Breaking Down the Rummy Points Table and Scoring System

Not everyone understands how to tally or calculate their points in Rummy, especially if they are beginners. If you’re one of them, then don’t worry, we’ve got you covered, because you can learn more about it below!

How Scoring Works in Rummy  

Each variation of Rummy has its style of scoring. So you should first determine the variant of the game before you play online Rummy to better understand their points system.

Points Rummy  

2-6 players can play this game, which requires a deck of 52 cards. In this deck, each card has a separate value. The ‘face’ cards like King, Queen, and Jack are worth 10 points. ‘Number’ cards are worth the numbers printed on them.

For example, a Number Two card is worth 2 points, a Number Three card is worth 3 points, and so on. A Joker card is worth 0 points. 

For example, a Number Two card is worth 2 points and so on. So, the sequence or set of cards that you’re able to make will determine how many points you have. That’s because the points carried (or not) by the sequence or set are deducted during the final calculation.

So, you have to first calculate the total value of all the cards in each player’s hand, which should not be more than 80. After that, you have to deduct the values of the sequences or sets. The player who has the lowest points in their hands winds. 

Now a pure sequence* carries no points in Rummy. 

*Note: A pure sequence in Points Rummy is determined by a row of three cards belonging to the same suit. 

On the other hand:

1. i) If you haven’t made either of the two compulsory sequences, you accumulate points equivalent to the total value of all the cards in your hand. 
2. ii) If you have made the two compulsory sequences, but haven’t grouped the other cards in sets, you accumulate points equivalent to the total value of all the ungrouped cards

iii) You will be awarded a penalty of 20 points for the first drop followed by 40 points for the other times you drop. 

Deals Rummy  

It’s a faster version of the classic game of Rummy and has several rounds. 

This game involves: 

1. i) A group of 2-6 players
2. ii) Chips 

iii) 1-2 decks of 52 cards each 

The ‘face’ cards (King, Queen, Jack) carry 10 points each. On the other hand, the number cards carry value depends on their denomination. For example, a Number Four card carries 4 points, and so on.

The total number of points will depend on the 2 sequences you make. One of them should be a pure sequence* and an impure sequence. The impure sequence may or may not have jokers. 

*Note: A pure sequence in Deals Rummy is determined by a row of row of three cards belonging to the same suit, that does not include a joker or wild card.

If you have no unmatched cards in the two sequences you’ve formed, then you will be awarded 0 points. 

However, if you make an invalid declaration when you play online Rummy, then you will be awarded 80 points. On the other hand, if you haven’t made an invalid declaration, then you will be awarded points which will be calculated by adding up the value of the ungrouped cards*. 

*Note: The ungrouped cards are the ones that haven’t been grouped into sequences or runs.

Remember that you cannot drop a deal in Deals Rummy. However, you will be removed from the game for missing 3 consecutive turns.

The player with the highest number of chips, and least number of points at the end of each round wins. 

Pool Rummy

As pool Rummy is a variant of 13 Patti, the basic rules do not change. In other words, between 2 to 6 people can play this game, every person receives 13 cards each, and so on. So you get points based on your ungrouped cards.

There are 3 different types of pool Rummy, which decide the maximum points you can get, namely:

1. i) 61 points in 61 Pool Rummy
2. ii) 101 points in 101 Pool Rummy

iii) 201 points in Pool Rummy

You will be awarded points in the following manner when:

1. i) The points accumulated by your ungrouped cards will be added if you have created one pure and another impure sequence 
2. ii) If you declare without making a sequence, then the points accumulated by all your cards will be added up

iii) A penalty of 80 points was awarded to you if you made an invalid declaration

1. iv) You will be awarded a penalty of 20 points for the first drop followed by 40 points for the other times you drop. 
2. v) If you miss 3 consecutive turns when play online Rummy, you will be penalised 40 points in 101 Pool, and 50 points in 201 Pool.

By the end of the game, if you have managed to accumulate the least amount of points, you will be declared a winner. 

Strategies to Improve Your Scoring in Rummy  

We would recommend you keep the following in mind to become a better player before you play online Rummy:

1. i) You should familiarise yourself with the card sequences and sets or runs for each of the variations of Rummy. In other words, you should aim to form one pure sequence and one impure sequence. 

A pure sequence generally consists of three cards belonging to the same suit. Note that in deals Rummy, you’ll have to accumulate the highest number of chips.

1. ii) If you find that you have high-value cards like ‘face’ cards, then you should discard them in the earliest rounds. You will avoid a penalty by doing so.

iii) We would recommend that you also understand how to study your opponents since the knowledge will help you to draw and discard your cards accordingly. 

1. iv) Another vital skill you should pick up is the ability to make your opponent uneasy with your body language, and the cards you draw and discard. 
2. v) Lastly, you should practice deep breathing, meditation, and other mindfulness techniques to sharpen your focus before a major game. If you feel fatigued during the game, then you should just walk around for a little while to sharpen your focus.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Rummy 

You should not become overconfident after understanding how to score points in Rummy. Otherwise, you will end up mistakes like:

i) Not practising a lot before you decide to play a real-world Rummy game. That’s because you master the basics when you practice. 

1. ii) Declaring your cards incorrectly before forming a proper or invalid sequence, which will lead to a penalty of 80 points.
   iii) Playing recklessly without planning your moves by studying your opponents, leading you to lose points recklessly.
2. iv) Holding on to high-value cards for longer than is necessary, as you will only lose points for that
3. v) Raising more chips than you ideally should, due to the mounting pressure
4. vi) Not calculating the probabilities during the game

vii) Ignoring the finer distinctions of different Rummy games 

viii) Not learning from your previous mistakes 

The Final Word

So that’s everything you need to know about the different types of points in Rummy. Remember to understand each Rummy variant by researching reputed websites before you start playing.

Furthermore, we would also recommend you play a lot of practice games so that you can master the basic strategies and card sequences and sets before you play online Rummy. Lastly, do study your opponents well.