Rummy is quite a popular game in India and other countries. It has inspired multiple variants like:
1. Points Rummy
2. Pool Rummy
3. Gin Rummy
4. Deal Rummy
Now, all these games are quite simple to understand.
Despite that, some people make mistakes when they begin playing the game. If you’re one of them, we’ll help you with the same. However, for those of you who have just downloaded a Rummy app, continue reading to learn more about it.
Understanding Points Rummy
This Rummy variant can be played by two to six players and involves one to two decks of cards, depending on the number of players. The fundamental objective of this game is to group all the cards into at least two sequences and sets*, one of which is a pure sequence.
*Note: A sequence is a meld or group of consecutive cards belonging to the same suit or design printed on them. On the other hand, a set refers to a meld of cards belonging to the same rank, or number printed on them.
Before The Game
The dealer hands each player, including themselves, thirteen cards each. After that, the remaining cards form the draw and discard pile*.
*Note: The draw pile is formed by the remaining facedown cards. The discard pile is formed from the topmost card of the draw pile, which is kept face up.
Playing A Round
As with other Rummy online or offline games, players seated to the left of the dealer can start a round in Points Rummy. They can do so by either drawing or discarding a card from the discard pile and the draw pile.
If they:
1. Draw a card from the discard pile or draw pile, then they will have to discard one of their cards.
2. Draw a card from the discard pile, they must use it to meld their cards into valid sequences and sets.
Ending a Round
Your round is said to end when you or another player has managed to meld all your cards into acceptable sequences and sets. If you see that you have melded all your cards, then you can call out “Rummy” or press the relevant button in a game of Points Rummy to win.
Scoring in Points Rummy
You score zero points if you’ve melded all your cards into valid sequences and sets. The players who lose calculate scores by adding up the points held by the unmelded cards.
In other words, the:
1. King, Queen, Jack and Ace carry 10 points each
2. Number cards from Two to Nine carry the points printed on them (two points for Number Two and so on)
3. Joker card carries zero points
Finally, if you ‘drop’ from the game or leave the game before drawing your first card, you will get a penalty of twenty points. On the other hand, you will get a penalty of forty points if you drop after drawing your first card.
10 Common Beginner Mistakes in Points Rummy
Let us now talk about the mistakes that beginners make during the game.
Not Being Familiar With The Rules
Most players often start playing Points Rummy without understanding and memorizing the rules. That’s because they assume that this game will be the same as other Rummy games.
However, that’s not the case. That’s because each variant of Rummy is different. This is why you should download a Rummy app from a reputable website and play the other variants to understand them.
For instance, in Gin Rummy, the person with a ‘deadwood’ value of ten or less, with valid sets and sequences, is declared to be the winner. ‘Deadwood’ refers to the number of unmelded cards.
On the other hand, in Points Rummy, the player who melds all their cards into valid sequences and sets is the winner. So you should understand the rules of this game before you play it. Failing To Plan Ahead
Usually, most beginners randomly draw and discard cards randomly without considering the possible sets and sequences that they can make. They do not try to calculate the sequences and sets they can make with the cards they are dealt.
This lack of pre-planning leads to mistakes like being left with too many high-value cards, or cards that cannot be melded into valid sequences and sets. Holding On To High-Value Cards
As you’re aware, you should aim to score zero, or the lowest points to win in Points Rummy. However, this is not possible if you have unmelded high-value cards like any of the face cards, Number Nine, and Number Eight.
That’s because you will incur a penalty based on the total value of the ungrouped cards. For example, say you have unmelded cards like Ace, Jack, Number Nine, Number Eight and Number Seven.
You will get a penalty of forty-four points. So you will not win the game.
Overusing Jokers
The Joker card can:
. Be used to replace a missing card
. Take on the value of any card to complete a missing sequence or set.
However, that doesn’t mean that you can use two Joker cards in the same set or sequence. It will become an invalid sequence or set.
Not Observing Your Opponents
Another classic mistake that players make is not observing their opponents. The cards drawn or discarded by your opponent give you an insight into the possible melds that they might be forming.
For example, if your opponent has drawn two Number Three cards, then they might be forming a set of Number Three cards.
On the other hand, if your opponent has discarded two Number Five cards, then they might be trying to make a sequence with their other cards.
So you should always observe your opponents and play your own hands accordingly.
Incorrect Declarations
Some players often “declare” or “show” their cards without melding all the cards into valid sequences and sets. For example, as per Points Rummy rules, you should meld your cards into at least two pure sequences to win.
However, some players declare after forming only one set and one sequence. This leads to disqualification. So you should meld your cards into at least two pure sequences to win.
Avoiding Pure Sequences
Players utilize the Joker cards to complete sets or sequences when they can’t use the actual cards. However, those sequences or sets are called “impure” sets or sequences. While these melds will be valid, they will not be counted toward
Poor Card Management
This is another mistake that rookies make. They are unable to meld the cards they have into proper valid sequences or sets, or they discard valuable or wrong cards. For instance, if you have three Number Five cards and a sequence of Number Nine, Eight, Seven, and Six.
Some players form a sequence with Number Eight, Seven, Six, and Five. This leaves them with one Number Nine and two Number Five cards, which they cannot use in any meld.
Playing On With A Poor Hand
Some people continue to play despite not having good cards. For example, let us consider the scenario mentioned in the previous section. You obviously cannot use the Number Nine and two Number Five cards to make a valid meld.
Now, say you drew a card from the draw pile to form a valid meld. However, if that card is a Number Seven or Six, you cannot use it for that round either. In such a scenario, you should ideally drop from the game.
However, some players don’t. They usually incur a penalty later on.
Revealing Your Hand
You should attempt not to draw any cards from the discard pile, since your opponent will be able to get an insight into the melds you’re forming. We would recommend avoiding this as much as possible.
Wrapping Up
Points Rummy is quite an engaging game, which you can enjoy playing once you master it. Do remember to read all the rules we’ve mentioned above to gain a better understanding of the game.
Additionally, we would recommend downloading a Rummy app from a reputable website and playing practice games. You will be able to reduce the frequency of your mistakes in this way. We wish you all the best!
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