Rummy 500

Rummy 500 is the high-scoring version of rummy. Every card you meld adds to your score and every card left in your hand counts against you, and you can dig deep into the discard pile to grab the card you need.

How to play Rummy 500

• Each player gets 13 cards against one opponent, or 7 cards with two or three opponents. One card starts the discard pile, which is spread out so every card can be seen.
• A meld is either a set of 3 or 4 cards of the same rank (8♠ 8♥ 8♣) or a run of 3 or more cards in a row in one suit (5♦ 6♦ 7♦). Aces can be low (A-2-3) or high (Q-K-A), but a run cannot go round the corner (K-A-2).
• On your turn, draw the top card of the stock or take any card from the discard pile together with every card above it. The card you pick from the pile must be melded or laid off on that same turn.
• You may then put down melds and lay off cards on any meld on the table. Laid-off cards score for you, not for the owner of the meld.
• End your turn by discarding one card (unless you have gone out). You cannot throw back the card you took from the pile.
• The hand ends when a player has no cards left, or when the stock runs out.
• Scoring: you add the value of every card you melded or laid off and subtract the value of every card still in your hand. Aces 15 (but 1 in an A-2-3 run), tens and face cards 10, other cards their number.
• Scores can go below zero. The first player to reach 500 wins.

Controls

• Tap the stock to draw, or tap a highlighted card in the spread discard pile to take it and everything above it. Dimmed cards cannot be used this turn.
• Tap cards in your hand to select them, then press Meld (M). With one card selected, tap a glowing meld or press Lay off (L), or press Discard (D).
• Use Players and Game to (250 for a shorter game) to set up a new game.

Tips

• A deep pick can win the hand, but every extra card you take counts against you if you cannot meld it before someone goes out.
• Aces are worth 15 when melded in a set or a Q-K-A run. In A-2-3 they are worth just 1.
• Lay off whenever you can: the points go to you even when the meld belongs to someone else.
• Late in a hand, shed your high cards. A king stuck in your hand costs 10 points.

FAQ

What are the rules of Rummy 500?

Deal 13 cards each for two players or 7 each for three or four. Draw the top stock card, or take any discard plus every card above it, as long as you meld or lay off that card on the same turn. Meld sets and runs and lay off on any meld. When the hand ends, add the value of your melded cards and subtract the cards left in your hand. The first player to 500 wins.

How is Rummy 500 different from regular rummy?

You score for the cards you meld instead of the cards left in other hands, you can take cards from deep in the discard pile, and the game goes to 500.

Can I take only the top discard?

Yes, as long as you can meld it or lay it off this turn. The same rule applies to any card you take from the pile.

Why can I not take some cards from the discard pile?

A card you pick must be used straight away. Cards that cannot make a meld with your hand (plus the cards above them) or fit a meld on the table are dimmed.

Is my game saved?

Yes. The current hand and the scores are saved in your browser and resume when you come back.