Pool Rummy has an intriguing twist on the classic Indian Rummy. In this version, you have to pay an upfront entry fee to play the game. The fees contribute to the game's prize pool- thus the name 'Pool Rummy'. This rummy variation has three distinct formats: 51 pool, 101 pool, and 201 pool, and learning how to play Pool Rummy is not as hard as one might think.
Players within the pool play multiple rounds of the game accumulating points at the end of each round. Within each format, you face elimination when your score hits 51 points in 51 pool, 101 points in 101 pool, or 201 points in 201 pool. The 'Prize Pool' is awarded to the winner, or split between winners at the end of the game.
Pool Rummy is the most forgiving variation of Indian Rummy as you do not lose in a single round. This makes it the easiest format for beginners to learn and form Pool Rummy winning strategies.
In a Pool Rummy game, the primary objective is to strategically organise the cards in sequences, or sequences and sets, culminating in a valid declaration or the lowest points possible. An essential requirement for a successful declaration is having a minimum of two sequences, one of which must be a pure sequence, constituting one of the most crucial Pool Rummy rules. The remaining cards must be skillfully structured into additional sequences or sets to ensure gameplay adheres to the established norms. You’ll find ample Pool Rummy tips on this page to help you achieve this objective with ease.
Players need to aim for lower scores and avoid reaching the established maximum pool limit, which varies based on the chosen format: 51 points for 51 pool, 101 points for 101 pool, or 201 points for 201 pool. If you reach this limit, you will be eliminated from the game. Ultimately, the victor- the last player remaining at the table when all others have been eliminated.
The Pool Rummy game is available in three distinctive variants, each offering its own set of challenges and dynamics:
On the Taj rummy platform, you can choose to play either a 2-player game or the 6-player game. One card is given to each player at the table. The person with the highest card begins the game. After the toss, two standard decks, each comprising 52 cards and two Printed Jokers per deck are shuffled and 13 cards are distributed to each player.
Once the players have been dealt their 13 cards, the remaining cards are stacked face down on the table to collectively form the Closed Deck. Simultaneously, the top card from the Closed deck is revealed and positioned face up on the table, effectively creating the open deck - as the game proceeds, this deck grows from discards made by players.
The Joker assumes a pivotal role in the proceedings, introducing an element of unpredictability and strategy. A random card is 'cut' from the Closed Deck. All cards of the same value now form the Wild or the Cut Joker. This Wild Joker along with the existing Printed Jokers can be used in place of any other card in the deck in order to complete Sequences or Sets.
Wild Jokers may be used as a 'Joker' or as the original printed card in a Pure Sequence.
Here’s how Pool Rummy is played: Before the game starts, players will get a 10 second window to arrange and sort their cards into melds and evaluate what their score would be. On the Taj Rummy platform, the system automatically sorts your cards into suits and arranges them consecutively, making it easier for you to strategize how to play Pool Rummy in the best way.
On your turn, draw a card from one of the Decks in the centre of the table. Remember- you will be able to Drop from the game only before drawing a card once it's your turn. After you've drawn the card, decide if you want to keep it or discard it. Discard one card into the centre Open Deck. You can only draw the topmost card from either of the Decks.
Meld the cards in your hand into valid sequences and sets following the Pool Rummy rules given below:
A pure sequence is a group of three or more cards of the same suit, placed in consecutive order. You cannot use any Joker or wild card.
Here are a few examples of pure sequence.
This can be either a Pure or Impure Sequence. You are allowed to use as many jokers as you wish in the second sequence.
Some examples:
Meld all cards into Sequences or Sets
All the cards in your hands should be melded into Sequences or Sets. You may form any of the following combinations:
The objective is to skillfully arrange your 13 cards in accordance with the rules of the game. You can declare for a round by discarding the 14th card into the designated "Close Card Slot." The first player to successfully achieve this is the winner of that specific round.
In the Pool Rummy game, it's all about the points you accumulate after every round. You may not be the first to declare at the end of each round, but you can still win the Pool if you consistently score as low as possible.
Take a look at this example:
In a 51 Pool game with 6 players, 7 rounds have been played in total. Say you haven't won any of the rounds but have only scored 2-4 points at the end of each round. Whereas your opponents have scored 20-40 points in the rounds that they've lost. You will still be able to win the pool as you have the lowest total score.
The number of points assigned to different cards is the same as with other variations of the game.
When a player wins a round, their score in Pool Rummy is zero points. The Score for the others at the end of each round is calculated on the cards left in their hands, and the melds they have successfully created.
The Winner of a particular Pool is the last person remaining at the table after everyone else has been eliminated.
Their winnings are calculated with a straightforward formula:
Winnings = (Entry Fee x Number of Players) - Taj Rummy Platform Fees.
For instance, if you have a game with five players, each pitching in a fixed entry fee of Rs. 200, you'd have a prize pool of Rs. 1000. After the Taj Rummy platform fees are deducted, that's what the winner pockets.
In Pool Rummy, there is a unique opportunity to share the prize money. This is not available in any other variant of Indian rummy.
The Split Option is available in the following situations:
Another unique feature of the Pool Rummy variant is the 'Rejoin' option. If a player quits a table, he is allowed to rejoin it after incurring a penalty score in Pool Rummy.
In Pool Rummy, making the right decision to drop at the right moment is a strategic move that can sometimes save you from accumulating too many points. Every time it is your turn, evaluate the score you would incur if you drop vs the points in your hands against the probability of another player declaring during their next turn.
Here's a tabulation of the penalty you would incur for Dropping in each variant:
| Variant | First Drop penalty | Middle Drop penalty | 3 Consecutive Misses penalty |
|---|---|---|---|
| 51 Pool | 10 points | 20 points | 20 points |
| 101 Pool | 20 points | 40 points | 40 points |
| 201 Pool | 25 points | 50 points | 50 points |
There are a number of strategies and nuances that come into play in Pool Rummy that are very different from other variations of the game. Here are some Pool Rummy tips that can help you level-up your game:
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