Rummikub is a tile-based game for 2 to 4 players that combines elements of Rummy and Mahjong. The goal is to be the first to empty your rack by placing all your tiles into valid sets on the table.
1. Setup
- Tiles: The game uses 106 tiles: numbers 1–13 in four colors (two of each combination) plus two jokers.
- Starting Hand: Each player draws 14 tiles and places them on their rack.
- Determining Order: Each player draws one tile from the pool; the player with the highest number goes first.
2. Valid Sets
All sets on the table must contain at least three tiles. There are two types:
- Groups: Three or four tiles of the same number but in different colors (e.g., Red 7, Blue 7, Black 7).
- Runs: Three or more consecutive numbers in the same color (e.g., Blue 4, 5, 6).
3. Gameplay
Players take turns clockwise. On your turn, you must either play at least one tile or draw one tile from the pool.
- Initial Meld (The "30 Point" Rule): For your first move, you must lay down sets from your rack that total at least 30 points. You cannot use tiles already on the table for this initial move.
- Subsequent Turns: Once you have made your initial meld, you can add tiles to existing sets on the table or rearrange them to form new valid sets.
- Manipulating the Board: You can split, add to, or completely rearrange any sets on the table, provided that by the end of your turn, all tiles on the table are part of a valid set.
- Jokers: A joker can represent any number or color. If you replace a joker on the table with the specific tile it represents, you must immediately use that joker in a new set on the same turn.
- Time Limit: Official rules often impose a 1 or 2-minute limit per turn to keep the game moving.
4. Winning and Scoring
- Winning: The round ends when a player uses their last tile and shouts "Rummikub!".
- Scoring:
- The winner receives a positive score equal to the total value of all tiles left on their opponents' racks.
- Losing players receive a negative score equal to the total value of the tiles remaining on their own racks.
- Joker Penalty: If a player is caught with a joker on their rack at the end of the game, it counts as a 30-point penalty.