How to Play RummyHives

Welcome to RummyHives! Before diving into the action, make sure you understand the rules. A smooth and fair game starts with knowing how to play the right way.

1. Game Objective

Your goal in Rummy is to arrange your cards into valid sets and sequences. To make a correct declaration, you need:

• At least one pure sequence (a sequence without a Joker).
• The rest of your cards arranged in valid sets and sequences.

2. Card Deck & Values

Rummy uses one or two standard 52-card decks, including Jokers. Each card has a specific value:

• Ace, King, Queen, Jack: 10 points each.
• Cards 2-10: Their face value.
• Joker: Acts as a wild card, substituting for any missing card in a set or sequence.

3. Players Per Game

Rummy can be played with **2 to 6 players** at a table.

4. Dealing the Cards

Each player gets **13 cards**. The remaining deck forms the draw pile, while the first card from the deck is placed face-up to start the discard pile.

5. How a Turn Works

Every turn follows a simple pattern:

• Pick a card from the draw pile or discard pile.
• Organize your cards into sets and sequences.
• Discard a card you don’t need.
• If you’ve completed valid sets and sequences, declare your hand!

6. Understanding Sequences

To make a valid declaration, you must form at least **two sequences**:

• Pure Sequence: A run of three or more consecutive cards of the same suit, with **no Joker**.
• Impure Sequence: A sequence where **one or more Jokers** are used to replace missing cards.

7. What is a Set?

A **set** is a group of **three or four cards** of the same rank but from different suits. A Joker can be used to complete a set.

8. The Role of Jokers

Jokers act as wild cards that help complete sets and sequences. However, you **must** have at least one **pure sequence** in your final hand.

9. Declaring a Winning Hand

Once all your cards are arranged in valid sets and sequences, you can **declare your hand**. A correct declaration must include:

• At least one **pure sequence**.
• All 13 cards properly grouped into valid combinations.

An incorrect declaration results in a penalty.

10. Scoring System

Scores are based on the value of the ungrouped cards in a losing player’s hand:

• Face cards (A, K, Q, J): 10 points each.
• Other cards: Their face value.
• Joker: No points.
• Invalid declaration: Maximum penalty of **80 points**.

11. Dropping Out of a Game

Players can choose to drop out if they feel their hand isn’t strong enough:

• First Drop: 20-point penalty.
• Middle Drop: 40-point penalty.
• Wrong Declaration: 80-point penalty.

12. Time Limits for Turns

Each player must complete their move within the given time limit. If time runs out, their turn is forfeited automatically.

13. Fair Play & Game Ethics

At RummyHives, we ensure a **fair and honest** gaming environment. All players must follow these rules:

• No using multiple accounts or unfair tactics.
• No collusion, cheating, or external assistance.
• Respect fellow players—no offensive behavior.