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The game of gin rummy is a very popular and simple two-player card game. It is played using a standard 52-card deck and the object of the game is to be the first to reach 100 points. Gin rummy is the most popular version of rummy and here are the basic rules and terms that will help you in playing gin rummy.

How to Play Gin Rummy

Players must aim to form as many “sets” and “runs” as they can and reduce the amount of “deadwood” to a minimum. Sets are 3-4 cards with matching numbers (8♣, 8♦, 8♠) and runs are three or more cards in sequence of the same suit (5♠,6♠,7♠). The same card cannot be used for both a run and a set and the remaining cards not belonging to any set or run are included in the deadwood. The object is to have as many of your cards as part of sets or runs. In the game of gin rummy and for the purpose of counting deadwood, aces are worth one point with the other cards worth their face value. Face cards (J,Q,K) are each worth ten points. Each player is dealt 10 cards by the dealer (chosen at random) with the remaining cards placed faced down (forming the “stock” pile). The top card will be turned face up to form the “discard” pile next to the stock. The first player (non dealer) must draw a card either from the stock pile or from the discard pile. In the first hand, if the first player waves his chance to take from the discard pile, the dealer has the right to take this card. If they both choose not to take that card, the first player takes a card from the stock pile. Now that a card has been taken, one card has to be discarded by the taker and placed in the discard pile face up. The opponent may either take this card or choose to take a different card from the stock pile. Play continues in this manner until a player declares “gin” or “knocks”.

Knocking

A player may knock if he has fewer than 10 points of deadwood. On his turn, he will discard one card face down and show his hand. The opponent will also show his hand and he may get rid of (“lay off”) any of his deadwood cards if they can fit into the runs or sets of the knocking player thus reducing his deadwood.

Gin Hand

A player has a gin hand if all his cards fit into sets or runs with no deadwood. His opponent will not have a chance to lay off any of their cards.

Scoring

Points are awarded in numerous cases in the game of gin rummy. The knocking player will receive points in total of the difference in deadwood value than his opponent. If a player has a gin hand, they will receive 25 points plus the total value of the opponent’s deadwood. If a player knocks but has a total deadwood value higher or equal to his opponent (after the opponent has laid off his cards if he can), the opponent will receive 25 points plus the difference in deadwood value (“undercut/underknock”). Note that if a player has gin, he cannot be undercut. There are a number of other bonuses a player may receive but ultimately, the first to reach 100 points, wins the match.