What is Pool Rummy

Pool rummy is a popular format of 13 card rummy. It is played between 2 to 6 players and has subcategories to it. For example in RummyTime, Pool rummy comes in 3 formats: 61 Pool, 101 Pool, and 201 Pool. There is no limit on the number of deals; making it one of the longest formats of 13 card rummy games.

To win at Pool rummy, one has to make a valid declaration, which must have at least 2 sequences (one of which mandatorily has to be pure). Players are eliminated from the game when their score reaches 61 (in 61 Pool), 101 (in 101 Pool), or 201 (in 201 Pool). These games have a fixed Buy-In and the prize pool is calculated as follows:

Total prize pool = [(No. of players) × (Buy-In)] - (RummyTime’s fee)

So, if 6 players play for a Buy-In of ₹25, the prize pool would be: 6 × ₹25 = ₹150 - platform fee.

The winner takes the full prize, or, in a 6-player match one may get an option to split the reward with the remaining players. This option is only available when 2 or 3 players remain on the table and ALL of the remaining players have to accept the proposal to split for it to happen. The prize is then divided proportionately, based on who is leading with the least number of points.

There is also an option to rejoin in case you lose a game. You can rejoin by paying the entry fee of that game again, but only if the points of the other players are within specific limits.

Different Types of Pool Rummy

There are 3 types of Pool rummy. While most platforms offer the 101 Pool and 201 Pool formats, some platforms like RummyTime additionally have a 61 Pool format as well. Pool rummy is very exciting and tests one’s long-term strategic skills. A player should not only know the rules, but also things like when to drop in order to minimise losses. Since this game lasts for a longer duration and can have many rounds, it makes for a thrilling experience where the chances of winning keep changing.

61 Pool Rummy

In 61 Pool rummy, players get eliminated at the end of a round if their score reaches 61. Once eliminated, players do get an opportunity to rejoin the match if everyone else’s points is below 45. When dropping in the first turn, players lose 15 points, and a midway drop costs 30 points. Invalid declaration is penalised with 60 points. Winner of a round gets 0 points, and the remaining players get points equal to the total of their ungrouped cards.

101 Pool Rummy

In 101 Pool rummy, players are out of the game if their score hits 101. However, they can rejoin if others' scores are under 79. Dropping in the first turn costs 20 points, while dropping midway costs 40 points. An invalid declaration costs 80 points. The scoring rules are the same as 61 Pool rummy.

201 Pool rummy

In 201 Pool rummy, players are eliminated if their score reaches 201. They can rejoin if everyone else's points stay below 174. Dropping in the first turn costs 25 points, and a midway drop costs 50 points. An invalid declaration in this format, like 100 Pool, costs 80 points. The scoring rules are the same as 61 and 101 Pool rummy formats.

How to Play and Rules of Pool Rummy

A standard game of Pool rummy is played between 2 to 6 players and uses 2 decks of 52 cards plus printed Jokers.

Toss: One card is dealt to each player at random. The player with the highest-ranking card would go first.

Dealing: The act of distributing cards is called dealing. 13 cards are dealt to each player randomly.

Objective: To have the least number of points at the end of the game.

The standard rummy rules of 13 card rummy apply. A valid declaration includes at least two sequences, one of which has to be a pure sequence. The rest of the cards can be grouped into sets or sequences.

Once cards are dealt to all players, the remaining cards are placed face down on the table to create the closed deck. Then, the top card from the closed deck is flipped face up as the open deck or discard pile.

Some rules to keep in mind:

• A player is eliminated when their score reaches 61 (in 61 Pool), 101 (in 101 Pool), or 201 (in 201 Pool).
• A rejoin option is only available if all the remaining players have less than 45 points (in 61 Pool), less than 79 points (in 101 Pool), or less than 174 points (in 201 Pool).
• When you rejoin, your points will be equal to the highest points held by an existing player in the game + 1. For example–if the highest points are 30, you will rejoin the game with 30 + 1 = 31 points.
• Dropping is a strategic move some players use when they are not confident in their hand. Making an invalid declaration costs 60 points (in 61 Pool) and 80 points (in 101 and 201 Pool).
• The winner can choose to take the whole prize or split it with others if only 2 or 3 players remain in the game.

How the Score is Calculated in Pool Rummy

In Pool rummy, the winner of a round gets 0 points. The losing players get points based on their ungrouped cards. The values of the cards are given below:

• Face cards (King, Queen and Jack) and Aces: 10 points each
• Numbered cards (2 to 10): Same as their face value
• Jokers (both printed and wild): 0 points each.

Let’s assume at the end of a round, you have the following hand:

Here we have a pure sequence, an impure sequence, a set, and three ungrouped cards- 4♣ 8♣ and A♥.

The valid groups would be equal to 0 points each, while the ungrouped cards would be equal to 4 + 8 + 10 = 22 points.

After each round, your points will keep getting added till someone reaches the maximum limit.

If you make an invalid declaration, 60 points (in 61 Pool) or 80 points (in 101 and 201 Pool) will be added to your total.

So, there you have it. This is how you can also get started with playing Pool Rummy. All you have to do is head to the RummyTime website, then download rummy app and start gaming today.