How To Play Continental Rummy: Learn The Rules, Hands, And Scoring
Table of content:
- How to play Continental rummy?
- Continental Rummy Rules or International Rummy Card Game Rules
- Scoring parameters
- International rummy hands and other parameters
- How do deals work on GetMega?
Rummy is a very popular card game worldwide. There are many different variations of international rummy online. In this write-up, we at GetMega will explain international rummy. We have separate articles on the basics of a rummy card game and the different versions of the rummy. Click here to read them on our blog.
GetMega Rummy is an amazing platform that lets you play rummy with friends & family with real money. Sounds fun, isn't it? Download the GetMega rummy app now!
How to play Continental rummy?
What is Continental Rummy or International Rummy?
International Rummy is considered as a forerunner of the different variations of rummy which use two decks of cards.
It is also called Continental rummy because it originated in continental Europe (mainly in the Czech Republic and Slovakia where the game is called Žolíky) and later spread to the United States, Mexico, Canada, and South America. Earlier it was very popular among women, usually played during afternoon tea, but later Canasta became more popular.
The object of the game
The object of International Rummy is to have the lowest points after playing seven hands. Usually, 2 decks of 54 cards each (52+ 2 jokers) are used in this game.
Number of cards
If there are more players then the number of decks is calculated as follows:-Minimum 2 decks Number of players ➗ 2. The number is rounded up if required. For example:
- For 4 players- 2 decks
- For 5 players - 3 decks
- For 6 players - 3 decks
- For 7 players - 4 decks
- For 8 players - 4 decks
In Continental rummy, Jokers and red Aces are wildcards. Aces are considered as both high and low cards.
Continental Rummy Rules or International Rummy Card Game Rules
Continental card game rules are as follow:-
All the players draw 1 card each- the player with the highest card becomes the dealer.
- 12 cards are dealt with each player
- The remaining cards are placed on the table (stockpile)
- You have to draw a card from the stockpile or the discard pile.
- You have to meld the cards as per the continental rummy hands rules
- The player melding/laying down first wins the hand
- The player with the lowest score after 7 rounds wins the game
Scoring parameters
In Continental rummy, The player melding/laying down first wins the hand. The winner gets 0 points.
You get points (negative) from the unmelded cards in your hand.
Value of each card is as follows:
- Joker = 50 Points
- Ace = 11 Points
- K, Q, J = 10 Points
- 2 – 10 = Face Value
If you drop the cards and discard the final card in a single turn, you will get a bonus of 10 points (which is reduced from your penalty score).
International rummy hands and other parameters
There are 7 continental rummy hands each having a different combination of sets and runs,
The combination seven continental rummy hands are as follows:
| Hand | Contract | Deal |
|---|---|---|
| First | Two Trio | Seven Cards |
| Second | One Trio & One Run | Eight Cards |
| Third | Two Runs | Nine Cards |
| Fourth | Three Trios | Ten Cards |
| Fifth | Two Trios & One Run | Eleven Cards |
| Sixth | One Trio & Two Runs | Twelve Cards |
| Seventh | Three Runs | Thirteen Cards |
Other International Rummy rules
- Trios are a set of 3 cards of the same rank
- Deal mentions the minimum number of cards for the hand's opening requirements.
- All players move to the next round together, irrespective of whether they were able to actually complete the earlier hand.
How do deals work on GetMega?
GetMega does not have Pool Rummy. However, we have a Points Rummy variant which is a maximum of 80 points per hand.
With this, our article on the international rummy game comes to an end. Isn’t it fun to know all the types of rummy card games such as California rummy and London Rummy?
GetMega Rummy is an amazing platform that lets you play rummy with friends & family with real money. Sounds fun, isn't it? Download the GetMega rummy app now!
| Title | Slug |
|---|---|
| What Are Different Types Of Rummy Games: Learn All Rummy Variants Here | rummy-variants |
| Crazy And Crummy Rummy | crazy-crummy-rummy |
| Gin Rummy Rules: Meaning, Setup, Objective, How To Play And More | gin-rummy |
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is Continental Rummy? | Continental Rummy is a card game played with 3-8 players using multiple decks of cards. The objective is to be the first to form all your cards into valid sets and runs and go out. |
| How is it different from other Rummy games? | Continental Rummy is distinct due to its use of multiple decks, which increases the number of cards in play. It also employs a unique "contract" concept where players must fulfill specific requirements before they can go out. |
| What are contracts in Continental Rummy? | Contracts are predetermined sets and runs that players must have before they can go out. These contracts include specific combinations like two sets of 3 and one run of 4. Players must meet these criteria to end the round. |
| Can you meld cards on other players' sets or runs? | Yes, in Continental Rummy, players can add cards to other players' sets and runs on the table, as long as they can legally play the cards. This can lead to dynamic and strategic gameplay. |
| How is scoring done in Continental Rummy? | Scoring in Continental Rummy involves assigning point values to cards left in players' hands when someone goes out. Higher-value cards carry more points. Players aim to minimize their score. The game is often played over several rounds, and the player with the lowest cumulative score at the end wins. |
