When you play rummy, the main goal is to make sure you are the first to make a valid declaration and to keep your score as low as possible. Preferably at zero. This is because points have a negative value in rummy. So the more the more points you have, the lower you will be on the scoreboard.
But that’s not all. Rummy also has different variants and the variant you decide to play with will have its own scoring/points system and unique rules on how the winner is decided.
In this article, we are going to cover how the points system in rummy works so you understand the game better and increase your chances of winning.
Point System Basics in Rummy
Rummy is played between 2 to 6 players, with each player having 13 cards each. The main goal is to make legitimate sets and sequences and be the first to declare. The first to declare gets zero points. If you make an invalid declaration, you will lose the game and get a penalty of 80 points.
The losing players will have their scores calculated based on their unmelded cards.
For example, if you have one pure sequence (3♥,4♥,5♥), one set (5♣,5♥,5♦) and one impure set (4♠,Joker,6♠,7♠). The remaining ungrouped cards (Ace ♦, 3♦, King♥, Jack♣) will be counted for scoring, while the valid sets and sequences will amount to zero points.
So your total points would be Ace (10 points) + 3 (3 points) + King (10 points) + Jack (10 points) = 33 points.
Scoring Points in Rummy
In rummy, each card has specific points assigned, which have a value that gets counted for points in rummy. Let us look at the table to understand the points in rummy better-
| Type of Cards | Points Assigned |
| Number cards like 2s, 3s, 4s, 5s, 6s, 7s, 8s, 9s, 10s | Based on their face value, e.g., 5s are worth 5 points each. |
| Face cards like Kings, Queens, Jacks and Aces (A’s) | 10 points each |
| Jokers | 0 points |
How Scoring Works in Rummy
- The players who create a valid set and sequences and declare rummy first will get zero points.
- Depending on the variant, some sequences, runs and sets may also receive bonus points.
- Other players receive points based on the unmelded cards remaining in their hand after the first declaration. Valid sets and sequences in a hand will carry zero points, and unmelded cards will be assigned points based on their assigned value.
- The player with the least points wins the game.
Different Stages of Losing Points in Rummy
1. Invalid Declarations
When a player makes an invalid declaration in rummy, he is penalised with a certain number of points, which can go up to 80 points. This can be irrespective of whether the set and sequences in his hand are valid or invalid. When the player declares rummy, the first thing the system checks is whether the declaration made is valid or not.
2. Drops and Penalties
You also have the option to drop the game (at the start or middle) if you are dealt a bad hand.
Generally, if you drop in the beginning without even picking a card, it is a first drop and if you drop after playing a couple of turns, it is a middle drop. The first drop is 20 points and the middle drop is 40 points. The maximum penalty is 80 points.
However, depending on the rummy variant you choose, the amount of penalty points you get for a loss will vary.
Conclusion
A better understanding of how points in rummy are calculated can help you keep your overall score low and minimise your losses in the long run.
There are many ways to do this. As a general rule, rummy players often discard high-value cards like face cards (Ace, King, Queen, Jack) to keep their scores low or seek to group them up as quickly as possible.
