1. Setup: Indian Rummy is typically played with 2 decks of standard 52 cards each, including printed jokers. One card is randomly selected as the wild joker. Players are dealt 13 cards each in a cash game, and the remaining cards form the closed and open decks.
2. Objective: The objective of Indian Rummy is to form valid set and sequences with the cards dealt to you.
3. Valid Set and Sequences: A valid set consists of 3 or 4 cards of the same rank but different suits. A valid sequence comprises 3 or more consecutive cards of the same suit. Printed jokers and wild jokers can be used as substitutes to complete sets and sequences.
4. Gameplay: Players take turns in clockwise order. On each turn, a player must draw a card from either the closed deck (top card face-down) or the open deck (top card face-up). The player then discards one card to the open deck.
5. Melding Cards: As players draw and discard cards, they aim to form valid sets and sequences. Once a player has formed at least two sequences, one of which must be a pure sequence (without a joker), they can declare by placing their unmatched cards on the table.
6. Scoring and Winning: After a player declares, all players reveal their cards. Unmatched cards are counted, and the player with the fewest points wins the round. Points are assigned based on the value of unmatched cards. The winner receives points based on the value of unmatched cards from the other players.
7. Online Rummy: In the realm of online rummy, the rules remain the same, but the game is facilitated through digital platforms. Players can join cash games or tournaments and compete with opponents from around the world.
8. Strategy and Skill: Indian Rummy requires strategic thinking and card management skills. Players must decide which cards to pick, discard, and meld to maximise their chances of winning.