Learn to Play Shanghai Rummy: Master the 10 Rounds

　　How to Play Shanghai Rummy: Rules & Gameplay Guide

　　Shanghai Rummy is a popular variation of Contract Rummy, based on Gin Rummy, and best played with 3–8 players (4 is ideal). It’s a fun, engaging card game perfect for families and groups—easy to learn but full of strategic depth.

　　Objective

　　Be the first to complete each round’s specific “contract” by forming melds (sets or runs) and playing all your cards.

　　Setup

　　Players:3–8

　　Decks:2 standard decks of 52 cards, including jokers

　　Deal:Each player receives11 cardsfor each of the10 rounds

　　Start:The player to the left of the dealer begins

　　Round Overview

　　There are10 rounds, each with a different meld requirement. Examples include:

　　Two sets of three cards

　　One set of three + one run of four

　　A pair of 2 cards (in round 3)

　　And more…

　　How to Play

　　Draw:Begin your turn by drawing one card from the draw pile or the discard pile.

　　Meld:Lay down valid melds if you meet the round’s contract.

　　Lay Off:Add cards to your own or others’ existing melds.

　　Discard:End your turn by discarding one card.

　　Special Move: The “Shanghai”

　　A player may call“Shanghai”to rearrange existing melds on the table to play cards from their hand. This can be done even by a player who hasn’t yet met their own contract.

　　Winning a Round

　　The round ends when a playergoes outby playing all their cards—with no final discard.

　　Sample Round Structure

Round	Meld Requirement
1	Two Sets of 3
2	One Set of 3 + One Run of 4
3	Two Pairs
4	One Set of 4 + One Run of 4
…	…
10	Varies by house rules

　　Key Rules to Remember

　　You must complete the round’s contract before laying off cards.

　　Jokers can be used as wild cards.

　　A player can “Shanghai” melds even on another player’s turn under certain conditions.

　　The game continues through all 10 rounds; the player with thelowest total scoreat the end wins.

　　Why You’ll Love It

　　Shanghai Rummy is easy to pick up, encourages both strategy and spontaneity, and is sure to bring laughter and friendly competition to tilerummy any game night!

　　Would you like a printable round-by-round contract sheet or a video tutorial link to complement this guide?