Rummy Tips and Tricks

In the game of rummy there are many tricks and strategies which can help beginners to play well and increase the chances of winning. Some tricks also involve a lot of practice but they are easy to learn.

What is Rummy?

Rummy is a card game that requires skill and strategy. The game is exciting as there are many variants of rummy, so you can choose what format is best for you. That’s why it is so popular across the world.

It should be noted that this is not a game you can play well without understanding its nitty-gritty. The more you play, the better you will become as it is inherently a skill-based game. Top-skilled players know more than just the rules of the game, they know specific strategies that will help them stay on top. The adage ‘practice makes perfect’ is never truer than with rummy. That’s why we always recommend beginners to start with practice games that are also free on RummyTime. This will set players up for success when they eventually start playing cash games. By playing these practice games, you will be able to pick up tips and tricks to upgrade your own skills.

Pro Tips And Strategies to ‘Ace’ the Game

Listed below are some tricks worth trying while you play the Indian Rummy game.

Try to Discard Duplicate Cards

If you are dealt two of the same value cards of the same suit, then try and discard one of them as soon as you can manage it. There might be times when that additional card might come in use (maybe another sequence or as part of a set). However, it makes sense to discard idle cards that might affect your game. For example, if you have two Queen of Hearts cards, then try and discard one of them if one of them is sitting idle. As they are also high-value cards.

Discard High-Value Cards

It’s not a good idea to have an idle high-value card. They should be one of the first ones that you should try and discard. If you have high-value cards like King of Hearts, Ace of Spades, etc. First, try and see if you can include them in a sequence or a set. If that doesn’t work, discard them the first chance you get. This way, if your opponent makes a valid declaration before you, then you will lose by a lesser margin of points. However, please note that other players will also do the same. So, it is wise to wait for 2-3 turns, as you might be able to get a discarded high-value card which could be valuable to you.

Make Smart use of Printed Joker and Wild Card Joker

There is no greater game-changer in the game of rummy than the joker. Getting a joker during a critical time of the game will be the difference between losing and winning it all. Whether it is a printed joker or a wild card joker, make sure you don’t discard them. More importantly, use them wisely. Make sure you place them in sequences or sets of high-value cards.

For instance,

If you have 3❤️and 2❤️ and you also have 9❤️and 8❤️. Make sure you group the joker with 9❤️ and 8❤️. Because these cards carry more points.

Hold on to the Middle Cards of Potential Sequences

While playing the game, it is important to have foresight. That’s why even if a grouping of cards does not form a sequence, you can hold onto them because you know they have the potential to become a pure or impure sequence. Especially, when it comes to cards that are in the middle of the sequence.

For example:

In case you have

Then it makes good sense to not discard 5♠️. Because if you get 3♠️or 6♠️when you draw a card, then it will become a pure sequence. You can also slot in a joker to make an impure sequence.

Use the Sort Option in the Rummy Apps

Online Rummy platforms like RummyTime offer an option to sort all the cards. If you tap on “Sort”, your cards will automatically be chronologically sorted into the same suits. Always use the sort option as it will help you get an understanding of the cards you have and how you can proceed moving forward. Almost every rummy app has this option.

Understanding Pure and Impure Sequences

Understand the difference between Pure and Impure Sequences with the examples listed below.

What Are Sequences?

A sequence is also called a run. When you group at least 3 or more consecutive cards of the same suit, then they become a sequence. There are two types of sequences:

Pure Sequence

This grouping features three or more consecutive cards that are all part of the same suit. These are sequences that do not feature the joker card. Please note that a wild card joker can still be used in a pure sequence if it fits in the sequential order and is of the same suit as the other cards in the sequence.

Here’s an example of a pure sequence:

You can have up to 10 cards making a pure sequence.

Impure Sequence

This grouping will have a joker/wildcard that will complete the sequence.

Here’s an example of an impure sequence:

In this scenario, the joker is being used in place of six hearts to complete the sequence. You can have up to 10 cards making a sequence (as long as the other sequence is pure).

Make Pure Sequences at the Earliest

A pure sequence is absolutely required for someone to make a valid declaration. Having multiple impure sequences and sets won’t make a difference if you don’t have a pure sequence. Therefore, your first priority during a game is to ensure you create a pure sequence as soon as you can.

Let’s consider you have the following cards

Even if you have slotted a joker in between them, if you get an 8❤️, then use that instead.

Please note that it will be a good idea to drop out if you do not have a pure sequence right from the very start.

Don’t Hold Onto Your Cards for Too Long

It’s important when to hold onto cards and when to discard them. Don’t hold onto a particular card in hopes it will eventually play a role in forming a sequence. Especially if it is a high-value card and if you have had it for multiple rounds. Know when to let it go.

Remember Discarded Cards

One of the key attributes that top-skilled players possess is that they always remember the cards that they discarded during the game. This is a skill that needs to be developed in order to become a top player. Knowing what cards were discarded will help you make a roadmap to a valid declaration and a win.

Alternate the Red and Black Cards

Want to ensure you don’t mix up 6♠ with 6♣? Then separate them by colour. Pro and expert players tend to arrange their suits and sequences by colour as well. This will help you not make a critical mistake where subconsciously you end up pairing 6♠ with 7♣. They may look similar but this would result in a loss.

Keep the Track of your Opponent’s Moves

Always keep an eye on what your opponent is doing. It will let you know how close they might be to a valid declaration. If your opponent suddenly starts discarding very low-value cards such as 2♠, then that is your cue to start discarding idle high-value cards that you possess.

Use the Fishing Technique

A lot of rummy is a mind game. It’s about getting in your opponent’s heads and tricking them into making mistakes that can cost them the game. That’s why experienced players tend to use the “Fishing Technique”. In this technique, you trick the other players into discarding the cards you need to finish a sequence or a set.

So, how does it work?

Let’s imagine you are making a set with 7♠ and 7♥ . You need a 7 from another suit in order to complete this set. So, it will be a clever idea to discard 8♣ if you already have it. This way your opponent will think that you don’t need 7♣ and might discard it. That will be your chance to scoop that card for yourself.

Know When to Drop Out

Even the best and the most experienced players have games where things are simply not falling into place. In fact, it is their expertise that will help them decide when they have to drop out of a game. You can either drop out at the start of the game where you lose with the least number of points or you can drop during the middle of the game. If you feel like your cards are not aligning, then dropping out will minimize your loss.

Rummy Tips and Tricks FAQs

Listed below are the frequently asked questions on rummy tips and tricks

Is it possible to win in rummy every single time?

Even pro and expert players cannot win the game every single time. Sometimes it is a race to make a valid declaration and sometimes it takes strategy and skills to figure out how you can lose by the least number of points. It’s all about maximizing your gains at the end of the day.

What is the best trick in rummy?

There is no one trick that can be considered as the “best” one. Always pay attention to the game and employ every tip to make sure you come out on top.

Is it possible to win against pro players if you are a beginner?

It might be difficult but possible. However, most beginners only become proficient from practicing. That’s why it is so important to play as many free games as possible before joining a cash game.

Is it advisable to start playing cash games directly?

You can choose to start playing cash games if you are already proficient in the game. However, if you are a beginner who doesn’t know the rules, do play a few free games before playing cash games.

How should one practice free games before venturing into cash games?

There is no fixed number of games you can play in order to become great. Once you start winning a few games in the practice games, do try out some cash games. Choose your tables wisely and play responsibly.