One of the most popular popular games in rummy, contract rummy card game has earned its place in the hearts of many rummy card players. It is played by 3 to 8 people and consists of different rounds where each round increases in skill level and degree of difficulty as the game progresses. In some versions of contract rummy, less than 7 deals can be agreed.

Deck: Double or Triple decks, based on the number of players. If there are 3-4 players a double pack is used and a triple deck when there are 5 or more players.

Jokers: Should be one fewer than the number of players.

Card points: Ace, Joker and other wild cards are counted as 15, face card counts as 10 and the rest of the remaining cards according to its value.

Number of cards distributed: First 3 rounds, 10 cards. Last 4 rounds, 12 cards

Contract rummy card game objective: Discard all cards through melding, laying off and discarding. Players have to collect a certain combination before melding is allowed. In other words, a round’s contract must be sought out first. Main object is to be the player with the lowest score at the end of 7 rounds.

The Contract:
1. Two groups of 3 (6 cards all in all)
2. One group of 3 and one sequence of 4 (7 cards)
3. Two sequences of 4 (8 cards)
4. Three groups of 3 (9 cards)
5. Two groups of 3 and one sequence of 4 (10 cards)
6. One group of 3 and two sequences of 4 (11 cards)
7. Three sequences of 4 and No discard

The Play:
First dealer is chosen in random and after that, deal rotates clockwise. Each player must then draw from the top of the stock pile or from the top of the discard pile. A player may lay off any card that matches a set on the table and may not lay down any more matching sets. There are certain instances in a contract rummy card game when a player chooses not to take the top of the discard pile. Any other player, in clockwise rotation may claim that card and get the penalty card from the top of the stock pile without discarding.

The original player then draws the top card of the stock and play continues. A sequence contains 14 cards, but not more than 14. In other words, A, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, J, Q, K, A. Jokers are used to represent any missing card of a set or sequence. Any player, as long has he has laid down the basic contract, can take that joker in exchange for the card it represents. However, if more than one player is eligible to do this, the next player in line takes precedence.

Jokers that are used in sequence can be moved to either end if original card turns up. For example, 8, Joker, 6, 5 are placed down, 7 may be added and the joker can be used on either ends. Scoring: When a contract rummy card game player goes out of cards, the remaining cards at hand will be a player’s penalty points. Player with the lowest score at the end of the 7th round wins.