Indian Rummy Variations

The second most frequently played game is Rummy. The rules vary according to the variant, and online rummy has multiple variants. Different versions have different rules, which might be confusing for an amateur player to understand. However, we have made this easy by describing most of the rummy variations played around the world.

Types of Rummy Games

Here are the different variations of the rummy card game:

• 13 Card Rummy
• 21 Card Rummy
• Free Rummy
• Cash Rummy
• Indian Rummy
• Pool Rummy
• 101 Pool Rummy
• 201 Pool Rummy
• Traditional Rummy
• Persian Rummy
• Gin Rummy
• Contract Rummy
• Indian Marriage Rummy
• Points Rummy
• Deals Rummy

13 Card Rummy

13 Card Rummy is played with two decks of cards, each with 52 cards and a printed Joker. The game is played between two and six players, each getting 13 cards. The main objective of this game is to arrange all 13 cards into a proper sequence or set. In a sequence, three or more cards of the same suit are arranged consecutively. There can be a pure or impure sequence wherein an impure sequence is made, including a Joker. However, a set is formed by three or more cards of the same rank, irrespective of the suit.

Different types of 13-card rummy games are:

Indian Rummy

Indian rummy, aka paplu in India, is among the most popular card games. It's also one of the country's top five indoor games. The main aim is to arrange all the cards into valid sets and sequences. A valid hand must have at least “two sequences”, and one must be a pure sequence (without using a Joker).

Every player picks a card from the open or closed pile and discards one in return. The game continues until one player creates a complete hand and declares it. Indian Rummy is played offline and online in India and is enjoyed for its balance of luck, skill, and strategy.

Points Rummy

Points Rummy is a quick and simple variant of the 13-card rummy game where each game lasts just one round. Every card point has a fixed cash value decided before the beginning of the game. Players are dealt 13 cards each and take turns picking and discarding cards to form valid sequences and sets.

The first player to declare a correct hand wins, and the other receives points based on the cards left in their hands. The winning player’s prize is calculated depending on the points the losing players have, multiplied by the point value. It is popular for its speed and is a good choice for players who prefer short games.

Deals Rummy

It is similar to the points Rummy, but the only difference is the number of deals. Each player gets an equal number of chips at the beginning of the game. However, they must keep losing their chips to the winners as the game progresses. The player with the maximum number of chips at the end is declared the winner. Deals rummy card game is an excellent option for players who enjoy longer games with more chances to recover and win over multiple rounds.

Pool Rummy

Pool Rummy is a variant in which players join a table by paying a fixed entry fee, creating the main prize pool. The game is played over several rounds, and the objective is to avoid elimination by reaching a set point limit, usually 101 or 201 points.

In each round, players try to form valid sequences and sets. The winning player scores zero, while the others get points based on the cards they couldn't use. Any player who crosses the point limit is knocked out. The game continues until only a single player who takes the entire prize pool remains. Pool Rummy is ideal for those who enjoy longer, knockout-style games with more strategy.

21 Card Rummy

21-Card Rummy, commonly known as Indian Marriage, is a popular variant of Rummy in India. It is played during several important festivals. It is more time-consuming and interesting than traditional Rummy. It's identical to 13-card Rummy, except three decks are used rather than two in 13-card Rummy. Each participant is dealt 21 cards and must shuffle them into three decks and organize them into proper sets and pure sequences.

Free Rummy

Sometimes, some players just want to play for fun without spending money. For them, Free Rummy is the best option. It is for those who either want to learn the basics of the game or want to play without paying anything. Free Rummy does not include the risk of losing funds.

Cash Rummy

Unlike Free Rummy, the Cash Rummy variant involves playing with cash. The winnings are also in the form of real cash. It is one of the most lucrative options for playing rummy, as winning in the form of real money makes it more interesting.

Traditional Rummy

One of the most popular card games from ancient times is traditional Rummy. It has been played for over 200 years and is a simple draw-and-discard card game played with two to six players. It is one of the most accessible card games to pick up and play, which is why it's so popular. Traditional Rummy is the same old traditional game with simple rules enjoyed by individuals of all ages, as the name indicates.

Rummy 500 (Persian Rummy)

The other most popular rummy game formats are Rummy 500, Persian Rummy, Pinochle Rummy, or 500 Rum. There must be a minimum of two players to start the game and a maximum of eight players. Each player has seven cards, and the remaining cards are kept in the stockpile.

This Rummy version is distinguished by the fact that every player is awarded the value of the cards through the sets he melds, along with the regular points and cards made in the hands of the opponents. As the name implies, the game is won by the first player to reach a total score of 500 or more over several hands.

Gin Rummy

In this Gin Rummy game, only two players compete against each other. There can also be more than two players; however, another deck of cards is used for them. The main goal of this variant is to discard the cards, and the player who gets rid of the cards first becomes the winner. Each player is dealt 10 cards in this game, and the remaining cards go into the stockpile. However, the 21st card is kept face up to initiate the discard pile.

Contract Rummy

A Rummy game played in several rounds is known as contract rummy. Every round has a distinct contract requirement, in which the players must gather a specific mix of sequences and groups that may be melded. As the game continues, the contracts on each trade get increasingly stringent. The game is best played with three to five people, with four being the optimal number.

Indian Marriage Rummy

Marriage Rummy is only played in India, and the Indian Rummy is also known as the Indian Marriage Rummy. This variant is played with three or more packs of cards. It is almost similar to the 21-card Rummy. Even after playing all hands, the goal at the end of the game is to be the player with the most points. This Rummy game requires three or more 52-card decks, excluding the Joker and wild cards. Each player chooses one card, and the player with the highest number deals first.

Dummy Rummy

Dummy Rummy is a rummy variant played using two standard decks of cards and jokers. It is played between two to four players, and the objective is to complete a series of set hands, each with different requirements.

Every player is dealt 13 cards and must form specific combinations like runs or sets to finish a hand. Unlike traditional rummy, you don’t just play one game; there’s a list of hands you must complete in order, and each round has its own challenge.

Players draw and discard cards on their turn, trying to complete the current hand. The first player to finish all required hands wins the game. Dummy Rummy is easy to learn and play, and its changing hand patterns add excitement, making it ideal for casual and competitive players.

Shanghai Rummy

Shanghai Rummy is a variation played in multiple rounds, each with a specific goal. It involves two or more decks of cards, including jokers. The game is usually played among three to five players.

Every player is dealt 11 cards at the beginning of the game. The aim is to complete a set pattern of combinations in each round, like two or a run and a set. The patterns change with every round, and players must complete them exactly to go out.

Players draw and discard cards, trying to complete their combination before others. If someone finishes their hand, others get penalty points based on the cards left with them. After all rounds, the player with the lowest total score wins.

Shanghai Rummy is excellent for players who enjoy longer games with shifting rules and more strategy.

Kalooki Rummy

Kalooki Rummy, also known as Kaluki or Kalookie, is a rummy variation that includes two decks of cards and jokers. It is usually played between two to four players, and each player is dealt 13 cards.

The game's objective is to form valid combinations of sets and runs. Jokers are used as wild cards to complete these combinations.

In Kalooki, players must meet a minimum points requirement before placing their first meld (the first time they lay down cards). It makes the game more strategic, as players must plan carefully before making their first move. When a player uses all their cards, the round ends, and the others receive penalty points based on the cards left in their hands.

Kalooki Rummy is best for players who enjoy a slower-paced, thoughtful game that allows for planning and strategic play.

Oklahoma Rummy

Oklahoma Rummy is a variation of traditional rummy played with two standard decks and jokers. Each player is dealt 10 cards, and the goal is to form valid sets and runs.

The game has a unique rule: at the beginning of each round, one card is turned face-up from the deck, and its value decides the maximum points a player can have in unmatched cards when they declare. For example, if a five is revealed, a player can only declare if their remaining ungrouped cards are worth 5 points or less.

Jokers are used as wild cards to substitute for any card needed in a set or run. The round is over when a player discards their last card with a valid declaration, and other players get points for their remaining cards. After several rounds, the player with the lowest total score wins.

Oklahoma Rummy adds a strategic twist to the regular rummy card game, as players must manage their combinations and keep an eye on each round's point limit.

Rummikubh

Rummikub is a rummy-style game played with tiles instead of cards. It is usually enjoyed between two to four players and combines elements of rummy and puzzle-solving.

The game uses ‘106 tiles’, numbered 1 to 13 in four different colours, with two jokers included. Every player begins with 14 tiles, and the goal is to be the first to place all their tiles on the table by forming valid sets and runs. A set means three or four tiles of the same number in different colours. A run means three or more tiles in number order, all of the same colour.

What makes Rummikub interesting is that players can rearrange existing tiles on the table to fit in their own, as long as every group stays valid. You need to make an opening play worth at least 30 points from your own hand to get started.

Rummikub is a game of spotting patterns, thinking ahead and using your tiles creatively. It is easy to learn and offers many strategies, making it popular with families and casual players worldwide.

Canasta

Canasta rummy is a rummy-style card game usually played between four players in two teams, though it can also be played by two. It uses two decks of cards along with jokers, and the objective is to make combinations of seven or more cards belonging to the same rank, called “canastas.”

Every player is dealt a hand, and the remaining cards create a draw pile. Players draw a card on each turn, try to make sets, and discard one card. The key to Canasta is forming “melds,” groups of at least three cards of the same rank, like three 5s or four Queens. Players can use wild cards (2s and jokers), but at least some cards in every meld must be natural (non-wild cards).

A team is required to form at least one canasta and "go out" to play all its cards to win a round. Each team earns points based on the melds and canastas it has created, and the game continues until one team acquires the target score, which is usually 5,000 points.

Canasta is known for its teamwork, deeper strategy, and longer gameplay, making it a favourite among strategic-planning players.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Variations of Rummy Are There?

There are three main variations of Rummy: Points Rummy, Pool Rummy and Deals Rummy.

Are all the Variants the Same in Rummy?

All the variants are not the same in Rummy. Each variant has its own rules, but the primary rule is to create pure and impure sequences and sets, followed in all the variants of Rummy.

What is 7-card rummy called?

7-card is also called Fan Tan, Parliament, or Dominoes.

Which rummy variant is the best?

All the rummy variants are fun to play, and the best variant depends on the player's preferences and comfort.

Conclusion

People prefer playing different types of rummy games as they offer diversity and cater to different preferences and playing styles. Each variant of Rummy comes with its own rules and strategies, making the game more engaging and challenging. Some rummy variations are quick and ideal for those looking for a fast game, while others are more complex and suited for players who enjoy a longer, more strategic game. Additionally, there are options such as Free Rummy for those who want to play for fun without any financial risk, and Cash Rummy for those who enjoy the thrill of playing for real money. The various rummy variations available to players keep the game popular and widely played.