A standard 52-card deck (use 2 decks for 5-6 players). Cards rank Ace (low) through King (high). Ace can also be high in some variations.
Setup
Deal cards based on players: 2 players = 10 cards each, 3-4 players = 7 cards, 5-6 players = 6 cards. Place remaining cards face-down as the draw pile. Flip the top card to start the discard pile.
How to Play
On your turn: Draw one card (from draw pile or discard pile), then meld or lay off if you can, then discard one card.
Melds
Sets: 3 or 4 cards of the same rank (e.g., three 7s)
Runs: 3+ consecutive cards of the same suit (e.g., 4-5-6 of hearts)
Laying Off
You can add cards to existing melds on the table — yours or opponents'.
Winning
First player to meld all their cards wins the round. Remaining players score penalty points for cards left in hand: Face cards = 10, Aces = 1, Number cards = face value. Play to a target score (usually 100) — lowest score wins.
Tips & Strategy
Watch the discard pile. Track what opponents pick up — it reveals their melds. Hold onto middle cards (5-8) longer — they form more possible runs. Don't hoard cards hoping for a perfect hand — meld early to reduce penalty risk.
Variations
Gin Rummy: 2-player version with knocking and going gin. 500 Rummy: You score points for your own melds instead of penalties. Indian Rummy: Uses 2 decks with wild cards.
RUMMY FAQ
How many cards do you deal in rummy?
Two players get 10 cards each, three or four players get 7 each, and five or six players get 6 each (use two decks for five or six). The rest of the deck is the draw pile, with the top card flipped to start the discard pile.
What is a meld in rummy?
A meld is a set or a run laid face-up on the table. A set is 3 or 4 cards of the same rank, like three 7s. A run is 3 or more cards in a row of the same suit, like the 4, 5 and 6 of hearts.
What does laying off mean in rummy?
Laying off is adding a single card from your hand to a meld already on the table, yours or an opponent's. If there is a run of 5-6-7 of spades out, you can lay off the 8 of spades on it during your turn.
How do you score rummy?
When a player melds their last card, everyone else counts the cards left in their hand: face cards are 10 points, aces are 1, and number cards are face value. Those are penalty points. Play to 100 and the lowest total wins.
Do you have to discard to win in rummy?
In most house rules, yes: you go out by melding or laying off all but one card and discarding the last one. Some tables allow going out with no final discard, so agree on it before the first deal.
What is the difference between rummy and gin rummy?
Gin rummy is a two-player version where you keep melds in your hand and knock when your unmatched cards total 10 or less. Standard rummy lays melds on the table as you go and plays with up to six people.
