Rummy Questions and Answers

Answers to common questions about Basic Rummy, the draw-and-discard game we play at /rummy. Where rule books disagree, each answer gives the usual rule and says what our game does. The full rummy rules cover the deal and every house rule in order.

Can you lay off on other players' melds?

Yes. You can add a card to any meld on the table, whoever laid it down. If an opponent has melded three 9s, your fourth 9 goes on it; if they have the 4, 5, and 6 of diamonds, the 3 or 7 of diamonds fits. In our game you can lay off before you have melded anything yourself.

What's the difference between a set and a run?

A set, also called a group or book, is three or four cards of the same rank, such as three Jacks or four 5s. A run, also called a sequence, is three or more cards in order in one suit, such as the 3, 4, and 5 of hearts. Both count as melds, and both can be extended.

How do you score in Rummy?

The player who goes out scores the value of every card left in the other hands, including cards that could have formed a meld. An Ace counts 1, the 2 to 10 count their number, and Jacks, Queens, and Kings count 10. A losing hand of King, King, Queen, and Ace gives the winner 31 points.

What is calling Rummy?

Calling "Rummy!" is a rule from 500 Rum that some families bring into Basic Rummy. If a player discards a card that could have been melded, another player may call "Rummy!" before the next draw, take the card, and meld it. Most Basic Rummy rule books leave it out, and our game does not use it.

Can you pick up more than one card from the discard pile?

Not in Basic Rummy. You may take only the top card, and you cannot discard that same card on the same turn. Rummy 500 is different: there you may take a card deeper in the pile together with every card above it, and most rule books say you must meld that deeper card at once.

What happens when the stock pile runs out?

Rule books differ. Many turn the discard pile over without shuffling to make a new stock, and others shuffle it first. Our game keeps the top discard face up and shuffles the rest into a new stock, so play continues and a hand never ends in a draw. Agree on the rule before you deal.

Do you have to discard to go out in rummy?

No, not under most rule books. You can go out by discarding your last card, or by melding and laying off every card so there is nothing left to discard. Some house rules insist on a final discard, which makes going out harder. Our game lets you go out either way, and the hand ends at once.

What does going rummy mean?

Going rummy means going out in a single turn: putting your whole hand down at once without having melded or laid off earlier in the hand. Many home games pay double for it, and some give a 10-point bonus instead. Our game scores it like any other win, with no bonus.

How long is a game of rummy?

At a home table, players keep a running score over several hands and stop at an agreed target: 100 points is common, and 250 makes a longer game. Others play a fixed number of deals and total the scores. On our site each game is a single hand, and the first player out wins it.

Can you discard the card you just drew from the discard pile?

No. If you take the top card of the discard pile, you must discard a different card that turn, or the turn would change nothing. A card drawn from the stock can go straight back out. You may also keep a card taken from the discard pile and discard it on a later turn.

How many people can play rummy?

Two to six can play Basic Rummy with one 52-card deck: 10 cards each for two players, 7 each for three or four, and 6 each for five or six. Some rule books add a second deck so that seven can play. Our game seats you with one to five computer players.

Can you put down more than one meld in a turn?

Yes, under most rule books and in our game. You can lay down every set and run you hold in one turn, then lay off as well, and you can meld on your very first turn. The strictest traditional version allows only one meld per turn, so agree which rule you are using before the deal.