Game Rules
500 RumFirst to 500 points wins

A Rummy variant with a scoring twist: melded combinations earn points – cards left in hand at the end count against you.

Players2 – 8
Time25 – 45 min
Deck52 cards · 1–2 decks
LevelMedium
I · The idea

Collect points,
not just shed cards

I

500 Rum (also known as Pinochle Rummy) differs from classic Rummy through its scoring system: cards you meld earn plus points. Cards still in your hand at the end count as minus points.

The first player to reach 500 points wins the game.

II · Preparation

Before the
game begins

II
1
Deal the cards
2 players: 13 cards each. 3–4 players: 7 cards each. 5+ players: 6 cards each.
2
Discard pile
Turn over the first card. The discard pile is spread out like a fan – all cards must stay visible.
3
Point values
Ace = 15, face cards = 10, number cards = face value.
Before you start

Keep in mind that the entire discard pile must stay visible – plan your pickups accordingly.

III · Card values
How points
are made
III
A
Ace
15 points
The Ace is the most valuable card – 15 points when melded, 15 penalty points when left in hand.
K
Face cards
10 points
King, Queen, Jack – 10 points each, positive or negative.
7
Number cards
Face value
Cards 2–10 count their printed value.
↑
Taking from the discard pile
Whole stack
Whoever takes a card from the discard pile must also take all cards on top of it.
IV · Gameplay

Turn by
turn

IV
1
Draw a card
From the face-down pile, or any card from the open discard pile – plus all cards on top of it.
2
Lay down melds
Meld groups (3–4 of a kind) or sequences (3+ in a row, same suit).
3
Lay off
Add cards to your own or other players' combinations.
4
Discard a card
One card onto the discard pile. Fanned out so all cards stay visible.
5
End the round
Whoever lays down all their cards ends the round. Everyone counts their melded cards as plus, hand cards as minus. First to 500 points wins.
V · Variants
Variants
V

500 Rum is the basis for many other Rummy games.

M
Michigan Rum
Only the top card of the discard pile may be taken.
W
Wild Cards
2s or Jokers as wildcards – they replace any card.
N
Negative points
Instead of collecting 500: whoever reaches –500 first loses.
T
Team play
Teams of two: points are added together.
VI · Tips & tricks

What really
matters

VI
Strategy tips
+

Meld high-value cards as early as possible – Aces and face cards cost a lot of minus points if they're still in your hand at the end.

+

Actively use the fanned-out visibility of the discard pile – plan several turns ahead, since you can see exactly what's available.

+

When taking a card from the pile, check all cards on top of it – sometimes the pickup is only worth it because of an extra useful card.

+

Watch which values opponents consistently pass on – it reveals which combinations they've already completed.

Common mistakes
–

Forgetting that when drawing from the discard pile you must take all cards on top – this can unexpectedly flood your hand.

–

Holding on to high-value single cards too long instead of working them into a meld while the chance exists.

–

Losing track of the overall score across rounds – 500 Rum is often decided over several deals.

–

Ignoring the visibility rule of the discard pile and covering cards – it changes the tactical information for all players.

Berlin Hold'em · Matching decks
Get the right deck

500 Rum demands a clear view of many open cards – our decks stay readable throughout.

View all designs →
20s Playing Cards – Double Pack For bigger groups and long game nights. View product Viking Playing Cards – Double Pack Two decks, ideal for 5+ players. View product
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