13 Card Rummy

What is 13 Card Rummy?

Most of us have played the game of 13-card rummy at least once because it's the most famous card game in India. Also called Paplu, 13 cards rummy is an Indian rummy variant that is played between 2 to 6 players. The game uses one or two standard decks of cards (based on the variant being played), and there's usually one Joker per deck. The 13-card rummy variant features three sub-variants - Points Rummy, Deals Rummy, and Pool Rummy.

As the name suggests, this rummy variation is played using 13 cards per player, where the player creates valid sets and sequences of the cards in hand to make a valid declaration. The objective of all the 13 card rummy variants remains similar; however, the format and rules may vary with different rummy variants.

How well you do in the game depends on your skill; with some practice, you can become a master. If you're ready to learn how to play rummy, check out our complete guide on the 13-card rummy game below!

Why is 13 Card Rummy so popular?

The game of 13-card rummy is the most popular format of rummy in India. The gameplay is super-fast and loaded with fun. Moreover, the rules are quite easy to learn. So even if you are a beginner, you can quickly get the hang of the game.

But what makes 13-card rummy so popular amongst the masses? Let’s examine the features of the popular 13-card rummy game.

Simple Rules: The 13-card rummy rules are simple and easy to learn. You need to arrange 13 cards in sequences, or sequences and sets, and make a valid declaration. If you are a beginner, you can become well-versed in the game by playing several practice games initially.

Game of Skill: Rummy is a game of skill that requires various strategies. In every rummy game, online or offline, players have to build strategies so that they can declare before the opponent does. There are various tips and tricks that you have to apply while winning a game. Familiarizing yourself with the 13-card rummy rules and practicing free games can be beneficial for implementing the rules. Hence, it is called a game of skill.

Absolute Entertainment: The game of 13-card rummy is absolutely thrilling and entertaining. You can play cash games and join rummy tournaments against real players online to win real cash.

Multiple Variants: The 13-card Rummy game has three different variants: Points Rummy, Deals Rummy, and Pool Rummy. All the variants are challenging and fun to play.

Online Versions: You always have to be dependent on the availability of your friends and family to play rummy. However, thanks to online gaming, now you can play 13-card rummy with real players if you have a stable internet connection. Simply download the Rummy Bo app, choose the rummy variant you want to play and win lots of real cash prizes with your rummy skills.

Basic Terminologies in 13 Card Rummy

Before you start to play rummy, you must learn the basic terms used in the 13-card rummy game. Here are some of the most common rummy terms used in the game:

Open deck: The discarded cards form the open deck. When the top card from the closed deck (Draw Pile) is picked and kept face-up beside the draw pile, it forms the open deck. The open deck is also called the Discard Pile.

Closed deck: The cards that remain after dealing are placed face-down to form a closed deck.

Dealing: The distribution of 13 playing cards to each player at the beginning of the game is called dealing.

Sequence: A combination of three or more consecutive cards of the same suit forms a sequence. There are two types of sequences - pure and impure. To win a rummy game, a player must have at least two sequences, including a pure sequence.

Set: A set is formed with three or more cards of the same rank but of a different suit. Jokers can also be used in sets.

Pure Sequence: A pure sequence consists of a group of three or more cards of the same suit, arranged in consecutive order. A wildcard or a printed joker cannot be used to make a pure sequence. For example, K(Clubs), Q (Clubs), J(Clubs), 10 (Clubs) make a pure sequence.

Impure Sequence: An impure sequence is a group of three or more cards of the same suit and includes at least one wildcard or joker as a substitute for one of the cards. For example, K (hearts), Q(hearts), J(hearts), and Joker make an impure sequence.

Melding: Arranging the cards in sequences and sets is termed as melding.

Drop: When a player quits using the ‘Drop’ option, it is called a drop. It is wise to drop if you have a weak hand. There are two types of drops – first drop and mid drop. When the player drops at the beginning of the game without picking a card from the Draw Pile, it is termed the first drop. If the player drops anytime after picking at least one card from the Draw Pile, it is termed as the mid-drop.

Joker: One of the most crucial cards in the 13-card rummy game, the Joker is used as a substitute for missing cards in an impure sequence or set. There are two types of jokers - printed and wild.

Deadwood: The cards that aren’t a part of any combination are called deadwood.

Variants of 13 Cards Rummy

The 13-card rummy game, also called Indian Rummy, is popular due to its three fun rummy variations - Points, Pool, and Deals Rummy. Starting with Points rummy (the easiest rummy variant for beginners), here are the three variants of 13-card rummy:

Points Rummy

Points rummy is one of the most basic rummy variants where the players play for points starting with a predefined rupee value. The player who wins the game has to get zero points while making a valid declaration. The points of the losing players are calculated based on the cards that are not grouped in any sequence or set. The winning amount is calculated basis the sum of all points lost by opponents multiplied by the pre-decided rupee value of points.

Pool Rummy

In the pool rummy cash game, the players enter the table pool with a certain fee to begin the game. Pool rummy involves two variations – 101 and 201. In the 101 pool, the first player to score 101 points gets eliminated. Similarly, in the 201 pool, the first to score 201 points gets eliminated. The player who survives until the end with the least or zero points wins the game. The winning amount is calculated based on the entry fee multiplied by the number of players.

Deals Rummy

Similar to the points rummy game, deals rummy has a slight modification. The players play for a fixed number of predetermined deals. The winning amount is calculated based on the entry fee multiplied by the number of players.

How To Play 13 Card Rummy?

Objective

In this game, the goal is to arrange and show cards in a specific way. According to the 13-card rummy game rules, you must have at least two sets of cards in a particular order, one of which must be in a pure sequence. The other sets can be in any order.

The ultimate goal is to be the first player to meld all the cards and make a valid declaration to win the game.

13 Cards Rummy Rules

According to 13-card rummy rules, a standard deck of 52 cards is used.

2-6 players can play the rummy game.

Rummy rules state that a player must make a minimum of two sequences, including one pure sequence. This makes a valid declaration for the player.

If a player cannot make valid sets and sequences that include a mandatory pure sequence, that becomes an invalid declaration.

Each card has a different score. Face cards like A, Q, K, and J have 10 points each. The number cards have their face value.

The first drop is 20 points while the middle drop is 40 points. The winner is declared when the player has zero points.

Gameplay

13-card rummy is the most popular rummy game owing to the simple rules and easy gameplay that makes it ideal for beginners as well. While there are a few differences between how each rummy variant is played, the basic gameplay and rummy rules are pretty similar. Learn how to play 13 cards rummy step-by-step below:

Dealing

When the game starts, each player is dealt 13 cards. The dealer deals the cards to every player on the table in a live game. In online games, the cards are dealt automatically.

Sorting

Once you receive 13 cards, you can sort the cards to ease the melding process. While playing rummy online, you also have the Sort button that automatically arranges the cards in hand.

Drawing & Discarding

After sorting the cards, the players begin to make sets and sequences. They can draw cards and discard unwanted cards in hand. Each player takes turns drawing a card from the draw or discard pile. The player simultaneously discards one card and places it face-up in the discard pile.

Declaration

After you have created valid sets and sequences using all 13 cards in hand, you can make a declaration. Discard the 14th card, using the Discard button, to the finish slot and declare your hand to finish the game.

After a player declares the game, their combinations are checked and validated. As per the rummy rules, a player must make at least two sequences, including a pure sequence. The other cards can be melded into sets or impure sequences.

Winning

The most important step to win a 13-card rummy game is to make sequences and sets for a valid declaration. Deciding the winner in each variant of 13-card rummy may vary slightly.

In the points rummy game, the first player to make a valid declaration with zero points in hand wins the game.

In the pool rummy game, the first player to meet the game objective (make a valid declaration with zero points in hand) wins the game. Players must try not to reach a score of 101 points in the 101 pool (201 points in the 201 pool) to avoid getting eliminated from the game.

In the deals rummy game, the player with the highest chip count at the end of the deals wins the game.

Bonus Tips:

Points Rummy is the quickest version of Indian Rummy, where each point has a set money value in cash games.

Deals Rummy is played for a specific number of rounds, and the winner of a round has zero points.

Pool Rummy is the longest version of Indian Rummy, and it goes on for multiple rounds. Players with scores of 61 points (in 61 pool), 101 points (in 101 pool), or 201 points (in 201 pool) get knocked out. The last player remaining becomes the winner.

13 Card Rummy Points Calculation

In a 13-card rummy game, the winner gets zero points, which is good because points are considered bad. If you declare your cards correctly, you get zero points and win. Losing players get points based on the cards left in their hands. In points rummy, the most a player can get is a negative score of 80 points.

If you have bad cards and want to avoid losing a lot of points, you can use the "Drop" button to leave the game early. If you drop at the beginning, it's a "first drop" and you get 20 points. If you drop in the middle, it's a "middle drop" and you get 40 points.

In 13-card rummy, cards are ranked from high to low: A, K, Q, J, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, and 2. Face cards (K, Q, J) and Aces are worth 10 points each. Numbered cards are worth their face value. For example, the King of Hearts is worth 10 points, and the 5 of Spades is worth 5 points.

How To Start Playing 13 Card Rummy on Rummy Bo?

Here's a step-by-step guide for new users to start playing 13 Card Rummy on Rummy Bo:

Rummy App Download:

Open Rummy Bo App: Open the Rummy Bo app on your device.

Sign Up/Log In: If you're a new user, sign up by entering your details. If you're an existing user, log in to your Rummy Bo account.

Navigate to Rummy Game: Search for rummy and tap to open the Rummy game.

Watch How to Play Video: If you are a beginner, we recommend watching the "How to Play" video. Watch this video to understand the game better. You can choose to watch in English or Hindi options.

Choose Rummy Variants: Select the type of 13 Card Rummy variant you want to play. You can choose from Pool, Deals, or Points Rummy.

Select Lobby: Choose a lobby that suits your skill level or preference. Beginners can get the hang of the game by playing free rummy games before stepping into the world of cash games.

Start Playing: Once you enter the selected lobby by submitting the entry fee for cash games, you can follow the rummy rules to start playing.

Winning on Rummy Bo: Use your rummy skills to make the right moves and win the game! Winning may involve creating valid sets or sequences, and the player with the best strategy often becomes the winner. Enjoy your game on Rummy Bo!

Winning Tips for 13 Card Rummy

As mentioned earlier, winning the 13-card rummy game is about using the right rummy tips and tricks. If you're new, grasp the basic rules and learn some tricks. Practice with free rummy lobbies to upgrade your skills.

Here are tips to improve your 13 cards rummy game:

Sort Your Cards: Arrange your cards at the start. Sorting helps you see potential combinations and manage your cards better. Use the 'Sort' option to automatically sort the cards in hand on Rummy Bo Rummy.

Start with a Pure Sequence: A pure sequence (consecutive cards of the same suit) is mandatory to make a valid declaration to win. Focus on creating this first; no joker can be used in it.

Discard High-Value Unmatched Cards: High-value cards can ruin your game if they don't fit into any sequence or set. You should discard any unmatched high-value cards like A, K, and Q early in the game instead of waiting to use them in a sequence or set.

Observe Opponent Moves: Monitor your opponents' moves. Keep an eye on the cards they pick from the open deck and the ones they discard. This may help you discover their strategy and the melds they may aim for. You don’t want to help them win unintentionally by discarding the cards they need the most.

Difference between 13 Cards Rummy vs 21 Cards Rummy

Rummy is a popular card game played worldwide with different variations. Each variation has its own rules and gameplay. For instance, 21-card rummy is a game that is quite similar to 13-card rummy but has a slight variation in rules. Here is how 13 cards rummy is different from 21 cards rummy:

According to 13-card rummy rules, the dealer deals 13 cards to each player. However, in a 21-card rummy, the dealer deals 21 cards to each player.

13-card rummy is a relatively fast-paced game as the players are required to meld only 13 cards. On the other hand, 21-card rummy is a time-consuming rummy variant.

Depending on the number of players, the decks used are either one or two in 13 cards, whereas 21 cards rummy is always played using three decks.

In 13-card rummy, a joker is always worth zero points. However, in 21-card rummy, a joker has additional points.

To win 13-card rummy, a player needs at least two sequences, including a pure sequence. On the contrary, you need three pure sequences to win 21 cards in rummy.