Gin Rummy is one of the most well known and popular versions of Rummy. It is generally played with two players, though more people can participate.  A standard deck is used and each player receives 10 cards. The lowest ranking card is Ace which is only worth one point. Kings are the highest ranking cards. Face cards have a value of 10 points. Numbered cards are equal to their face value. For example, a 4 of Hearts would have a value of 4.

After each player is dealt 10 cards, the next card in the deck is turned over (face up) on the table and becomes the discard pile. The remaining cards are placed face down. These become the stock pile. There is no rhyme or reason in regards to the selection of the dealer. He or she is chosen randomly and the job is then alternated amongst players.

The goal of each player is to create as many melds (runs and sets) as they can. Players should do their best to ensure that all unattached cards have as low a value as possible. A run, also known as a sequence, is made up of at least three cards that are in consecutive order and also from the same suit. For example, 2,3,4,5 of Hearts, would make up a run. A set is made up of 3-4 cards that have the same rank but are from different suits. 3 of Hearts, 3 of Diamond and 3 of Spades, make up a set. A card can only belong to either a set or a run, but never both.

Gin rummy is primarily played with two players. Each player takes turn drawing. They do so by taking a card from either the stock or discard pile. This card is then added to the player’s hand. Because the discard pile is face up in the middle of the table, individuals know exactly which cards they are picking up. Conversely, the stock pile is face down. Subsequently, players do not know which cards they are choosing until after they have added it to their hand. After a player has drawn a card, they are required to place one in the discard pile. It can not be the same card they drew from the discard pile.

The first card drawn is done so in a unique way. The non-dealer gets to decide whether or not they want the upcard. If they do not, the dealer has the opportunity to take it. If neither player wants the card, the non-dealer gets to choose a card from the stock pile. He or she then discards a card from their hand. Play then proceeds.

Individuals may end play by knocking. To do so, they must first place a card in the discard pile and then present their melds ( runs and sets) face up on the table.  Cards that do not fit into either of these categories are designated as deadwood (unmatched). Individuals can have no more then 10 points of deadwood. When a player is able to knock without any deadwood, this is referred to as going gin. Such players are awarded additional points. It is possible for a player to knock on any turn. This is true as long as they have 10 or less unmatched points. However, they are not required to knock in these cases. They may continue to play in hopes of accumulating additional points.

Once a player has knocked and presented their cards, there opponents are allowed to lay off their cards into that player’s sets and runs, that is, unless they have gone gin. The knocker, however, can not lay off any of their cards, whether they are melds or unmatched.

Knocking isn’t the only way that a play can end. If the stock pile only has two cards and the person who has drawn the card which has whittled it to two cards, does not knock after discarding their card, the hand is over. This is generally how the game is played. However, there are some variations where play is continued.  

When a hand is over because someone has knocked or gone gin, it is time to score the cards. All deadwood must be counted. In instances where a person has knocked and has less deadwood then their opponent, they are awarded the difference. However, if an individual knocks but fails to go gin and has more deadwood then their opponent, they have effectively been undercut. When this happens, their opponent is rewarded the difference, and also a 10 point bonus. Players that go gin are awarded a 20 point bonus plus the value of their opponent’s deadwood.

A game is over when someone reaches 100 points. Once a person accumulates the winning score, they are awarded a bonus. When a game is played to 100, an additional 100 points may be given to the person that reaches it first. If their opponent has been unable to score, then they are awarded an additional 200 points. Twenty points are given per each hand won. This bonus is referred to as a box bonus.

Gin Rummy is one of the most popular versions of Rummy. Typically played with two players, up to 4 players can play. When three individuals participate in a game, the rules are largely the same. In instances where four persons play, they generally do so in pairs. There are also other rule variations which we chose not to go into in this article. The information provided above will give individuals interested in playing traditional Gin Rummy, a good, basic understanding of the game.