Game Rules
ConquianThe world's oldest rummy game

The original of all rummy variants. Mexican, for two players, with 40 cards – and mercilessly efficient.

Players2
Time15 – 25 min
Deck40–52 cards · 1 deck
LevelChallenging
I · The idea

The original –
since 1887

I

Conquian is considered the oldest rummy game and comes from Mexico. It's played with a 40-card deck (no 8s, 9s, or 10s). The goal is to lay down 11 cards in valid combinations.

The special twist: you can't simply discard a card without using it – every drawn card must either be used or passed on directly.

II · Preparation

Before the
game begins

II
1
Prepare the deck
Reduce a standard deck to 40 cards: remove all 8s, 9s, and 10s.
2
Deal the cards
Each player receives 10 cards. The remaining 20 form the stock.
3
No discard pile
There is no separate discard pile – drawn cards must be used immediately or passed on.
Before you start

Sort your 10 cards into possible groups and sequences right away – you have no time to lose once the game begins.

III · Card values
What makes Conquian
unique
III
11
Goal
Lay down 11 cards
Whoever has 11 cards in valid combinations on the table wins. You start with 10 – one more must come.
→
Use or pass on
No passing
Every revealed card must be used. If you can't use it, it goes to your opponent.
↔
Rearranging
Change combinations
Your own laid-down combinations may be rearranged to fit in new cards.
∅
No free discarding
Always in melds
Cards can only be laid down in combinations – never individually without being used.
IV · Gameplay

Turn by
turn

IV
1
Reveal a card
The top card of the stock is revealed and offered to the active player.
2
Use or decline
If the player can fit the card into a combination, they must. Otherwise it goes to the opponent.
3
Opponent's offer
If player A declined: player B may take the card. If they can't use it either, the next card comes.
4
Lay down combinations
At least 3 cards – a group (same rank) or a sequence (same suit, consecutive).
5
Winning
Whoever is first to have 11 cards in valid combinations on the table wins. If the stock runs out without a winner: it's a draw.
V · Variants
Variants
V

Conquian influenced all modern rummy games.

C
Coon Can
American variant with 52 cards and slightly different melding rules.
J
With jokers
Add jokers as wildcards – makes the game more accessible.
3
Three players
Playable with three – 10 cards each, first to 11 cards wins.
M
Mexicano
The most original variant: strict rules, no rearranging after laying down.
V · Tips & tricks

What really
matters

V
Strategy tips
+

Pay close attention to which cards your opponent declines – it tells you which ranks or suits they no longer need.

+

Build your combinations as flexibly as possible, so you can easily rearrange them to fit cards later.

+

Deliberately decline cards that would obviously help your opponent – even if you don't need them yourself, declining weakens their position.

+

Keep track of what's left in the stock – with only 40 cards, you can estimate well which ranks can still appear.

Common mistakes
–

Forgetting that you must use every offered card immediately if possible – hesitating is not allowed.

–

Declining a card that your opponent then uses right away – always check briefly whether declining directly helps them.

–

Clinging too rigidly to a combination once laid down, instead of rearranging it for a better option.

–

Treating the 40-card deck like a normal 52-card deck – without 8s, 9s, and 10s, sequence probabilities change significantly.

Berlin Hold'em · Matching decks
Get the right deck

Conquian is purist and fast – perfect for two players with a deck that feels great in hand.

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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