California Rummy Or 11 Card Rummy

October 09, 2024

Ready to dive into a rummy game that’s all about excitement and strategy? California Rummy, also known as 11 Card Rummy, is the perfect blend of fast-paced action and tactical play. With just 11 cards in hand, every move you make can turn the tide in your favor or against you. This version of rummy demands sharp thinking and quick decisions, making it a favorite among card game enthusiasts. In this guide, we’ll break down the rules, gameplay, and winning strategies you need to master California Rummy.

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What Is California Rummy Or 11 Card Rummy?

California rummy is a rummy card game that is based on gin rummy. It is similar to contract rummy except that 11 cards are dealt in California rummy. This version is very popular in China and therefore is also called Shanghai rummy or 11 cards rummy.

It is played by 2-8 players with decks of 54 standard playing cards ( including 2 Jokers). Ace is both high and low (depending on the player). There are 10 hands (rounds) in each game and each hand has different rummy rules of melding.

The object of Shanghai Rummy is to go out first and have the lowest points.

Players	No. of decks required
2-4	2
5-6	3

Jokers and Wild Cards

There are a total of 4 jokers- 2 printed jokers and the 2s in black suits. But they can be used only in 3 or 4 card combinations and not in bigger combinations with more cards.

The number of jokers cannot exceed the number of face cards in a combination.

For example, 8 ♠ 8 ♦ Joker and 8 ♠ 8 ♦ Joker Joker is allowed but not 8 ♠ Joker Joker.

Rummy Variations

There are 3 major rummy variations namely Contract rummy, 13-card rummy, and 21 card rummy. These rummy variations have many categories below them. All these games are popular in India and rummy games are available on the GetMega app.

California Rummy Or 11 Card Rummy Rules

In this section, we will cover the California rummy rules and the scoring.

California Rummy Rules

The dealer changes for each round, in this card game 11 cards are dealt.
Players get 11 cards each for every round
The rest of the deck is then placed face down (deck) on the table.
The top card is placed face-up beside the deck. This is the upcard and becomes the start of the discard pile.
At the beginning of the turn, each player can pick up a new card from the top of the deck or take the upcard.
You must discard 1 card from the hand which now becomes the new uphand
The next player can take the upward or another player can “buy”. If you want a card (but it’s not your turn) then you must say “ BUY” before the next player draws their card. Otherwise, it is considered a "dead" card. Once any player discards their card, the card below it becomes “dead” and cannot be taken.
The cards have to be melded correctly in order to lay down. Laying down keeping your melded cards face up on the table in their correct sequence.

We have covered the shanghai rummy hands in the section below.

Shanghai Rummy Scoring

Shanghai rummy rules 7 rounds are followed below along with the progressive rummy rules and scoring.

Value Of The Shanghai Rummy Cards

3 to 9: 5 points each
10 to King: 10 points each
Ace: 15 points
2: 25 points
Joker: 50 points
The player going out wins the hand. In order to win, you must draw a card and then go out without any discarding.
The winner gets 0 points. Other players get points as per their hands (unmelded cards)
After 10 rounds, the player with the lowest score wins.

Hands And Melds Of The 11 Card Rummy Or California Rummy

On each hand, you have to meld the cards in the correct combination in order to "lay out". The card combinations for each hand are different, and they become progressively difficult for each round. The combinations for each hand are either sets (same rank) or runs (consecutive cards) or a combination of both.

The Shanghai rummy hands for each hand:

Round 1: Two sets of 3 cards

Round 2: 1 set of 3 cards and one run of 4 cards

Round 3: Two runs of 4 cards

Round 4: Three sets of 3 cards each

Round 5: 2 sets of 3 cards and 1 run of 4 cards

Round 6: 1 set of 3 cards and 2 runs of 4 cards

Round 7: Three runs of 4 cards

Round 8: 1 set of 3 cards and 1 run of 10 cards

Round 9: 3 sets of 3 cards and 1 run of 5 cards

Round 10: Three runs of 5 cards

For example for round 2- You need to have a set of 3 cards and also a run of 4 cards before you can meld. Example- 8 ♠ 8 ♦ 8 ♠ and 3♠4♠5♠6♠
Hopefully you have gained ample of knowledge from our blog about shanghai rummy hands and 11 cards rummy.

Final Thoughts!

California Rummy, or 11 Card Rummy, offers a unique twist on the classic rummy game, delivering a thrilling mix of strategy and speed. With its straightforward rules and fast-paced gameplay, it’s a game that challenges both newcomers and seasoned players alike. So, gather your cards, keep your strategy sharp, and enjoy the exciting world of California Rummy—where every hand dealt is a new opportunity to outplay your opponents and claim victory!

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!

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Question	Answer
What is 11 Card Rummy?	11 Card Rummy is a variant of the classic Rummy card game that is played with a smaller hand of 11 cards. The game revolves around creating valid sets and sequences to minimize your card points and ultimately win the game.
How does 11 Card Rummy differ from other Rummy games?	Unlike traditional Rummy games that use larger hands of cards, 11 Card Rummy provides a quicker and more intense gaming experience. The smaller hand size demands efficient decision-making and strategy in forming melds of sets and sequences.
What are the basic rules of 11 Card Rummy?	In 11 Card Rummy, players aim to meld their cards into valid combinations of sequences (consecutive cards of the same suit) and sets (cards of the same rank). A sequence should have at least three cards, while a set should have at least three cards of the same rank. The game involves drawing a card from the stockpile or discard pile and discarding a card to maintain your hand. The objective is to have the lowest score at the end of the game.
How is scoring done in 11 Card Rummy?	Scoring in 11 Card Rummy follows the standard Rummy point system. Face cards are generally worth 10 points, numbered cards are worth their face value, and aces have a point value of 1. At the end of the game, players tally up the points of any unmelded cards in their hand. The player with the lowest total score wins.
Can 11 Card Rummy be played with more than two players?	Yes, 11 Card Rummy can be played with three or more players. However, it's recommended to play with an even number of participants to ensure balanced gameplay. With more players, the game's dynamics change, requiring players to keep track of multiple hands and plan their moves carefully to create winning combinations.