How Does Points Rummy Work?

Points Rummy can be played with one or two decks of cards, accommodating a total of 2 to 6 players. Each player receives 13 cards in no specific order. From the remaining cards, the first card is turned face up to start the open deck, while the rest of the pack is kept face down to form the closed deck.

A Joker card is randomly selected by the system. If a printed Joker is selected, players can also choose to use Ace cards as a Joker. A player is then randomly selected to start the game. The open pack is decided, with one card placed face up. Players must arrange all 13 cards into sequences or sets, either by picking up cards or discarding them from the open or closed deck. Cards can be moved to the finish slot to group them into sequences or sets. All cards must be arranged into sequences or sets before making a declaration.

Does Dropping Games Come With Penalties?

Unfortunately, dropping a game incurs penalty points, which can automatically put you behind other players. The penalties are as follows:

• First Drop: Dropping at the start of the game leads to 20 penalty points.
• Middle Drop: Dropping in the middle of the game, before anyone declares, incurs 40 penalty points.
• Full Count: Not having your cards melded before a player declares results in a maximum penalty of 80 points.
• Leaving the Game: The penalty for leaving a game before it is over is calculated as follows: Penalty = Full Count × Entry Fee.

How to Calculate My Points?

After one player makes a valid declaration, the remaining players must calculate their scores based on the cards that are not in any sequence. The scoring is as follows:

• K, Q, J, A: 10 points each
• 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10: Same as the card value
• Jokers: 0 points

For example, if a player holds the following cards: K, 3, Joker, 7, their score would be calculated as follows:

Score: 10 (K) + 3 + 0 (Joker) + 7 = 20 points

How Do I Win?

To win in Points Rummy, you simply need to make a 'winning declaration'! A winning declaration, also known as a valid declaration, must consist of two sequences:

• Pure Sequence: A sequence that does not include any Jokers.
• Impure Sequence: A sequence that contains at least one Joker.

Get ready to play this fast-paced Rummy game if you’re quick enough to keep up!