A Simple Guide to Learning Rummy Quickly
There are many people who have never considered rummy as an interesting way to pass their time. However, their opinion changed once they were forced to stay indoors due to the COVID19 lockdown. If you are one such person who is interested in learning rummy and finding ways to pass time with the help of rummy games, we are here to help you. This simple guide to understand rummy step by step and practice it to perfection will help you immensely. Here we have described the different terms used to describe the game cards, the strategies used to play and the methods to win the game easily. Go ahead and grasp this simple and interesting game of cards.
Different Terms Used Invariably in All the Rummy Games
To understand a new game, you first need to understand the vocabulary of the game. This rule applies even in Indian Rummy card games. Here we have shared the glossary that covers most of the common terms used in all rummy games. Read along and get familiarised first:
Sequences
A sequence is an arrangement of cards of the same sign in ascending or descending order of their values. For example, you may arrange 2,3 and 4 of hearts to form a sequence. Sequences can be made by combining number cards, picture cards or a mix of both. Sequences may or may not use jokers for completion.
Pure/Natural Sequence
Pure or natural sequence is a term used to describe a sequence that does not make use of jokers for completion. An example of natural sequence can be 9,10 and J of spades. A pure or natural sequence is essential for completion of life in rummy games.
Real/Artificial Sequence
A real or artificial sequence in rummy is a sequence that is completed by using jokers. A good example is if you have A of hearts and Q of hearts, you may use a joker in the middle to complete this sequence as A, K, Q of hearts.
Sets/Melds
Sets or melds are a combination of cards of different signs but of the same value. For example, you may combine 2 of hearts, spades and clubs to form a meld. In a similar fashion, it is possible to combine Q of diamonds, clubs and spades to for a set or a meld.
Dealer
In rummy card game, the person who distributes the cards is referred to as the dealer. The dealer is also the player responsible for picking an open card for the first player.
Jokers
Jokers are like bonus cards in rummy card games. These help the players complete their sequences or sets sooner. There are two types of jokers in rummy card games. The first type is the joker cards that exist in each deck which are used as jokers. The other type is pulled-out joker.
Pulled-out Jokers
These are cards randomly picked from the deck by the player next to the dealer. For instance, if the player picks a 2 of hearts from the deck, then all 2s are regarded as pulled-out jokers. They may be used just like the regular jokers in a deck to complete artificial sequences and melds.
Open Card
The dealer leaves the top card in the deck open for the next player to pick. The first player has an option to either pick this card which is left open or the top card on the deck. This card which is left open is referred to as open card. When the game just starts, the open card plays the role of the top card in the disposed pile.
Disposed Pile
Each time a player picks a card, he has to dispose of another card in his hand so that the total count of the cards in his hand remain same. After a few turns, a pile of cards is formed between the players. This is referred to as a disposed pile. Each player has the option to either pick the top card in the disposed pile or top card on the deck.
Picture Cards
As the name rightly suggests here, picture cards are playing cards with pictures on them. K, Q and J are regarded as picture cards. The value of all picture cards is counted as maximum (10 points) in rummy games.
High Point Cards
High point cards, as the name rightly suggests are cards with higher points. The picture cards as well as the cards of value from 6 to 10 are regarded as high point cards in rummy games.
Low Point Cards
As the name rightly suggests, low point cards are cads with lower points. The cards of value 2 to 5 in rummy are regarded as low point cards.
Life
The points in the hands of a rummy player are counted as a full-hand until the life is complete. The definition of life varies in each variation of rummy card game. In the 13 cards standard rummy game, one pure sequence and one real sequence are together termed as life.
First Drop
When you get your cards and you think you should not play this hand after checking your cards out, it is called first drop. The first drop should be chosen even before your first move. The number of points charged when a player chooses a first drop is minimal. It will vary based on the game variation you are playing.
Second Drop
You may also choose to leave a game midway and this is referred to as second drop. The number of points charged for a second drop is double the points charged for the first drop. This again varies based on the variation of rummy gamesyou are playing.
Full Hand
A full hand is referred to a hand for which full points are calculated. This usually happens when the life is not formed and the opponent wins the game. It is always better to choose first drop or second drop when you have a bad hand and avoid a full hand. In series card games like Pool Rummy and Deals Rummy, a full hand can prove very expensive.
