Gin Rummy

How to Play Gin Rummy

In the game on Gin Rummy two opposing players are dealt ten cards each, with the rest being placed face down between the two. This is known as the stock pile. The top card is turned face up and forms the open pile. Players then take turns to take a card from either pile and discard one from their hand.

The object of Gin Rummy is to end the game, or ‘knock’, when one of the two players has completed their hand of cards. This is done by arranging their cards into ‘sets’ or ‘melds’ of three or more cards of either the same value (ie. 7♠ 7&clubs 7♥) or a same suited straight (ie. 4♣ 5♣ 6♣).

A player can knock if the total value of the cards not used in sets is equal to ten or less. Upon knocking, points are awarded for the difference in value between the unused cards held by the players.

If a player manages to get a ‘gin’ (0 points held in hand) when knocking, or holds a lower value than the opponent when the opponent knocks, he will win extra points!