Game Rules
RummyCombine, meld, win

The core principle of all rummy games. Combine cards into sets and runs and shed them all as fast as you can.

Players2 – 6
Time20 – 40 min
Deck52 cards · 1 deck
LevelMedium
I · The Idea

Build combinations
and shed them

I

Rommé is the classic German rummy game. Cards are combined into sets (three or four of the same value) or runs (three or more consecutive cards in one suit).

Whoever is first to lay down all their cards as combinations wins. Jokers are wild and can stand in for any card.

II · Setup

Before the
game begins

II
1
Shuffle the cards
Shuffle two 52-card decks plus 3 jokers. With 2 players, one deck is enough.
2
Deal the cards
Each player receives 13 cards. The rest forms the face-down stock.
3
Discard pile
Turn over the top card – it starts the open discard pile.
Before you start

Sort your hand by suits and values right away – that makes possible combinations visible at a glance.

III · Card Values
What may go
on the table
III
G
Set
3–4 same value
Three or four cards of the same value in different suits. Example: three Kings.
S
Run
3+ in sequence
Three or more consecutive cards of the same suit. Example: 5-6-7 of Hearts.
J
Joker
Replaces anything
A joker can stand in for any card. Maximum one joker per combination.
+
Laying off
Extend
You may add your own cards to existing combinations on the table.
IV · Gameplay

Turn by
turn

IV
1
Draw a card
Draw from the face-down stock or from the open discard pile.
2
Meld combinations
Lay valid sets or runs on the table in front of you.
3
Lay off
Add single cards to your own or other players' combinations on the table.
4
Discard a card
End your turn: place one card on the open discard pile.
5
Going rummy
Whoever can shed all their cards declares “Rummy” and wins. The other players' hand cards count as minus points – jokers count 20 points.
V · Variants
Variants
V

Rummy is the basis of many card games worldwide.

K
Buying
Whoever wants the top discard when it's not their turn pays a penalty card.
J
Swapping the joker
A joker in another player's combination can be replaced with the real card.
∅
No jokers
Rummy without jokers – a pure combination game.
P
Points
Play several rounds. Whoever reaches 500 minus points first loses.
VI · Tips & Tricks

What really
matters

VI
Strategy Tips
+

Hold a joker back as long as possible – it's more flexible when you only know late in the game which combination you're missing.

+

Meld small combinations early instead of waiting for the perfect hand – it lowers your risk when an opponent ends the round.

+

Watch the discard pile closely – if an opponent keeps refusing certain values, they're probably collecting exactly that suit.

+

Don't keep high-value cards (face cards, Aces) in hand too long – they cost the most at the end if you don't finish.

Common Mistakes
–

Waiting too long for a perfect combination while the discard pile has long been showing playable cards.

–

Forgetting that you may also lay off on other players' combinations – it speeds up your own shedding considerably.

–

Using a joker too early when a regular card could have filled the same gap.

–

Underestimating the minus points of hand cards – face cards and Aces in particular quickly add up to heavy losses.

Berlin Hold'em · Matching Decks
Get the right deck

Rummy demands an overview of many cards – with our decks you keep the full picture.

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