How to Play Gin Rummy
Master the rules and mechanics of this strategic card game
Game Setup
Gin Rummy is played with a standard 52-card deck, with each card having a point value. Face cards (King, Queen, Jack) are worth 10 points each, Aces are worth 1 point, and number cards are worth their face value.
The game is typically played between two players, although variations exist for more participants. The objective is to form sets (three or four cards of the same rank) and runs (three or more consecutive cards of the same suit).
Run Example
Set Example
Dealing and Starting
To begin, each player is dealt 10 cards, and the remaining deck is placed face-down to form the stock pile. The top card of the stock pile is turned face-up to start the discard pile.
The non-dealer has the first option to take the face-up card. If declined, the dealer may take it. If both players pass, the non-dealer draws the top card from the stock pile, and play begins.
Gameplay Mechanics
On each turn, a player must:
- Draw either the top card from the discard pile or the top card from the stock pile.
- Form melds (sets or runs) with the cards in their hand.
- Discard one card face-up onto the discard pile to end their turn.
The goal is to arrange your entire hand into melds with one card left over for discarding. Cards that cannot be used in melds are called "deadwood" and count against your score.
Winning the Hand
There are three ways to end a hand in Gin Rummy:
Gin
When a player has formed their entire hand into melds with no deadwood, they can declare "Gin" and end the hand. The player receives a bonus of 25 points plus the value of the opponent's deadwood.
Knock
If a player has 10 or fewer points of deadwood, they can "knock" to end the hand. The opponent then has the opportunity to lay off their deadwood cards onto the knocker's melds. The player with less deadwood wins the difference in points.
Draw
If only two cards remain in the stock pile and no one has knocked or declared Gin, the hand ends in a draw and no points are awarded.
Strategy Tips
Successful Gin Rummy players employ various strategies:
- Card Memory: Keep track of discarded cards to deduce what your opponent might be collecting.
- Defensive Discarding: Avoid discarding cards that might help your opponent complete their melds.
- Hand Flexibility: Maintain cards that can form multiple potential melds to adapt as the game progresses.
- Knocking Strategy: Sometimes it's better to knock early with a few points of deadwood than to pursue a perfect Gin hand.