While the rules of the various Rummy games are simple to learn and easy to follow, strategy is a whole different ball game and it takes time to learn. While you can read about strategic moves in Rummy, strategy is something you only really learn by playing. Take discards. Beginning players often think of them as nothing more than unwanted cards and don’t bother to keep up with which cards have made it to the discard pile. By the same token, there are times when it is more important to risk losing higher value cards that you may need if it means getting rid of a load of deadwood.
Keep in mind that every card you pick up from the discard pile gives your opponent a peek into what you may be holding onto. By the same token, you get the same advantage when your opponent chooses to draw from the discard pile. By looking at the cards already on the table and paying attention to the cards your opponent picks up, you can do a great deal of surmising as to what he or she might need next. Employing this one strategy can buy you the time you may need to either get the cards you need or get rid of some heavy deadwood.
Discards work pretty much the same way in almost every version of Rummy, with the exception of Kalooki 40. In this game, once you pick up a card from the discard pile, you must play it in a meld in the same turn. While this can be somewhat of a burden, it also frees you from trying to memorize the cards your opponent picks up because, unlike other Rummy games, they won’t be holding onto the card, waiting for another card with which to meld, knock, or go out.
At any rate, don’t discount the discards. They are an important part of any Rummy game. Try this. Head on over to Rummy Royal and see if you can remember every discard that is picked up by your opponent. When it’s your turn to discard, don’t just think about the cards you don’t need, think about the point value of the deadwood you’re holding onto and think about whether or not you’re handing your opponent a winning combination with your next discard. You’ll find more winning Rummy tips at RummyRoyal.com.
