Indian rummy is a 13-card game where you arrange your cards into valid groups before anyone else. This guide covers the standard rules most apps use.
Rules below describe the most common Indian 13-card format. Apps can change details such as drop points, point caps and joker rules, so always check the in-app rules.
The basics
- Usually 2 to 6 players, with one or two standard 52-card decks plus printed jokers.
- Each player gets 13 cards.
- One card is turned face up to start the open (discard) pile; the rest form the closed pile.
- A random card is chosen as the wild joker; all cards of that rank act as jokers.
Your turn
- Draw one card, from the closed pile or the open pile.
- Discard one card onto the open pile.
Goal: valid declaration
Arrange all 13 cards into sequences and sets. A valid hand needs at least two sequences, and at least one must be a pure sequence (no joker). See sequences, sets and jokers.
Declaring
When your cards are arranged, discard your 14th card to the finish slot and declare. If the declaration is valid you win the round; an invalid declaration is penalised with a high points score in most apps.
Dropping
You can drop (quit) a round. Dropping before your first move usually costs fewer points than dropping later. Exact values are in how points are calculated.
More rummy guides
- Sequences, sets and jokers
- How rummy points are calculated
- Points, Pool and Deals rummy
- Rummy tips and strategy
- Rummy terms glossary
- Is Yono Rummy real?
- Teen Patti vs rummy
- Best rummy apps
- Rummy apps
Real-money rummy involves financial risk. Play only with money you can afford to lose. 18+ only; check whether real-money play is legal in your state.
Frequently asked questions
How many cards are dealt in Indian rummy?
Each player gets 13 cards in the standard Indian format.
What do you need to declare in rummy?
All 13 cards must be in valid groups, with at least two sequences and at least one pure sequence (without a joker).
What happens if you declare wrongly?
An invalid declaration is penalised, usually with a high points score, and the round continues or ends depending on the app.
Can you pick from the open pile in rummy?
Yes. On each turn you draw one card from either the closed pile or the open pile, then discard one card.