Gin Rummy rules

Overview

Gin Rummy is a two-player card game that requires strategy and skill. It is played with a standard 52-card deck, and the objective is to form sets and runs from your hand of 10 cards while minimizing the value of your deadwood (ungrouped cards).

Objective of the Game

The main objective of Gin Rummy is to form combinations of cards called "melds." A meld can either be a set (three or four cards of the same rank) or a run (three or more consecutive cards of the same suit). Players aim to reduce their deadwood, which are the unmatched cards remaining in their hand, to as low a total as possible. The game ends when a player knocks or goes gin.

Card Values

• - Ace: 1 point
• - 2-10: Face value (2♠ = 2 points, 5♥ = 5 points, etc.)
• - Face cards (Jack, Queen, King): 10 points each (J♣ = 10 points, Q♦ = 10 points, K♠ = 10 points)

How to Set Up the Game

Gin Rummy is typically played by two players using a standard 52-card deck (no jokers). Each player is dealt 10 cards. The dealer alternates after each hand. The remaining deck forms the stockpile, with the top card placed face-up next to it to start the discard pile. The non-dealer takes the first turn.

Gameplay

Each player takes turns drawing one card, either from the top of the stockpile or the discard pile, and then discarding a card. Players try to form the following combinations:

• - A set: Three or four cards of the same rank (e.g., 7♥, 7♣, 7♠)
• - A run: Three or more consecutive cards of the same suit (e.g., 4♠, 5♠, 6♠)

The game continues until a player ends the round by knocking or going gin.

Knocking

A player may knock when the total value of their deadwood (cards not part of any set or run) is 10 points or less. The knocker lays down their hand, showing all melds and any remaining deadwood. The opponent also reveals their hand and can lay off any of their deadwood by adding to the knocker’s sets or runs.

Going Gin

If a player has no deadwood at all, they can "go gin." This happens when all 10 cards form valid melds, and the player immediately wins the round with a bonus.

Scoring

After knocking, both players calculate the total points from their deadwood. The knocker wins the difference in points between their deadwood and the opponent’s. If the knocker has fewer points, they win; if the opponent has fewer points, this is called an "undercut," and the opponent wins the round with a bonus.

• - Gin Bonus: 25 points for going gin.
• - Undercut Bonus: 25 points for the opponent if they have fewer deadwood points than the knocker.
• The game is typically played until one player reaches 100 points.

Strategy Tips

• Discard wisely: Avoid discarding cards that can help your opponent form melds. Pay attention to what they pick up from the discard pile.
• Form sets and runs early: Focus on grouping your cards as soon as possible to lower your deadwood and prepare to knock.
• Knock early or wait for gin: Decide whether to knock early with low deadwood or hold out to go gin for a bigger bonus, depending on your opponent's progress.

Common Terms in Gin Rummy

• - Meld: A set or a run of cards (e.g., 6♦, 7♦, 8♦).
• - Deadwood: Unmatched cards that are not part of any meld.
• - Knocking: Ending the round when your deadwood total is 10 points or less.
• - Going Gin: Ending the round with no deadwood, which gives a 25-point bonus.
• - Undercut: When the opponent has fewer deadwood points than the knocker and wins the round.