Rules on the Kentucky Rummy Card Game

Kentucky Gin Rummy is a game for two players. The rules are not complicated, and most anyone can learn to play. There are also online tournaments. If you're a skilled player, it is even possible to win money.

Playing Cards

Set Up

The game uses a standard set of 52 playing cards. Each player draws 10 to start. The remaining 32 sit face-down on the table and will act as a draw pile throughout the game. Before the game starts each player should group his hand by suit and number.

Gameplay

The game begins when the first player draws a card. He may place this card into his hand and discard another card, or he may discard the drawn card directly. The object is to collect at least three sequential cards of the same suit. Discarded cards are placed face-up, and a player may draw the top card from the discard pile. This card cannot be discarded again.

Scoring

When a player has only sets of suited sequential cards, he declares knocking and is the winner of the hand. Scoring is based on the value of the cards the player has. Aces are low. If neither player is able to declare knocking before the end of the draw pile, no points are awarded. The loser also tallies his points to toward his total--unless the winner has also declared gin.

Gin

If the winning player has no cards of the same value at the same time he has knocking, then he declares gin. For example if the player has multiple threes of different suits, he cannot declare gin, but he still might have knocking. If a player declares gin, he receives a point bonus. The bonus' value is decided by both players before the game begins.

Ending the Game

The match continues until one player reaches 100 points, at which point he is the winner of the game.

References

• Rules of Kentucky Gin Rummy