Rummy Tips
Explained: Gin rummy: © Inside Edge Magazine
Fed up with bad beats on the poker table? Alun Bowden explains why gin rummy gould provide a satisfying alternative. But first, a word of warning: your success in this game could well rest upon the strength of your memory. Not a game for goldfish, then!
by Alun Bowden, March 2006
Gin rummy? Isn't that the game you played with your nan?
Beloved by nans the world over, the game's also a favourite of old-school poker legends, such as Stu Unger. In fact, there was a time when gin rummy was the hottest game in the US, and it featured heavily in Hollywood films. Its quick gameplay and strong skill component appeals to a new generation of poker fans and it's making a comeback online at GameAccount.com.
So I know the basics, how do I do well at it?
Watch the cards your opponent picks up and throws away. This should give you some clues to the type of sets he is trying to collect, and allow you to hold onto cards that will help him out. It's usually better to draw a card from the stock pile so your opponent has a harder time reading your hand.
Good. Anything else?
Make sure you have discarded any high cards not made into sets by the time the stock pile gets half way down. And pay attention: a good memory will help you win far more games.
But how do you make money from it?
The betting is even simpler than the game - you make a wager with your opponent on who will win. Winner takes all. Big money can be found playing per-point stakes. Play £1 per-point, beat your opponent by 200 points and take home £200.
But how can I know what my opponent is doing if he doesn't show me his cards?
By paying close attention to what he throws away and comparing it with the cards in your own hand. As a simple example, if he has discarded 2♠ and the 3♥ and you hold the 2♥ then discarding it should be safe.
So what should I avoid throwing away?
A simple strategy is to not throw away cards whose value is unknown to you. For example, don't throw away a 3♣; when you have seen no other three and no 4♣ or 2♣. Also, remember low-ranking cards are not to be given away lightly. If your opponent 'knocks' (ends the game) before you do and you're stuck with a hand full of high cards you are in serious trouble. Try to get rid of the high cards before the deck is too far down.
But I’m not going to win the game by just playing defensively, am I?
No. That’s why you also need to pay attention to your own cards. Look for combinations of cards with several outs – giving you different options to make sets. A ♠ - 2 ♠ or Q ♠ - J ♠ are considerably less valuable than 4 ♠ - 5 ♠ or 10 ♠ - 9 ♠ as the previous sets can only be completed in one direction. The best combinations to hold are those giving the alternative of collecting three of a kind such as 10 ♠ , 9 ♠ , 9 ♣.
Okay. I’m a bit confused. You want me to play offensively and defensively?
Yes, that’s exactly what you should be aiming to do. Try to collect cards that complete your hand as quickly as possible – but remember to pay very close attention to what your opponent picks up and throws away. Knowing he is collecting 10s when a 10 would make a set for you or when you were thinking of discarding a 10 is vital. Pay attention – and remember situations can change quickly. He may decide to abandon collecting 10s at some point, so don’t get stuck in any pattern for too long. And don’t forget the secret other set.
What the hell is the secret set?
Don’t forget that you can knock if your unused cards add up to less than ten – so by collecting seemingly unconnected low cards you can still sometimes knock early. So ignore that 2 ♣ at your peril. Gin rummy is a game that moves notoriously quickly so don’t get caught in the novice’s trap of waiting for a specific hand. Be ready for it to end at any time. And remember – in gin rummy, the low cards are your friends!
