations of Rummy, this section aims to describe the rules governing Basic Rummy, otherwise known as Straight Rummy. This functions best with two to four players; you may raise the numbers up to six if the need arises. In this case, the game is either played with a fixed number of deals or played to a target score.

*Note: The number of deals must be initiated and agreed upon before the game begins.

The Deck and Deal

Basic – or straight – Rummy is played with a standard deck of 52 cards and the cards in each suit ranks from low to high. These include: Ace, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Jack, Queen, and King.

The players choose the first dealer randomly and proceed to alternate the deal if there are only two players; however, the deal is rotated clockwise if the gamers exceed two.

In a game with only two players, each of them is dealt ten cards individually, while a game consisting of three or four players will have the gamers each receive seven cards. However, if the number of players is up to five or six, each individual gets six cards.

Naturally, the cards are dealt one at a time, instead of instantly, and after each individual receives their cards, a final one is placed face-up on the table to begin the game. While players sort their cards and decide which to play, the remaining deck is kept beside the face-up card to form the stock.

The Game’s Objective

Similar to most card games, the goal is to strategically discard all the cards in your hand onto the table. In Rummy, there are three interesting ways to achieve this objective and they include Melding, Laying off, and Discarding.

●        Melding

Melding is the act of tactically combining several cards, taking them from your hands, and laying them in front of the table face-up permanently. The game only recognizes two kinds of Melding as valid and these are termed Sequence (also known as Runs), and Groups (also known as Books or Sets).

• Sequence – or run – is the combination of three or more cards of the same suit, following each other continuously. A good example is club4, club5, and club6 or heart8, heart9, heart10, and heartJ.
• Group – or Book/Set – is considered valid when the combination is of three or four cards of the same rank. A good example is diamond7, heart7, and spade7.

●        Laying Off

Another way to strategically discard the cards in your hands is with another technique called Laying off. This tactic is the addition of a card or cards to an already existing Meld on the gaming table to create another valid meld.

An example: if club4, club5, club6 already exists on the table, you could add the club3 or the club7 to make another valid Meld; however, you are not permitted to rearrange the melds in the process. For example, if club2, heart2, diamond2, spade2 and spade3, spade4, spade5 have been melded, you cannot move the spade2 from the group to the sequence to lay off the spadeA.

●        Discarding

Discarding is the easiest and most common technique as the player basically puts a card from their hand on the top of the discarded pile on the table. This technique helps you to get rid of a card after every turn – like most other card games.

The Play

The play is relatively easy to comprehend; if two players are engaged in the game of Rummy, they begin with the non-dealer then each take turns in Discarding their cards. However, if there are more than two players, they will discard their cards in a clockwise rotation, beginning from which player is at the dealer’s left.

It is worth noting that each turn is strategic and consists of the following parts:

●        The Draw

The draw begins by either taking a card from the top of the discarded pile or the stockpile and adding it to your current hand. Note that collecting a card from the stockpile means you’re choosing blindly as you will be unaware of its content until it’s in your possession.

On the other hand, picking from the discarded pile lets you know what you’re getting beforehand since it’s faced up. However, this choice also gives your opponents an idea of what cards you possess.

●        Melding

As previously mentioned, Melding is placing a combination of cards from your hands onto the table. While officially, you cannot Meld more than one combination, some house rules may shift to accept the exception. But generally, you cannot bend liberally.

●        Laying off

Laying off is a completely optional Acton in Rummy which allows you to add cards to a sequence of previously Melded cards. There are no difficult limits to this tactic as you can Meld on yourself or other’s cards and there is no limit to the number you can discard per turn.

●        The Discard

In this play style, the gamer merely discards one card from his hand at the end of each turn and places it on the table face up. This technique does not permit dropping the same card that the player picks from the pile of discarded cards as that will be problematic – they must choose a different card.

At the beginning of the game the dealer placed a card face up then dropped the remaining deck on the table as the stock. If the stockpile eventually runs out and the next player refuses to take a card from the pile of discarded cards, the pile is turned over without shuffling and the game resumes.

A player wins a hand either by Laying off, Melding, or Discarding all their cards to the table. Once the player drops their final card on the pile, it is called “Going out” and the game ceases even if other players have valid hands to play.

Scoring System

The scoring system is essential in any card game as it enables players to know their position in the game and the status of the game during play.

As for Rummy, whenever a player goes out, the game ends and the other participants sum up the value of all the cards remaining in their hands according to the standard below:

• Each Ace is worth 1 point
• Face cards (K,Q,J) are each worth 10 points
• Number Cards are worth their face value such a six is having 6 points and a four having 4 points.
• The combined value of all the remaining players’ cards is added to the winner’s cumulative score.

Afterwards, the game resumes with a deal, followed by players trying to discard all or their cards or trying to reach the target that was decided at the beginning of the game.

Non-Compulsory House Rules

Like most card games, while some rules for the card game Rummy are objective and remain unchanged irrespective of variation, some rules are optional and can be manipulated to shift to the preference of the players before the beginning of a given match.

Some of these include:

1.    Multiple Melds

In some games, players may permit the Laying of multiple Melds per turn, while others may allocate a bonus point to a player that has not laid off or melded if they can go out in a single turn by laying off or Melding their entire hand.

2.    Laying off

Some games will not permit you to lay off a Meld on any other player’s Meld except if you lay one of your own. This rule aims to make the game more competitive and equally enjoyable for participants.

3.    Ace High or Low

In Basic or Standard Rummy, aces are low. A-2-3 is a valid run, while Q-K-A is not. However, some games allow you to count ace as either a high or low item, making Q-K-A a valid run.

This exceptional rule gives an ace a value of 15 points instead of one, making them exceedingly useful.

4.    Last discard

One rule bent in the last card variation is the prevention of Melding all your cards without a final one to discard. In other words, players must end the game by discarding a final card; therefore, melding all your cards is not acceptable.

5.    Exhausted Stock

During some games, whenever the stock of cards finally runs out, the discarded pile is reshuffled if the player(s) do not want to pick a discarded card. This option is often used in most games as a lack of reshuffling may give other players that memorized the order of cards an advantage.

6.    Scoring System

Lastly, some players may opt for a different scoring system compared to the standard version. A common option is each lower scoring player receiving a penalty based on the cards left in their hands. If the game has no clear winner, the players score their cards as penalty points and the player with the lowest score wins.

The 10 Best Card Rummy Games Online to Play with Friends in 2021

Rummy became popular in the 1950s as a card game that needed a physical deck, a dedicated space, and live players. However, the advent of the internet has revolutionized the game and enabled card games enthusiasts to play on their laptop and smartphones.

This section will provide you with details about various platforms that enable you to play the card game Rummy online and also offer the advantage of winning real money or prizes.

However, it’s essential to know that this game requires intense strategy and analysis, so you’ll need to understand the art of the game before committing your time and energy. Nevertheless, here are our top ten best Rummy games that you can play online by yourself or with friends.

1. Junglee Rummy

Junglee Rummy is an online platform that enables you to play Rummy via your personal computer, tablet, or smartphone. The game features multiple tournaments, pool games, and other events for gamers that enjoy earning real money. You will also be offered deals, points, and pool Rummy variations of the 10-card, 13-card, and 21-card Rummy.

Unlike other platforms with poor services, Junglee Rummy ensures that you get an unbiased opportunity to play until your heart’s content without any detriment or hindrance to your skills.

You can access the game from multiple devices, anywhere, and anytime as all your records, data, transactions, previous games won, and other details are safely stored on the platform.

You’re guaranteed to enjoy the interface as Junglee Rummy offers its players online 3D tables with themes to make the experience fun and engaging. If you do not wish to commit your hard-earned money yet, you can sharpen your skills on the free version until you’re ready.

This game is undoubtedly popular as it has an active base consisting of 25 million players who constantly bet and win on the platform. The company began its service in San Francisco under the leadership of Ankush Gera in 2012 and has become popular since then.

Methods of Deposit:

To place your bet and begin earning real money on Junglee Rummy, you’ll need either a Mastercard, VISA, PAYTM, Maestro, Mobikwik, Freecharge, BHIM UPI, PayU, or Citrus.

2. Classic Rummy

Similar to Junglee Rummy, Classic Rummy is an app which allows you to earn real money while playing Basic or Standard Rummy. Despite being described as an app, this game has a website and a mobile app, enabling you to play and earn from your home or on the road.

This game is often considered to be the ideal option for beginners as it enables them to try their skills on easy opponents, and slowly build their skills and confidence to face Stinger players. However, if you understand the ins and outs of Rummy, this platform will be the perfect place for you to win prizes and exciting gifts that are worth your while.

Although the company is based in India, players from all over the world can earn money using the platform and play against individuals from across the continent. The game also offers multiple variations of Rummy including classic Tourney, 101 pools, 201 pool, point Rummy, and many more.

To begin earning from the app/website, simply download the software or visit the platform, create an account, deposit money into the wallet, and begin playing after the transaction is complete.

Methods of Deposit:

To place your bet and begin earning real money on Classic Rummy, you’ll need either a Mastercard, VISA, PAYTM, UPI. Etc.

3. Rummy Circle

Rummy Circle is another card game where you freely earn money from your skills and passion for Rummy. This game first erupted in India and was one of the first batches to appear on the scene, but despite that age, it still offers exceptional services to both old and new customers.

You can expect to experience exceptional game play once you install Rummy Circle on your smartphone or visit the website on your laptop. The interface is engaging and easy to use as it employs Random Number Generators (RNG) to determine cards in each game.

The platform is owned by Play Games 24*7 Pvt Ltd which enables Rummy circle to become part of the Online Rummy Federation, which is an independent group that is established under the Societies Registration Act.

This federation ensures that this game provides exceptional services to its players and pays them their dues after they win each game. You may choose to play Rummy Circle with money or for free – the site will make your time worthwhile; however, your reward is based on which game you choose.

Methods of Deposit:

To place your bet and begin earning real money on Rummy Circle, you’ll need either a Debit card, Credit card, Paytm or UPI.

4. Rummy Passion

One can deduce from the name that this site is sophisticated and designed only for individuals that are passionate about Rummy. The platform is built by a team of professionals who ensure that it remains safe for people to make transactions and earn cash rewards for their skills.

Upon visiting the platform, the first step is to create an account and explore what Rummy Passion has to offer, the registration process is free, and you get a bonus of Rs 2,000 when you make your first deposit. The bonus rises to Rs 3,000 on your second deposit, and Rs 5,000 when you make a Sunday deposit.

To give you a brief understanding of how sophisticated the platform is, players are grouped in four different tiers which are Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Black. Upon your initial registration, you automatically get grouped into the silver Tier in the passion reward club.

After you complete games successfully, you naturally graduate to the following tiers – gold, platinum, and black -, enabling you to qualify for more special rewards and offers.

Besides being paid financially for your skills and dedication to the game, you are also rewarded with stunning graphics and an impressive user interface, enabling you to enjoy every gaming session.

You can get different variations of the Rummy card game and a relatively big bonus after your first transaction.

Methods of Deposit:

To place your bet and begin earning real money on Rummy Passion, you’ll need either a Credit card, Debit card, Net banking, PayTM, Wallet or UPI.

5. Adda52 Rummy

Adda52 is one of the world’s most popular online platforms for playing card games like blackjack, poker, and the famous rummy. Additionally, players get to bet on them all, win amazing prizes and cash based on their skills or some digital luck.

All You Need to begin earning from this platform is to deposit money into Adda52 Rummy, which the platform will convert to digital cash for betting on games whenever you’re ready to play. Unlike other platforms that consists of bots, Adda52 presents you with real players immediately when you start playing the game.

All the games you’ll encounter occur in real time and they’ll require your financial input before commencing. Once you win the game, the money collected from the other players will be credited to your Adda52 account.

Players are free to withdraw their earnings from their Adda52 wallet anytime they desire as the platform is fair, secure, and more reliable than most sites today.

If you have a busy schedule and prefer to passively play Rummy while you’re at the office, bus, or on a vacation, you can download the mobile version on your smartphone and begin earning from there.

Methods of Deposit:

To place your bet and begin earning real money on Adda52 Rummy, you’ll need either a Debit card, Credit card, Net banking, Wallets, or UPI.

6. Rummy Time

Rummy Time is primarily based in India and is a popular platform amongst enthusiastic Indian Rummy players. The platform is operated by providing a professional gaming experience to every player.

People enjoy playing on this site due to its easy, user-friendly interface and hassle-free navigation system. Registering on this platform grants gamers access to multiple tournaments, events, and games, which present the opportunity for skilled players to win cash and other awesome prizes.

What makes Rummy Time a reliable platform is that it is partnered with multiple banks to give players a secure, safe, fast, and hassle-free transaction. This factor ensures that your money gets to the platform directly and your account isn’t hijacked by hackers.

In case you have any questions about the site, Rummy Time has a customer support which functions round the clock and is ready to handle all your enquiries. It’s worth noting that this game is available both on mobile and pc, ensuring you stay entertained and can earn at any time.

Methods of Deposit:

To place your bet and begin earning real money on Rummy Time, you’ll need either a Credit card, Debit card, Net banking, or instant wire transfer.

7. Khelplay Rummy

Khelplay Rummy is similar to Adda52 Rummy as it is one of the top rated online rummy platforms worldwide that offers exceptional gaming experience. The site is famous for offering a safe and transparent transaction process that is both reliable and of better quality than other gaming portals.

The primary goal of Khelplay Rummy is to offer the most worthwhile 13 card rummy game for all individuals that enjoy playing the game. Additionally, the algorithm is friendly to beginners as it pairs them with people of similar status and slowly ranks them as their skills improve.

Khelplay Rummy primarily offers two variations of Rummy which are 13 card Indian rummy and 21 card Indian rummy. Players get to compete in a wide range of tournaments either for free or at a price – depending on the occasion.

It’s worth noting that after you win your game, your earnings can be transferred to the platform’s wallet, enabling you to redeem them whenever you desire. There is also a fair-play policy, ensuring that competitors abide by the rules while laying their hands.

Methods of Deposit:

To place your bet and begin earning real money on Khelplay Rummy, you’ll need either a Credit card, Debit card, Net banking, Paytm, PaUMoney and Tech process.

8. Deccan Rummy

Most people prefer playing on Deccan Rummy due to its engaging feature and impressive cash prizes; it has even been dubbed as the ideal destination for playing online Rummy. Besides being entertaining and lucrative, Deccan Rummy is approved by the government, secured zsnd certified, ensuring that it poses no rise to your finances during the transaction.

While it is not as successful as other platforms with millions of players, Deccan Rummy has over 100,000 daily players who dedicate time to Winning on this site, and due to the intense traffic, the platform has multiple customer care representatives who are ready to respond to complaints and requests as swiftly as possible.

There are several variations of Rummy available on this platform and they include pool Rummy, point Rummy, and deals Rummy, which are sufficient to win you big bucks. Note that you don’t need a PC to play the game, as it’s readily available on iPhone and Android.

Methods of Deposit:

To place your bet and begin earning real money on Deccan Rummy, you’ll need either a Credit or Debit card, PayUMoney, Paytm, or EBS.

9. Ace2Three

Ace2Three is another online platform that enables you to play Rummy with your friends and other individuals online. You’re free to choose between playing with two or six players in a tournament, pool game, or other options.

The game currently stands as the second most popular online game in India due to its strong user base and the fact that there is no limit on how much you can earn. However, to start earning in Lakhs (Indian currency), you will need to input a minimum of Rs 50 in your account.

After Winning your first match, the minimum cash addition must be a multiple of 100; Also, if you win up to Rs 10,000, your earning will be subject to TDS.

Methods of Deposit:

To place your bet and begin earning real money on Ace2Three, you’ll need either a Credit card, Debit card, Internet banking, Paytm, PayUmoney, Mobikwik, Citrus, OLA money or Bank transfer.

10. Taj Rummy

Lastly, we have the famous Taj Rummy, the same company responsible for the operation of Indigo Rummy. It is a reliable platform which is available on both personal computers and smartphones, enabling enthusiasts to play at their convenience and pace.

The game is primarily Indian and offers the Indian rummy card game of 13 cards, which you can play after registering on the web and depositing a starting amount of Rs 500. Similar to Indigo, this platform is ideal for beginners who wish to sharpen their skills.

The server is secured via AI technology, smart correction, Inteli Safe, and Extended Auto Play. It is the platform for the enthusiastic winner.

Methods of Deposit:

To place your bet and begin earning real money on Ace2Three, you’ll need either a Debit card, Credit card, Paytm, CCAvenue, Ola Money, Rupay, Net Banking or UPI.