21 Card Rummy: A Brief Introduction

Once you have mastered 10 card rummy and 13 card rummy, you are ready to move on to the big leagues. You now have the experience to take on 21 card rummy, the king of all rummy versions. Without a doubt, it is one of the most challenging types of rummy. Each round takes a lot of time, patience, and strategizing. If you are new to the world of rummy, then you had better not start with 21 card rummy. A lot of rules, nuances, and tips need to be kept in mind to triumph in 21 card rummy.

Since rummy is now online and has quickly evolved to become one of India’s most-loved online games, you can play 21 cards rummy on virtual sports apps as well. But, before you dabble in 21 card rummy, you should learn a little more about this thrilling but challenging card game.

History of 21 Card Rummy

Not much is known about the origin of 21 cards rummy. Its ancestor, like all other variants of rummy, is conquain. It is possibly descended from points rummy because the same format is followed for 21 card rummy.

Number of decks in 21 Cards Rummy

21 card rummy or Indian marriage rummy is played with three decks. Each deck has the standard 52 cards categorized into four suits - Diamonds, Clubs, Spades, and Hearts. There is one printed Joker in each deck.

A minimum of two to a maximum of six players can participate in 21 card rummy.

How to play 21 Card Rummy?

Each player is dealt 21 cards at random. Now, these cards have to be arranged following specific rules to win a round of 21 card rummy. There are several ways you can arrange your 21 cards to win:

1) Three pure sequences (three or more consecutive cards of the same suit without a Joker) and the remaining cards into any combination of sets and sequences.

2) Eight Jokers in one group

3) Eight dublees (a dublee is a pair of two cards of the same rank and suit or two Jokers) in eight different groups

4) 3 tunnelas (a tunnela is three cards of the same rank and suit) in three different groups

So, you see, winning a round of 21 card rummy is much more complicated than say, 13 card rummy, where you just have to form two sequences (at least one pure sequence) and the remaining cards need to be melded into any number of sets and sequences.

Jokers are used in 21 cards rummy. After all the players have been dealt their cards, the topmost card from the facedown stack (closed deck) is designated as the Joker. All the cards of the same rank from all four suits also become Jokers. These are Sterling Jokers. There will also be three printed Jokers (one from each deck). These Jokers are Cut Jokers. All of these Jokers can take the place of any missing card while forming valid sets and sequences.

There are also Upper Jokers and Lower Jokers. Suppose, 6 of Hearts is your Sterling Joker. If you have 5 of Clubs and 7 of Clubs, then 5 of Clubs is your Lower Joker and 7 of Clubs is your Upper Joker. If you get a Joker (of the same suit) as well as an Upper Joker and a Lower Joker, then you will form what is called Marriage. In 21 cards rummy, you win points. Each Marriage will earn you 100 points. Remember, in 21 cards rummy, your score can’t go below 120 points or you would be disqualified.

Play 21 card rummy on First Games

If you are wondering where you should play 21 cards rummy, then we would suggest First Games (FG). This app uses the highest level of encoding to keep all transactions perfectly safe. Your personal information will be kept confidential. Besides, you also get the option of instant withdrawal. On this app, you get to play free games, cash games as well as tournaments - whatever you feel like today! And, if you are a truly skilled player, then you may win up to lakhs of rupees.

So, go on and download First Games and start playing 21 cards rummy. We promise, you will have a whale of a time!