How to Play Gin and Win

Learn the basics and the strategies of winning Gin.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Deck of Cards
• Two Players
• Score Pad
• Pencil

1. 
   Set Up

   2 Players only. Shuffle and deal 7 cards to each player (Don't show your hand!). Place the remaining cards face down for the draw pile and place one face up to begin the discard pile. The non-dealer has first choice of whether to choose the card from the discard pile or the draw pile. If the non-dealer chooses not to take the first card from the discard pile, the option is deferred to the dealer. If the dealer chooses that card, play begins. If not, the non-dealer selects the top card from the draw pile. Players choose one card from the draw pile or the top card from the discard pile to incorporate into their hand. They must discard every turn. You need 7 cards in your hand at all times.

2. 
   Sample Winning Gin Hand

   The objective is to get your 7 cards into sets and runs. Sample sets are: 3 or 4 cards in consecutive order in the same suit, 3 or 4 of the same number or face, 7 cards in consecutive order in the same suit. You must have all 7 cards in complete runs or sets to win.

3. 
   Ace Options

   Aces may be high or low within a set or run, but cannot be both within the same run. You may have Q,K,A, of the same suit or A,2,3, of the same suit, but NOT K,A,2.
   Players take turns back and forth until one has a completed hand: all 7 cards in complete sets or runs. If the draw pile is depleted before this occurs, shuffle the discard pile and turn top card over to start the discard pile.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember: You may only choose the top card from the draw or the discard pile during your turn. When a card is not the top card on the discard pile it is no longer in play.
• Try to pay attention to what your opponent is picking up and discarding. This will give clues as to what he/she is going for. They will be watching your moves as well.
• Be willing to break up your cards. You can't wait for that "one" card; it may never come or your opponent may have it. Give yourself options.

[argyle]

on 2/7/2009 Great Gin article! Welcome to eHow.