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Getting To Know Your Gin Rummy Basics
Gin Rummy is a simple card game that has entertained generations. If you are tempted to sit in on a game or two but do not know how to play, use these gin rummy basics to help get you started.
Number of Players
Two… to Tango and to play Gin Rummy.
The Deck
Use a regular set of playing cards (52 cards). Count aces as low cards, so the ranking will be: A-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-J-Q-K. An ace is worth one point, face cards (K, Q, J) are worth ten points each, and the number cards hold their own values.
Dealing
The game begins with the dealer being chosen at random. He or she will trade off the role from round to round. Now the dealer deals ten cards to each player, alternately. The cards should be dealt face down and one at a time. The 21st card pulled from the stack should be placed face-up between the players. It is known as the “upcard” and its pile will be the discard pile. The rest of the pack that has not been dealt is the “stock,” which is placed by the discard pile.
Object of the Game
The players are each trying to create “melds,” which are three or four cards that belong in the same rank, “set,” or “group.” The 2 of hearts and 2 of spades and 2 of diamonds would form a meld. Players can also form sequences or “runs,” which is made up of three or sometimes more than three cards of increasing value within the same suit. The 2, 3, and 4 of hearts would together form a sequence. The other goal is to lessen the worth of the unmatched cards in your opponent’s hand so that they do not add up to more than yours in a meld or sequence.
Only use a card for one set or run; it cannot carry over to multiple combinations.
The Play
The player who is a non-dealer makes the first move. During each turn, a player takes either the top card from the discard pile (the upcard) or the top card of the stock. Then he or she must dicard one card. Place it face-up on top of the discard pile. If the card your opponent discarded increases or creates a meld for you, claim the card.
You may not discard a card from the discard pile in the same turn that you chose it; you must discard a different card. Keep a card in your hand if you know that the card will increase or create a meld for your opponent.
At the very first play, however, when the non-dealer plays first, he or she may either take the upcard or skip the turn. If the dealer does not take the upcard either, play returns to the non-dealer, who may take the topmost card from the stock and proceed with the play.
Gin Only
This form of play is the simplest version of gin rummy, wherein both players only have the objective of going for gin. The first player who gins is the game’s winner.
Next Hand
Pick the next dealer with any method you choose.