Rummy History

Although there is really no concrete evidence as to what year rummy game originated, it is believed that it goes way back in the 1800’s. It is somewhat hilarious if you think about it because of the popularity of the game that none really took notice or kept track of. Come to think of it! Maybe everybody was just too busy gambling!

I grow up in a family of gamblers ladies and gentlemen. (Well that is me exaggerating). My granddad was really hooked, and then comes my father, who, until now gambles a lot as well. I remember when I was young, I see my cousins play cards, and not just ordinary cards, but they always bet with money.

Anyhow, there are however, three leading theories (now you and I know that theories bear NO scientific facts, so I’m kinda laying it down here for you to have an idea where rummy game really came from). The first known theory is the “Poker” theory where it states that the now-famous card game evolved from it, which is actually very possible because they share the same concept – the player forms various sets of cards based on suits and sequences. The game’s objective is different in terms of number of cards dealt out and the number of players who participates in the game, but as you can see, they are quite similar. Perhaps, the games very foundation is poker.

Now the second theory goes way back in the Chinese regime. It states that the game has an East Asian starting point influenced by Khanhoo which is a card game and Mah Jongg (a tile game). I have played the latter myself and it is absolutely the same except that you are playing with a bunch of tiles in front of you. Again, there is no real proof regarding this theory. Yet, it definitely does not take a genius to figure it out.

The third theory came from a Spanish origin, the most complex of all – also known as the Conquian theory, which simply means in the Spanish language “with whom.” This is where modern rummy game originated: in the country of Mexico.

It then crossed in the Rio Grande and became the popular game of Cooncan. Some debated though that it is older and the game mainly crossed Mexico. Basically, gave it a similar name. This is actually very possible!

Let’s go to the best part. Well, I’m mainly playing with my head here and can’t help but brainstorm as well together with the scholars of the game. Did it cross your mind, how the name popped up? Ok, to continue. The game grew very popular that it crossed the Atlantic where in the 1800’s it was called “Rum” by the English – a Slang, meaning “odd” as it was a strange thing to them I guess.

Finally, it came to America in the 1900’s as a form of Rummy game.

Click on the links below for the history of other variants: