The Beginner's Guide to Rummy: How Many Cards to Deal, Rules, and Tips

 How Many Cards to Deal in Rummy: A Beginner's Guide to Rules, Game Types, and Tips

Rummy is a classic card-matching game for 2–6 players. The goal is to form valid sets (groups of cards of the same rank) or runs (consecutive cards of the same suit). A player wins by making a valid declaration after picking and discarding cards.

Number of Cards Dealt:

• In most standard Rummy games:

  • 2 players: Each receives 10 cards

  • 3–4 players: Each receives 7 cards

  • 5–6 players: Use two decks; each receives 7 cards

• In 13-card Rummy (popular in India): Each of the 2–6 players is dealt 13 cards.

• In Gin Rummy (for 2 players only): Each player is dealt 10 cards.

Basic Setup:

• One card is turned face-up to start the discard pile.

• The remaining cards form the stock pile, placed face-down.

• No jokers are used in Gin Rummy.

Game Types Mentioned:

• Shanghai Rummy: A variant with specific entry melds for 2–4 players.

• Michigan Rummy: A regional variation with its own rules.

• Gin Rummy: A two-player game where the goal is to reach 100 points by forming melds with no deadwood.

Useful Tips:

• Always watch the discard pile for tilerummy useful cards.

• Try to reduce your deadwood count by discarding high-point cards early.

• In games requiring two runs, they must be in different suits.

Play Rummy online today—choose your table, practice with AI, or compete with real players worldwide!