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Gin Rummy
Gin Rummy is a two-player game in the rummy family, created around 1909 as a faster variant of standard rummy. Players form their ten cards into melds — sets of equal rank and runs of consecutive same-suit cards — and try to minimize the value of unmatched 'deadwood' cards.
Gin Rummy Rules
Each player is dealt ten cards; the next card starts the discard pile and the rest form the stock. On your turn you draw one card — from the stock or the top of the discard pile — then discard one, keeping your hand at ten.
You arrange cards into melds: runs of three or more in the same suit (like 4-5-6 of hearts) and sets of three or four of a kind. Unmatched cards are deadwood, with face cards worth 10 and aces worth 1.
You may 'knock' when your deadwood totals 10 or less by discarding and laying down your hand; opponents then lay off matching cards onto your melds. Going 'gin' means zero deadwood for a bonus. You score the difference in deadwood, and games are typically played to 100 points.
Gin Rummy Strategy & Tips
Knock early when you can
A fast knock with low deadwood denies your opponent time to build melds. Waiting for gin is tempting but often hands your opponent the chance to undercut you.
Read the discards
Every card your opponent takes or refuses reveals their plan. Stop feeding a suit they're collecting, and hold cards that block runs they appear to be building.
Keep flexible middle cards
Cards like 6, 7, and 8 connect in more directions than aces or kings. Early on, retain cards that can join multiple potential runs and sets.
Dump high deadwood early
Face cards and tens are dead weight if they don't meld quickly. Discard them before your opponent nears a knock so you aren't caught with heavy deadwood.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between gin and knocking?
Knocking means ending the hand with 10 or fewer deadwood points. Going gin means melding all ten cards with zero deadwood, which earns a 20-point bonus and can't be undercut.
What is deadwood in Gin Rummy?
Any card not part of a valid set or run. Its value counts against you — face cards are 10, aces are 1, and number cards their pip value.
Can you undercut in Gin Rummy?
Yes. If you knock but an opponent's deadwood equals or beats yours after laying off, they undercut you, scoring the difference plus a 25-point bonus.
How many cards are dealt in Gin Rummy?
Ten cards to each of the two players. The next card is turned up to start the discard pile, and the remainder forms the stock.