How to play Rummy

One standard 52-card deck for two to six players, and paper to keep score.

Be the first to get rid of all your cards by melding them in sets and runs. You score the value of the cards left in your opponents’ hands.

1. 1Deal 10 cards each with two players, 7 each with three or four, and 6 each with five or six.
2. 2Turn the next card face up to start the discard pile and put the rest face down as the stock.
3. 3Aces are low: a run can be A-2-3 but not Q-K-A.

1. 1Start your turn by drawing the top card of the stock or the top card of the discard pile.
2. 2You may then meld one combination: a set (three or four cards of the same rank) or a run (three or more consecutive cards of one suit).
3. 3You may also lay off any number of cards on melds already on the table—yours or anyone’s.
4. 4End your turn by discarding one card. If you took the top discard, you cannot throw that same card back on the same turn.
5. 5If the stock runs out, turn the discard pile over to make a new stock.

• The hand ends the moment one player has no cards left, whether by melding, laying off, or discarding the last card.
• The winner scores the cards left in the other hands: face cards 10, aces 1, number cards their face value.
• Play to an agreed target, such as 100, or for a set number of deals.

• Many players allow more than one meld per turn.
• Going rummy: melding your whole hand in one turn, having not melded before, doubles the score.
• Rummy 500 and Gin Rummy change how melds and the discard pile work.

• Hold back melds you could lay down if they are likely to grow—but not so long you get caught with them.
• Watch what others pick up from the discards and avoid giving them what they need.
• Shed high cards early when you are unlikely to use them; they cost the most if someone goes out.