Pool Rummy Overview
Rummy is a card game with many versions, and one of them is Pool Rummy. This game has its own variations, mostly based on scoring. It’s popular in India, and many online Indian casinos let players bet real money on it.
Some think Rummy started in Spain, but its name might come from the British Navy, where sailors received “rum”. The word “rum” is also British slang for “strange”. Some believe Rummy comes from a Chinese tile game called Khanhoo. It’s not clear how Rummy became big in India, but many Indians love playing it. Specifically, Pool Rummy is quite popular in India. This guide will help you understand Pool Rummy, how to play it, and its advantages.
How to play Pool Rummy?
Pool rummy is a fun card game where strategy, skill, and luck matter. To win some cash, it’s important to know the rules. Here’s a quick guide:
- The game needs two to six players. Each gets a set number of cards from a regular deck, which changes based on the game type.
- The aim is to group cards into sets or runs. A set has 3 or 4 cards of the same number but different suits. A run has 3 or more cards in order, all of the same suit.
Players take turns picking up a card from two choices: an open deck (where the top card is visible) or a closed deck (cards face-down). After picking, they discard one card. Other players can use this discarded card if it helps their groups.
The game goes on until someone groups all their cards and says “Rummy!”. The round then ends. Players score based on cards they haven’t grouped.
Exploring Pool Rummy Variants
Pool Rummy has a few variants itself, which revolve around the points totals that see you eliminated. However, Pool Rummy is a variant of the larger Rummy family, so we should consider those variants, too. Here are five Rummy games you’re not going to want to miss:
61, 101, and 201 Pool Rummy Games
Each of these game variants has its own point totals for elimination. 101-point Pool Rummy is the norm. Games played with 201 points are drawn-out affairs, with most players able to avoid being eliminated until one declares. However, 61-point Pool Rummy is a fast-paced variant which sees “most players” eliminated (or dropping) shortly after the start. Aside from the point totals, the variants are virtually identical.
| Game Name | Origin | Key Features |
| Indian Rummy | India | 13-Card game. Same as Pool Rummy. No elimination; longer games. |
| Persian Rummy | Unknown (Persia) | 56-card deck with 4 jokers. Teams of two (4 players). Jokers are standard cards. |
| Canasta | Spain | Four jokers, 2s as wild cards. Melds or sets of seven cards. |
| Gin Rummy | Unknown | 10 cards per player. “Knock” if unmatched cards < 10 |
| Knock Rummy | Unknown | Players: 2 to 5 players. Deck: 52 cards, usually no jokers. Goal: Make sets (same cards) or runs (cards in order). Knocking: You can ‘knock’ if your unmatched cards are fewer than your opponent’s. This ends the round. |
How to play 101, 201 and 61 Pool Rummy?
Pool Rummy has popular versions like 101, 201, and 61 Pool Rummy, each with unique rules.
- In 101 Pool Rummy, aim to keep your score under 101 while forming sets or sequences. Players start with a set number of chips. The goal is to arrange cards into valid groups for a win.
- 201 Pool Rummy is similar, but the target score is 201. An added twist is ‘Drop Points.’ If a player exits early without a move or discarding, they get drop points added to their final score.
- 61 Pool Rummy is intense. Players try to stay under 61 points. While the basics are like other versions, the stakes are higher due to a smaller score limit.
All these versions follow standard Pool Rummy rules: jokers act as wildcards, and players can pick up discarded cards or draw from the deck. If playing for real money, it’s vital to know these rules well to increase winning chances.
How are winnings calculated?
In pool rummy, knowing how you win money is key. Here’s a simple breakdown:
- Entry Fee: Players pay to play. This fee adds to the prize pool. The amount can change based on the game version (101, 201, or 61 Pool Rummy) and stakes.
- Playing the Game: Players aim to create valid card groups while keeping their points low, as points have a cash value. The goal is to end the game with the least points.
- Max Points and Elimination: If a player doesn’t make a valid card group within a set number of hands (like six for 101 Pool Rummy), they get the maximum points (often 80). Get these, and you’re out of the round.
- Determining the Winner: After the entry fees make the prize pool, the game continues until only one player remains under the max points. This player wins and gets a share of the prize pool.
- Payout: Some of the prize pool might go to the game platform as a fee, with the rest divided among winners.
Remember, different pool rummy versions might have unique rules about winnings. So, always check the rules of the game you’re playing to understand prize distribution.
Points table for 101, 201 and 61 Pool Rummy
| Rummy Variant | Starting Score | High-Value Cards (Points) | Numbered Cards (Points) | Joker (Points) |
| 101 Pool Rummy | 101 | Ace, King, Queen, Jack (10) | Face value | 0 |
| 201 Pool Rummy | 201 | Ace, King, Queen, Jack (10) | Face value | 0 |
| 61 Pool Rummy | 61 | Ace (10), Others (1) | Face value | 0 |
Step-by-step instruction manual: How to Play Pool Rummy
Step 1: Sets and Sequences
In Pool Rummy, after placing bets, each player gets thirteen cards. You should arrange these into two sequences, with at least one being a Pure Sequence. This means having 3+ cards in a row, all from the same suit, like three, four, and five of hearts.
Jokers play a special role. They can replace any card to help you form a sequence or set, creating what’s called an Impure Sequence.
Sets consist of 3 or 4 cards with the same number but from different suits. Jokers can also help complete these sets.
Step 2: Score/Drop
After the initial deal, players will discard and pick up cards in rounds. Some Pool Rummy games permit extra betting between these rounds, and some do not. It varies depending on the rules of each game. Each player will take turns discarding a single card and picking one up. You’ll always have thirteen cards in your hand, and gameplay will continue in this manner until someone “declares”, which we’ll come to shortly.
Every time you discard a card, its value is removed from your total. But, you will “Score” when you pick up a new card based on its total. Should it not be possible for you to discard anything, you can choose to “Drop”. Dropping out of the game adds 20 points to your total, and it is akin to folding.
If you drop later in the game, it is known as a Middle Drop and costs you 40 points. These totals may vary depending on the variant you’re playing. Dropping often occurs because you’ve been dealt a weak hand, have too many ungrouped high cards, no jokers, no connecting cards, or are merely struggling to form a sequence.
While discarding (and picking up) cards, you’re going to want to keep an eye on the total value of your hand. If it reaches the “points total” (and every variant has its own cap), then you’re in trouble, as you’ll see next.
Step 3: Avoid Elimination
You are going to want to avoid eliminating yourself in Pool Rummy. Each variant will have its own points total for elimination. This may be 61, 101, 201, etc. For the sake of argument, let’s say that it is 101. If you get more than 101 points (based on the value of the cards in your hand), then you’ll be eliminated from the game, and you’ll lose your stake(s).
Games that feature a 61-point rule are played at a much faster pace and result in quicker eliminations than those played with a 201-point rule.
Winning When Playing Pool Rummy at Casinos
- Declare First: Be the first to arrange your cards into at least two sequences. One of these sequences should be a Pure Sequence.
- Prize Money: The first player to declare gets the prize money, which is the total pool minus any game fees. Usually, in online Pool Rummy games in Indian casinos, there’s no fee. So, the winner takes the full pot. This pot is basically all the entry fees multiplied by the number of players.
- No Pure Sequence? If nobody makes a Pure Sequence or all players are out, the rules change a bit. Sometimes the last player left wins. Other times, the last player’s score is compared to others. In rare situations, nobody wins.
- Check the Rules: Always read the game’s rules to know how the winnings are decided in such scenarios.
- Side-Bets: Unlike some card games, Pool Rummy rarely has side-bets. If they exist, they are exceptions.
Side Bets: Pure Sequences
By placing this bet, you’re hoping to get a Pure Sequence. You’ll get a reward for any Pure Sequence, but if you can guess the specific suit, the prize is bigger. The harder it is to guess, the larger the reward.
Side Bets: Points Totals
You can place side-bets on the winner’s total points or the points of your initial hand. These side-bets are rare but can offer rewards.
Remember, side-bets in Pool Rummy are risky and might not pay off. However, you can increase your balance using Indian casino bonuses. Even if these bonuses aren’t exclusively for Pool Rummy, they can often be used for various games, including Pool Rummy. For instance, some Indian casinos offer welcome bonuses after a deposit, giving you extra money to bet on Pool Rummy.
Top Tips for Playing Pool Rummy Online
- Try to make a Pure Sequence quickly to avoid last-minute card hunting.
- Drop high-point cards unless they’re part of your sequence.
- If you fear early elimination, play 201-point Pool Rummy for more room to play.
- Always keep jokers; they help in forming Impure Sequences.
- Get rid of any card that isn’t helping your game.
- If you’re in a tight spot, consider dropping out early. Taking a 20-point penalty might be better than ending with a high score.
How to download pool rummy to mobile devices ?
To download Pool Rummy on mobile devices, follow these general steps. Note that the exact process might vary based on the platform and the specific app you’re interested in:
- Identify the Platform:
- Determine if your mobile device operates on Android, iOS, or another platform.
- Go to the App Store:
- For Android: Open the Google Play Store.
- For iOS: Open the App Store.
- Search for the Game:
- Tap on the search bar and type “Pool Rummy” or the specific name of the Pool Rummy game you’re looking for.
- Select the Right App:
- Browse through the search results and select the app that seems most appropriate. Be sure to check the app’s reviews, ratings, and developer to ensure it’s genuine.
- Download and Install:
- Tap “Install” (or “Get” on iOS). Wait for the app to download and install on your device.
- Open the Game:
- Once installed, you can tap “Open” to start the game, or you can find its icon on your home screen or app drawer and tap it.
- Set Up an Account (if required):
- Some games might require you to set up an account or sign in. Follow the on-screen instructions to do so.
- Start Playing:
- Familiarize yourself with the game interface, rules, and settings. Then, start playing!
Big Pool Rummy Wins Worthy of Merit
Pool Rummy usually has small winnings, but some high-stakes games exist. The largest wins often come from tournaments at Indian online casinos. In these tournaments, it’s possible to win large prizes, sometimes in the hundreds of thousands of rupees.
Traditional Indian Games: A Dive into Heritage and Fun
India, with its deep history and culture, has shared many traditional games with the world. These games are fun and also show a bit of India’s social and cultural side.
- Andar Bahar: Originally from South India, Andar Bahar is a simple card game where the main objective is to guess on which side, Andar (inside) or Bahar (outside), a selected card will appear. Its simplicity makes it a popular choice during festive gatherings.
- Teen Patti: Often referred to as the Indian Poker, Teen Patti is a gambling card game, typically played during the Diwali festival. It’s a game of luck and strategy where players bet based on the strength of their cards and the resulting play dynamics.
- Bhabhi Card Game: Bhabhi is all about strategy. The aim is not to be the last person remaining with cards. Players need to get rid of their cards, but the challenge lies in deciding which card to play and when.
- Satte Pe Satta: This is the Indian version of the card game ‘7 of Hearts’. The game can be played by any number of players. The aim is to lay down all your cards in sequence, and the gameplay revolves around the number seven card and its implications.
- Dragon Tiger: While it has its roots in Cambodia, Dragon Tiger has found immense popularity in India. Resembling Baccarat, it’s a two-card version where players bet on which side, Dragon or Tiger, will get the higher card.
- Jhandi Munda: A traditional Indian betting game, Jhandi Munda is played with six dices. Players bet on the outcome of the dices, predicting which symbol – out of six available ones – will appear face up the most times. It’s a game of chance and often played during festivals and fairs.
FAQ: Pool Rummy
Do all Indian casinos offer Pool Rummy?
No, but all the best ones will do. If you’re not sure of where to look, browse some of our recommended Indian casinos, all which are guaranteed to offer Pool Rummy to you today.
Does Pool Rummy support progressive jackpot side bets?
No – or, at least, we have never seen a Pool Rummy game offering progressive jackpots. But, as Pool Rummy pays out prizes via a prize pool (hence its name), you could argue that this is a form of a progressive jackpot.
Can I play Pool Rummy on mobile devices?
You can play many game apps either through a specific app for iOS or Android or directly in the device’s web browser.
Can I play Pool Rummy at home?
Yes, assuming you have at least one other interested party. Game requires at least two players and up to six. There’s nothing special you need to play Pool Rummy for real money at home.
What does 61, 101 and 201 mean?
These are point totals, and they are used to eliminate players from the pool/game. If your hand is worth more than 61, 101 and 201 points, then you’re eliminated and out of the running. Each game will have its own elimination points total. These three are the most common, and there are perks to each of them, as explained above.
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