Introduction
Rummy is a game of skill and strategy. But before getting into the gameplay, it is crucial to understand the scoring system. The scoring will help you make your game strategy and win as the scores determine the winner.
Read further to learn how scores are calculated, what a pure sequence is, what an impure sequence is, what the value of a set is, and more.
What Is the Points System in Rummy Game
The points system is the different points/values assigned to each card. A player wins based on the score they have accumulated.
There are different variations of Rummy. The common variants are Points Rummy, Pool Rummy, and Deals Rummy. The gameplay of these variants remains the same; however, the point system differs slightly.
Each Card points value in Rummy.
- Starting with A, 2, 3,..., the cards are arranged from lowest to highest.
- All the numbered cards from 2 to 10 are worth their face value. For example, 3 is worth 3 points, 4 is worth 4 points, and so on.
- All the face cards, i.e., K, Q, J, and A, are worth 10 points.
- And lastly, Joker is worth no point but can play a crucial role in the game.
It is important to note that the Ace can form a sequence either in the form of A-2-3 or Q-K-A.
Value of Jokers in Rummy
Joker is used to make an impure sequence or set. If you cannot make a sequence, you can use Joker to complete the set and form an impure sequence. It is also used as a wild card. As a wild card, they help you form sequences and reduce your score, as Joker is worth zero points.
You can have 2 types of jokers in rummy game. Printed Joker and any card you pick as a Joker. You can use either of these jokers to form a sequence or set and get a final score of zero.
Value of Sequences in Rummy
A sequence is a set of three or more consecutive cards from the same suit. You can win in Rummy without forming a sequence. There are 2 types of sequence in Rummy:
-
Rummy Points for a Pure Sequence
A pure sequence is a set of consecutive cards from the same suit. The value of the pure sequence is zero. For example, if you form a sequence of 2-3-4 from the same suit, the value of this sequence will be zero.
-
Rummy Points for an Impure Sequence
An impure sequence is also worth zero points. It combines consecutive cards in which any missing card is replaced with a Joker or a wild card considered a Joker.
Value of Sets in Rummy
A combination of 3 or more consecutive cards of the same rank but different suits is called a Set. Again, both the printed joker and wild joker can complete the set.
For example, a combination of 4-4-4 from different suits is called a set.
Zero Points System in Rummy
Each player in Rummy gets 13 cards. You arrange those cards and form either a sequence set or both. After arranging your cards, you have to declare them, and if your declaration is valid, i.e., your score is zero, you win the game.
Rummy Points Calculation for the Losing Player
Suppose 2 players are in the game, Player 1 declares their cards and wins. Here’s a how plyer 1 win:
-
Player 1 (Winner)
Suppose player 1 created a pure sequence and two sets of impure sequences. Player 1 gets zero points for making a valid declaration and wins.
-
Player 2
Meanwhile, player 2 forms a pure sequence, an impure sequence, and a set with 3 cards each. However, they are left with 4 cards. They will get penalised for these 4 cards, and their value will be added to their score.
Rummy Points Rules
- A player gets a penalty of 80 points for making an invalid declaration.
- The calculation is always based on the leftover cards. For example, if you have a form 1 sequence or set, the points will be calculated based on the remaining cards that were not part of any sequence of the set.
- Irrespective of your card, you can only get a penalty of 80 points.
- If your cards are bad and you think you might lose the game, you can quit by clicking ‘Drop.’
- If you drop immediately after getting cards, you are penalised with 20 points. If you fall in the middle, you are penalised with 40 points.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are points calculated in rummy?
Points are calculated based on the value of the cards assigned to them and no. Cards left after forming valid sets and sequences.
Is an ace 5 or 15 points in rummy?
Ace is worth 10 points in Indian Rummy.
How do you calculate points in Rummy 500?
In Rummy 500, the face cards are worth 10 points each, the ace cards are worth 15 points, the joker (when used) is worth 15 points, and all other number cards are worth their face value.
How many points is the 7-card rummy?
In 7-card rummy, Aces are worth 1 point, face cards are worth 10 points each, and all other number cards are worth their face value. Similar to regular Rummy, Joker has no points.
Conclusion
By this time, you would have understood the scoring format and how it is calculated. Gather your friends and start practising as they say, ‘Practice makes a man perfect.’ Practice and develop your strategy to see how quickly you can do a sequence or set.
Also, monitor your opponent’s game, noticing which cards they are picking and which they are discarding. This will help you form strategies.