Indian Rummy is a card game often played with two or more decks, in which the players try to form sets and sequences of cards. One or more standard deck comprising 52 cards is used in the game. Two printed jokers are used in addition to it. 13 cards are dealt to each player. The objective of the game is to meld all the 13 cards into proper sets or sequences.
Most of us in India are used to playing the rummy game with joker cards. These wild cards come as a jackpot during the course of a rummy game as it allows the player to complete their sets/sequences. However, the true test for a rummy player is to win without jokers in the game. Rummy experts do not need the assistance of joker cards to complete the meld as they rely more on their skills to complete the game than an external assistance like Joker.
Let’s get this straight; a joker card makes playing Indian rummy easy. As we have reiterated before, Indian rummy is a game of skill and in order to test the real skills of playing rummy. In order to gain expertise in rummy one must learn to play the game even without a joker. It might appear easier said than done but it is possible.
The thumb rule to succeed without joker is to keep a close tab on the cards discarded/picked by your opponent. You must be on your toes all the time while playing the Game. You should be adept in doing quick calculations and must predict the cards that may be useful to your opponent.
Count your Points
You should be aware that all cards carry a certain number of points.
- J (Jack) – 10 points
- Q (Queen) – 10 points
- K (King) – 10 points
- A (Ace) – 10 points
- All other numbered cards carry the same points as their face value for ex. 7 carries 7 points and 3 carries 3 points.
- The jokers carry zero points.
Points play a very vital role in online rummy. If your starting hands are bad, it is advised to abort the game as you run the risk of losing with high points if you don’t. If you drop the game initially with a bad starting hand, you will lose only with 20 points. You can also drop out in the middle of the game when you’re finding it difficult to make melds; middle drop will cause you to lose with 40 points. Dropping the game is completely players’ call. You can read our article on the types of starting hands in our blog.
Learn to Play without Joker
Professional rummy players can easily predict the sets/run their opponents are trying to build. If their opponent is picking more from the open deck then it is evident that you’re dropping the card required by him. Professional rummy players would pick their cards mostly from the closed deck and play with it. They would pick a card from the open deck only when they are on the verge of completing the objective. Once you’re used to picking cards from the closed deck and completing the game, you can easily play the game even without joker card.
Try playing an Indian rummy game without joker card and let us know how it was to play the game without it. Fortunately, the rummy card games hosted at DeccanRummy.com are played with a joker. If you wish to try out online rummy games for free, do not hesitate to sign up with us. Once you sign up, we will credit your user account with Rs. 25 as a token of appreciation. Additionally learn about 8 things to avoid while playing card game. Happy Playing!