Contract Rummy

Introduction

Also known as 10 Card Rummy, Contract Rummy is a popular card game variation that shares similarities with Gin Rummy. It is played with 3 to 8 players and is believed to have originated in the United States during World War II.

The primary goal is to meld all the cards in hand into sets and sequences. Players aim to fulfil the requirements of each round's contract by melding, laying off, or discarding cards strategically.

This article will help you understand the basics of the game and its intricacies, from setup to tips and tricks. By the end, you'll understand the nitty-gritty of Contract Rummy.

What is Contract Rummy?

Contract Rummy originated from a game called Zioncheck. However, according to David Parlett, the game is being followed on from Contract Bridge, which was quite popular in the 1930s. Shanghai Rummy, Liverpool Rummy, Joker Rummy, Progressive Rummy, Combination Rummy, King Rummy, and Continental Rummy are other names of Contract Rummy. The basic principles remain the same, but the game differs based on its gameplay.

Contract Rummy is about reaching an agreed-upon score by forming melds, laying off cards, or discarding them.

Contract Rummy Rules

Here are the rules for Contract Rummy:

• The number of jokers used should be less than the number of players.
• Contract Rummy, with over five players, is played with two decks of cards and two jokers.
• The goal is to eliminate cards either by melding or dumping them.
• The order of cards from highest to lowest is A, K, Q, J, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2.
• There are seven deals in the game. You are dealt ten cards in each of four deals. In the subsequent deal, everyone gets 12 cards.
• The sequence may not belong to the same suit if contact needs more than one.
• The game continues until one player drops out or is allowed to dump their last card.

Game Setup and Card Ranking

Contract Rummy is played with 3 to 8 players. The number of decks used varies based on the number of players:

• 2 players: 2 decks with 2 jokers.
• 3-4 players: 3 decks with 4 jokers.
• 5-8 players: 4 decks with 8 jokers.

Jokers act as wild cards, allowing players to substitute them for other cards to complete sets or runs.

Hierarchy of card values

In Contract Rummy, cards are ranked in the following order:

• Aces: Aces are the highest-ranking cards in Contract Rummy.
• Kings, Queens, Jacks: Face cards are following in rank, each worth 10 points.
• Numbered Cards: Numbered cards retain their face value.
• Jokers: Jokers serve as wild cards, allowing players to use them to complete sets or runs. However, they also carry a penalty of 15 points each if left in a player's hand at the end of a round.

Objectives of Contract Rummy and Melds

The primary objective is to meld cards into combinations to fulfil the contract for each round.

Melding involves organising cards into sets and sequences to score points and progress through the rounds. It allows players to minimise their point tally and progress towards completing all seven rounds successfully.

Melding Combinations

• Sets: Sets consist of three or more cards of the same rank, regardless of their suits. For example, a set could comprise three Kings (K-K-K) or three Fives (5-5-5) from different suits.
• Sequences: Sequences consist of three or more consecutive cards of the same suit. For instance, a sequence could be 4♠-5♠-6♠ or J♥-Q♥-K♥.

Fulfilling Contracts

Fulfilling the contract for each round is crucial for advancing the game and accumulating points. Each round has its contract, dictating the combinations required to meld.

By meeting these requirements, players score points and move closer to completing the entire game successfully. The contract specifies the combinations required to meld in that round. For example:

• Round 1: Two sets of three cards each.
• Round 2: One set of three cards and one sequence of four cards.
• Round 3: Two sequences of four cards.

This requires strategic planning and effective card management to meld the required combinations and minimise points left in hand.

Gameplay and Rounds

Contract Rummy consists of seven rounds, each with its own specific objectives and card distribution:

• Round 1: The objective is to form two sets of three cards each. Players are dealt six cards; the remaining cards form the draw pile.
• Round 2: Players aim to meld one set of three cards and one sequence of four cards. Seven cards are dealt to each player.
• Round 3: The goal is to create two sequences of four cards each. Players receive eight cards each.
• Round 4: Players must meld one set of four cards and one sequence of five cards. They are dealt nine cards each.
• Round 5: The objective is to form two sets of four cards each. Players receive ten cards each.
• Round 6: Players aim to meld one set of five cards and one sequence of six cards. Eleven cards are dealt to each player.
• Round 7: The final round requires players to form one set of six cards and one sequence of seven cards. Twelve cards are dealt to each player.

Player Turn Sequence:

• Drawing: At the beginning of their turn, a player can either draw the top card from the draw pile or take the top card from the discard pile.
• Melding: After drawing, the player can lay down any valid melds (sets or sequences) in their hand.
• Laying Off: If the player has valid cards to add to existing melds, they can do so.
• Discarding: Finally, the player must discard one card from their hand onto the discard pile to end their turn.

Scoring System

In Contract Rummy, each card has a specific point value for scoring at the end of the game. Here's the breakdown:

• Jokers: Each joker is worth 15 points.
• Aces: Aces are valued at 20 points each.
• Face Cards (Kings, Queens, Jacks): Each face card carries 10 points.
• Number Cards (2-10): Number cards are scored based on their face value.

Players tally their points at the end of all rounds based on their collected cards. The player with the least total points wins the game.

For example, if a player has one ace (20 points), two face cards (20 points), and four number cards (totalling 18 points), along with one joker (15 points), their total score would be 73 points.

This scoring system encourages players to strategize in forming melds and minimising the accumulation of high-value cards, such as aces and face cards.

Contract Rummy Variations

Here are some variations of Contract Rummy:

Shanghai Rummy

The game is played with 52 cards, including the jokers. Each round has ten hands and its own rules. During each of the ten rounds, each player gets 11 cards. The goal is to be the first to be out with a lower score.

Liverpool Rummy

Liverpool Rummy is a multi-player, multi-round card game that excludes purchasing, using more jokers, and hanging out. It was started in Liverpool, U.S. Depending on the number of players, the game can be played with the standard 52-deck card. The goal is similar to Shanghai Rummy.

Carioca Rummy

The variation is popular in Argentina and Chile. With some modifications, the game is more challenging and exciting. The objective is to remove all your cards by meddling or drawing them. Carioca Rummy is played with two players, and using a joker is optional.

Progressive Rummy

This variation emphasises fulfilling the contract. The game involves making melds or sets that may be removed from play or laid on the table. The melds are also allied books and runs. A set of 3 or more cards of the same rank is called a Book. A set of 3 or more cards of consecutive ranks in the same suit is called a Run.

Contract Rummy Tips and Strategies

To excel in Contract Rummy, consider these effective tips and strategies:

Smart Card Management:

• Prioritise melding high-value cards, such as aces and face cards, to minimise point accumulation.
• Track which cards opponents pick and discard to gauge their potential melds and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Melding Strategies:

• Focus on completing sequences and sets early to reduce the risk of getting stuck with high-value cards.
• Aim to create multiple melds in a single turn to increase your chances of going out and ending the round.

Round Prioritisation:

• Assess the contract for each round and strategize accordingly. Prioritise fulfilling contracts that require fewer melds to complete.
• Save high-value cards for rounds with contracts that align with your existing melds to minimise point accumulation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play Contract Rummy with 8 people?

Yes, Contract Rummy can be played with 8 people. The game accommodates 3 to 8 players, making it versatile for larger or smaller gatherings.

How many cards are dealt in Contract Rummy?

The number of cards dealt in Contract Rummy varies depending on the round. In the first three rounds, each player receives 10 cards; in the last four rounds, each player is dealt 12 cards.

Can I use Jokers in a set/sequence of cards in Contract Rummy?

Yes, Jokers can be used in sets or sequences as wild cards to substitute for any missing card. They enable players to complete melds by filling in the gaps and progressing through the game's phases.

How do I lay off cards on existing melds?

You can add cards to groups or sequences already melded, whether by themselves or opponents.

This involves extending the existing melds on the table with cards from their hand that fit into the established combinations.

What happens if I can't meet the contract's requirements for a round in Contract Rummy?

You cannot lay down your melds for that round. As a result, you won't be able to fulfil the round's objectives, potentially missing out on points or facing penalties depending on the game's specific rules.

Can I form a sequence with Aces as both high and low cards in Contract Rummy?

You can form a sequence with Aces as both high and low cards. This means that a sequence can consist of Ace-2-3 or Ace-King-Queen. This gives flexibility in arranging cards in sequences.

Conclusion

This was all about Contract Rummy, a popular card game. The game is often confused with Gin Rummy as they both share similarities. However, both of them are different and come with their own rules and gameplay. If you are new to contract rummy, learn the basics and practise with your friends.