Indian rummy rules: sequences, sets and jokers
13-card Indian rummy is the most searched card game in India. This page explains the rules. Our partner site does not offer rummy, and we say so up front.
Indian rummy is a draw-and-discard game for 2 to 6 players. The aim is to arrange all 13 cards in your hand into valid groups and declare before the others.
Please note: our partner site UBET FUN does not have a rummy game. This page is a rules guide only.
The cards
- Usually two 52-card decks plus printed jokers.
- Each player gets 13 cards.
- One card is turned up at random as the wild joker: all cards of that rank work as jokers in this game.
Sequences and sets
| Group | What it is | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Pure sequence | 3+ cards in a row, same suit, no joker | 4 5 6 of spades |
| Impure sequence | 3+ in a row, same suit, a joker fills a gap | 9 J(joker) J of clubs |
| Set | 3 or 4 cards of the same rank, different suits | 8 8 8 |
How a turn works
On your turn you take one card, either from the closed deck or the top of the open pile, and then throw one card onto the open pile. You keep doing this until your 13 cards form valid groups.
A valid declaration
To declare, your hand must have at least two sequences, and one of them must be pure. The rest can be sequences or sets. If you declare a hand that breaks this rule, you lose points.
Points
Unmatched cards count against you: face cards and aces usually count 10 points each, and number cards count their value. The lower your total, the better.
Looking for a card game with live dealers? Read our teen patti and andar bahar guides.
Questions readers ask
How many cards are dealt in Indian rummy?
Each player gets 13 cards. The game usually uses two decks with printed jokers.
What is a pure sequence?
Three or more cards of the same suit in a row, with no joker, for example 5 6 7 of hearts. Every valid hand needs at least one.
Can I play rummy on UBET FUN?
No. Rummy is not on UBET FUN's game list. The card games it lists include Teen Patti Live and Andar Bahar.