Explained: Gin rummy

Gin rummy? Isn’t that the game you played with your nan?

Beloved by nans the world over, the game’s also a favourite of old-school poker legends, such as Stu Unger. In fact, there was a time when gin rummy was the hottest game in the US, and it featured heavily in Hollywood films.

So it’s the height of card-playing fashion?

Er, not exactly. That was back in the 1940s, but it is starting to make a comeback online. Its quick gameplay and strong skill component appeals to a new generation of poker fans.

So how do you play it?

Each player is dealt ten cards, with the remainder placed face down between the players, forming the stock pile. The top card is turned face up and forms the open pile. Play begins with the first player taking the card from the open pile and discarding one from his own hand. The next player can then choose to take a card from either pile. Play continues until a player knocks.

A player what?

A player ends the game, or knocks, when they have completed their hand by arranging their cards into sets of three or more cards of the same value (three Kings, say) or consecutive cards of the same suit. This is called gin. A player can also knock if the value of the cards not used in sets is ten or less. Any cards not in sets are known as deadwood.

So what happens next?

The simplest form means the first player to knock wins the game. The more sophisticated version relies on you scoring more points than your opponent over a series of hands. The points for each hand are worked out based on the difference in value between the deadwood held by the players. If, for example, player one knocks with deadwood worth nine, and player two has cards worth 29 that have not been made into sets then player one scores 20 points. Before this happens player two gets a chance to ‘lay off’ his deadwood by adding to sets held by player one. You also score a bonus of 25 for making gin, and face a penalty of 25 when you knock if your opponent has lower valued deadwood.

And in more advanced variations?

In the most common version of the game the first player to reach a predetermined score – usually 100 – wins. There are other variations where bonuses apply for each hand won and for being the first to reach 100 points.

But how do you make money from it?

Good point. The betting is even simpler than the game – you make a wager with your opponent on who will win. Winner takes all. Big money can be found by playing per-point stakes. Play £1 per point, beat your opponent by 200 points and take home £200.

So where can I play?

Surprisingly few places at the moment. Your best option is www.gameaccount.com, where they are currently offering InsideEdge readers a special bonus.

Any strategy tips for me before you go?

Watch the cards your opponent picks up and throws away. This should give you some clues to the type of sets he is trying to collect, and allow you to hold onto cards that will help him out. It’s usually better to draw a card from the stock pile so your opponent has a harder time reading your hand.

Good. Anything else?

Make sure you have discarded any high cards not made into sets by the time the stock pile gets half way down. And pay attention. If you don’t have a good memory then you’re not going to win many games.