13 Card Rummy versus the 21 Card Rummy – a Clear Comparison

Every time you log in there is a contradiction in your mind which game to play, point’s rummy, pool rummy or deal rummy. You also think of playing with the joker or without the joker. Earlier you used to play the 13 card games with ease. The latest version the 21 card game gives the player a few more perspectives to stick around, in case you have bored yourself with the 13 card games. Let’s compare both these games of rummy.

There is a difference in the number of jokers

In the 13 card rummy, there are 2 printed jokers along with the card picked at the beginning. This card is described as a wild joker. Apart from this card, all the seven cards of this number shall be treated as jokers. So the total number of jokers is 9 (2 printed jokers+7 cards of the wild joker). On the other hand, there are three decks of cards, total number of printed jokers is 3 and the number of cards of the wild joker is 11. Hence the total is 14. But in 21 card game, there is one upper joker, it can be the king of any suit and one lower joker, it can be 2 of any suit.  So the total is 6 as there are three decks. Hence the total is 20. (Three printed jokers +11 cards of the wild joker+3 upper jokers+3 lower jokers) Hence the total number of jokers in 21 card rummy is 20.

Format

The 21 card rummy is formatted on the basis of point’s rummy. There is no other version of this game. Whereas the 13 card game has three formats point’s rummy, pool rummy and deals rummy. The lower the points you collect from any of these formats, the better off you are and soon you become the winner. You also have the option to play 3 to 6 rounds in deal rummy,  which is not possible in the 21 card games.

Decks used in the game

 The 21 card rummy is played with three decks of cards; printed joker of each deck is brought into use. The number of players is between 2 to 6, with 13 cards in each player’s hand. On the other hand, the 13 card game is played with 2 decks of cards and printed jokers of both the decks.

Game declaration

In the 13 card game, the player can make a show if he has formed one pure sequence and one impure sequence. On the other hand, there are three ways of making a show in 21 card rummy. There should be three pure sequences or eight dub lees (pair of cards with the same value and same suit) or three tunnels as (three cards of the same value and same suit).

It’s easy to conclude that there is a huge difference between the 21 card rummy and 13 card rummy. Both these formats are different in terms of the number jokers, decks and the way of making a show. As far as popularity goes, the 13 card version is quicker and more fun to play, so obviously it is more popular in India.

Fun FACTS About Rummy

Rummy, a strategic and skill based game is played by millions of card game lovers worldwide. It’s legal in India and very popular. May it be family or friends reunions, or weekend socializing; Rummy has always brought people together. It’s great fun to score and compete against friends. Now Rummy is available for play online and on the mobile. This is a great advantage for many passionate players because it’s not always possible to gather with friends at one place to play rummy. Playing online has made it simple to search for a game depending on one’s suitable skill level and ability. Besides, cash rewards make it more lucrative.

There are many different theories about Rummy game’s origin. Different theories by different countries like Chinese, Spanish America and England. Can’t say which theory is 100% correct. But Rummy for sure has travelled all over the world and has given people joy. It is said that Rummy got its name from England. Rum meant strange thing. I wonder how anyone could find it strange. Anyways, there are many interesting facts about game Rummy and I’m sharing a few with you.

 I personally somehow relate Rummy with alcohol ‘Rum’. God knows why. But every single time I used to hear ‘rummy’ I used to imagine people playing cards while drinking Rum. I know it’s funny. This is not a fact. Like I said, I made it up. For some reason, I decided to find and research interesting fun facts about rummy. I found many from various different sources both offline and online. I would like to share a few of these with everyone so I’ve listed them here.

1) Rummy is played all over the world in various different versions and variations.

"Few of them are Indian Rummy, Dummy Rummy, Indian Marriage (Yes, you read it right!), Gin Rummy (commonly played in the US), 500 Rum etc".

Last 2 variations; you see I had a reason to imagine alcohol when I hear Rummy. ‘Gin’ Rummy and 500 ‘Rum’

2) Now here comes the surprising one. In the 60s and 70s, all board games combined together weren’t played as much as Rummy was! I wonder who took the surveys for this information though.

3) I don’t know of these players’ names or nationality now, but believe it or not, it’s a fact.

Some friends have played 500 point matches of Rummy game for years. And the value set was one penny for one point. 

4) Back in old times, only rich people could afford a deck of cards. Guess why? Each card was hand painted! And look what players do now. They throw away the deck after a day’s game.

5) Ever seen cards in deck more closely?  I know you would be like “Of course I see them every day!”

Then did you know that only Queen of Diamonds smiles slightly among all the queens. 

6) What about the King? Seems like King Of Hearts hides a knife behind his head. King of Diamonds. He has got an axe. And others? Just swords.

7) Just to make you laugh, here’s a one liner.

 “Old Monk was not the inventor of Rummy!”

Source: https://www.rummypassion.com