Gin Rummy
Two-player rummy: draw, discard, and knock when your unmatched cards total 10 or less.
How to play
Each player gets 10 cards. Draw from the stock or the discard pile, then discard. Melds are sets of 3-4 of a rank or runs of 3+ in a suit (aces are low). Unmatched cards are deadwood.
First turn: the non-dealer may take the upcard or pass, then the dealer; if both pass, the non-dealer draws from the stock.
Knock when your deadwood is 10 or less after discarding. The opponent may lay off cards on your melds. You score the difference; if the opponent's deadwood is equal or lower it is an undercut and they score 25 plus the difference. Gin (no deadwood) scores 25 plus the opponent's deadwood and allows no layoffs. With Big Gin all 11 cards meld for 31 plus deadwood.
A hand is dead if only two stock cards remain. Play to 100 (plus a 100 game bonus) or play a single hand.
About Gin Rummy
Gin Rummy is the classic two-player rummy. You draw and discard to form melds (sets of a rank or runs in a suit) and try to get your unmatched deadwood down to 10 points or less so you can knock. If you match every card you go gin for a bonus, but if your opponent has equal or less deadwood after your knock, they undercut you.
Gin Rummy at a glance
| Players | 2 players |
|---|---|
| Type | Table game: play online with friends, or with bots in any seat |
| Family | Rummy |
| Bot levels | Easy, medium and hard |
| Options | Play to: 100 points or Single hand; Big Gin: Off or On |
| Turn timer (online) | 30 seconds |
| Cost | Free, no download |
Tips for Gin Rummy
- Watch the discard pile: what your opponent picks up, and what they never touch, reveals their melds.
- Break up high-value deadwood early. Face cards are 10 points each, so holding them for too long is dangerous.
- Knocking early with low deadwood is often right, but count the risk of an undercut when your opponent has been picking up cards.
Questions about Gin Rummy
How many people can play Gin Rummy?
Gin Rummy is played by exactly 2 players. Real players and bots can share a table, so a game can always start even if you do not have enough people.
Can I play Gin Rummy against the computer?
Yes. Pick easy, medium or hard bots and start straight away. Bots only use what a player in their seat could see, so they cannot peek at your cards.
Can I play Gin Rummy online with friends?
Yes. Create a private room and share its code, or join a quick match. If someone drops out mid-game, a bot takes over their seat.
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