One of the most widely played card games around the world is rummy. So popular is this game that different communities have adapted the game to their respective cultures, and this has led to the creation of regional and even local variants of rummy. Rummy is a game that has global appeal, and despite there being several variations of the game, the general format of the game remains the same throughout. You can download the best rummy app for real money and partake in tournaments. This blog discusses in detail how to play rummy, as well as the terms used in the game, along with the game's legal status in India.

What is Rummy?
In very broad terms, the word rummy essentially refers to a group of card games which have the same general rules and format of gameplay, despite the regional and local variations. The general premise of playing rummy is the picking and discarding of cards.

The objective of rummy is to form valid groupings of cards, which are known as 'melds'. These melds are combinations of cards that may either be consecutive cards of the same suit (for example, a 4 of spades, a 5 of spades and a 6 of spades), or they may be a combination of cards of the same rank but of different suits (such as a 5 of spades, a 5 of diamonds and a 5 of clubs). A combination of cards of the same suit is called a sequence or a run, while a combination of cards of different suits is called a set. While playing rummy, the goal is to build melds or groupings of at least three of the same type of card, whether it may be consecutive cards of a particular suit or cards of the same value but belonging to different suits.

What are Some Important Terms in Rummy?
1. Deck
A deck refers to a standard deck of 52 playing cards and includes a printed Joker card. Every deck of cards consists of 13 cards, each of the four playing card suits, namely spades, clubs, hearts and diamonds. Each suit has a set of 13 cards consisting of an Ace, a King, a Queen, a Jack and cards numbered from 2 to 10.

2. Table
The table is the physical or virtual table where every game of rummy is played. Rummy can be played by a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 6 players, and therefore a rummy table can accommodate up to 6 players in total.

3. Sorting
Sorting refers to the activity of arranging one's cards after they have been dealt to players at the beginning of each game of rummy. Sorting is important because when a player sorts their cards, it helps them form sets and sequences in a more organised manner without mixing their cards up and losing out on time in the game.

4. Sequence
In rummy, a sequence refers to a group of three or more cards belonging to the same suit, arranged in consecutive order. Sequences can be either a pure sequence or an impure sequence.

5. Pure Sequence
A pure sequence is a combination of three or more consecutive cards of the same suit without a Joker card. However, if there is a wild card Joker of the same suit available, it may be used to form a pure sequence.

6. Impure Sequence
Any other sequence consisting of three or more consecutive cards of the same suit with a Joker card will be categorised as an impure sequence.

7. Set
A set is a combination of three or four cards of the same rank but belonging to different suits. However, there must not be any repetitions of the same card (for example, two cards of the same value and the same suit are not valid in a set). Joker cards may be used to form a set.

Why is Sorting so Important?
Sorting, as mentioned previously, is the activity of arranging the cards in a specific order at the beginning of the game once the cards have been dealt. Sorting is extremely beneficial as it helps players organise their cards so that they can form their melds without wasting any valuable time during the course of the game. Sorting the cards in a proper manner also eliminates the chances of getting any of the cards lost or mixed up.

How can One Get Started with Playing Rummy Online?
The advancement of technology and convenient access to high-speed internet services has made it possible for people to play rummy on their mobile phones and tablets whenever they want and also at any place they want. Getting started with playing rummy online is very easy. All one needs to do is download an online rummy app and register. Once the registration process is complete, players will have a wide variety of rummy games to choose from, ranging from free to cash games. Regardless of the type of rummy game a player wishes to play, in each round, every player is dealt 13 cards, and a random card is selected as the wildcard Joker. Most online rummy apps have an option to automatically sort the cards, making it easier for players to form the melds they need.

Is Rummy a Gambling Game? What is its Legal Status in India?
According to the law in India, a game must be entirely based on a chance for it to qualify as a form of gambling. Rummy is a game that is based on the individual skills of the players, and Indian law duly recognises the game as such. The Supreme Court of India declared rummy to be a game of skill in the year 1968. Therefore, playing rummy in India is completely legal. However, playing rummy for cash prizes is legal in all states of India except in Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Nagaland, Odisha, Kerala, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu and Telangana.

Conclusion Rummy is a game that is highly thrilling and enjoyable for people of all ages. Whether one wishes to play for fun or competitively for cash prizes, this game is for everyone!