Rummy is one of the most popular card games played widely across different countries. There are multiple variations of rummy that make it an ideal game for different groups of people.
Although there are numerous rummy variations, all of these games have evolved from the same draw and discard gameplay. All these games have minor differences in rules, and therefore, are easy to learn if you know how to play other rummy variations. It is all about grouping or melding similar cards where a group of consecutive cards of the same suit is known as a sequence or a run, and a group of cards with the same rank but different suits, is known as a set.
The most popular rummy variants that people enjoy playing online are Gin Rummy, 500 Rummy, Indian Rummy, Contract Rummy, Dummy Rummy, and Shanghai Rummy. The most played variations in India are the 13 card rummy and 21 cards rummy. In this article, we have listed 5 of the lesser-known rummy variations that are unique and entertaining. So, next time you play online rummy, you can try out these variations for a different experience.
5 lesser-known rummy variations to learn in no time
Gin Rummy
Perhaps the easiest version of rummy, Gin Rummy, is played with a deck of 52 cards and one joker. This game is played only between two players and 10 cards are distributed to each player. Each player must meld the cards into at least three sequences and/or sets. Unlike the popular Indian Rummy variant, the cards in Gin Rummy are ranked from highest to lowest as K, Q, J, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, Ace. While the face cards carry 10 points each and the number cards have the same value as their face value, the Ace card carries only 1 point. Further, the restriction in the game is that the sequences should be of the same suit.
Marriage Rummy
Marriage rummy, also known as Paplu, is a rather interesting rummy variant mainly owing to the terms used in the game. The game is mostly played in Nepal, India, and Bhutan between 2 to 5 players with 3 decks. There are no printed jokers used in the game, so the game only depends on wild jokers. Each player is dealt 21 cards instead of the usual 13 cards dealt in popular rummy variants. One of the main rules of the game is that all the combinations should be made using only 3 cards. Here are some of the intriguing terms used in the game:
- Tiplu – The card drawn from the remaining pile of cards after the cards are distributed is called Tiplu.
- Nichlu – The card that has a lower rank than Tiplu, or in other words, the predecessor, is called Nichlu.
- Paplu – The card that has a higher rank than Tiplu, or in other words, the immediate successor, is called Paplu.
- Marriage – When a player makes a sequence of Tiplu, Paplu, and Nichlu, it is called Marriage and carries the maximum points.
- Tunnela – It is a set made with three identical cards.
- Dublee – It is a pair of identical cards.
Canasta
Canasta is a lesserrummy variation that originated in Spain and features multiple variations based on the number of players. This is the only variation of the rummy game that is called a ‘classic’.Commonly, Canasta is played between 4 players in 2 partnerships, with two decks of cards and four joker cards. Further, the 2s and four joker cards are considered wild cards. The objective of this variation requires players to form melds with seven same rank cards and go out by playing all the cards.
Also Read: Which rummy table is the right one for you?
Oklahoma Rummy
Oklahoma rummy is a version of Gin rummy and can be played between 2-4 players. In the game, a standard deck of 52 cards is used along with a randomly selected Joker. Each player is dealt ten cards each if there are two players in the game. In the case of more players, each player is dealt seven cards each. The face cards hold 10 points each, the Aces carry 1 point each, and the value of the number cards is the same as their number. The objective of the game is to meld your cards and get rid of those cards. The first player to get rid of all of the cards is the winner of the game.
Contract Rummy
Contract rummy has emerged from Gin rummy and is played between 3-8 players. It also features another version of its own, known as Kalooki rummy. There are multiple decks of 54 cards in contract rummy, and the Jokers are considered wild cards. The players are dealt ten cards each in the first four rounds and 12 cards each in the last three rounds. The rules change in every seven deals; however, the objective of creating sequences and sets remains the same. The complexity of the game increases with every deal. In contract rummy, the face cards are valued at 10 points each, the Aces hold 15 points each, and the Jokers hold 25 points each. Here’s what players have to form in every deal:
Deal 1: 10 cards dealt; Objective – 2 sets.
Deal 2: 10 cards dealt, Objective – 1 set and 1 run
Deal 3: 10 cards dealt; Objective – 2 runs
Deal 4: 10 cards dealt; Objective – 3 sets
Deal 5: 12 cards dealt; Objective – 2 sets and 1 run
Deal 6: 12 cards dealt; Objective – 1 set and 2 runs
Deal 7: 12 cards dealt; Objective – 3 runs
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed reading about the 5 lesser-known rummy variations. The classic rummy game has multiple variants that emerged due to customizations of the game in different countries and regions. The rules of these variants remain more or less similar, but the varying objectives make each game fun. Among the variants of rummy, 13 card rummy has made it strong in the online rummy community. If you are looking to play rummy online, you can enjoy the Indian Rummy variations on the Rummy Bo app and choose a favorite.
