Classic Indian rummy known as 13 cards rummy is popularly played in India. This variant of rummy is considered to be a cross of Rummy 500 and Gin rummy. The challenge that arises when forming sets and sequences due to the odd number of cards (13 cards) dealt, makes Indian rummy very interesting to play. Although the rules of the game are simple, the challenges that accompany with each game requires you to develop good mental skills like concentration, memory, observation, analysis and decision making in order to excel in the game.
As a player, there are certain things that matter when you are learning Classic Indian rummy. Here we bring you a list of 8 things to be kept in mind in order to improve your rummy skills.
- Effort and commitment to learn
Rummy is neither driven by luck nor could you gain mastery instantly. Effort and commitment go into learning the game. The basic rummy rules, the tips and tricks of the game and the various strategies to be used under different circumstances could be learnt only when you put in dedicated effort and time, and commit yourself to learning the game. Professional rummy players who play classic Indian rummy online are true examples of great effort and commitment towards the game.
- Regular practice is essential
Skills are best developed only when you practice regularly. Indian Rummy is skill based and there are no short-cuts to achieving quick success in the game. Practice alone helps you to perfect your skills. A hawk-eyed focus on the game, a photographic memory and the agility with which you plan your strategies are developed with good practice only. Hence, join practice tables before you actually start playing rummy games. Also, the regular playing of rummy keeps your skills fine-tuned and sharp as a sword.
- Develop keen observation
In rummy, all your plans and strategies will fall in place only when you develop keen observation in the game. You need to closely watch the cards discarded by your opponent and make likely estimate of the possible meld he/she may be working on. Your observation will help you analyze better and take proper decisions. In Classic Indian rummy, focus your efforts initially in developing your observational skills.
- Start with playing one table at a time
In your enthusiasm to implement your ‘newly-gained’ rummy knowledge, you may start playing at multiple tables. Wait! Do not be hasty to play and ruin your chances of growing gradually in the game. You may lose concentration and your focus will be badly hit. Hence, play one game at a time until you are pretty confident of playing at multiple tables.
- Keep your cool
Staying calm is an amazing weapon in your armoury when you are playing rummy. Stay cool and see the wonders it could do to your thinking and your game as well. In your hurry to form sequences and sets as soon you are dealt a hand, may fail you from using the cards optimally. Also, when you are dealt a bad hand if you lose your cool, then you may even miss out on those minute chances that could have probably helped you turnaround the game in your favour. The best Indian rummy players are known for their calm composure all throughout the game.
- Observe, analyze and then act
Technically speaking, the rules of Classic Indian rummy are simple and easy to learn. However, you need to keenly observe your opponents’ play, analyze what cards they are drawing – whether from the open deck or the closed deck, the cards they are discarding, and then analyze their moves. You need to calculate the possible combinations of sets and sequences they are melding and then formulate your strategy keeping in mind your cards too. Take a bit of calculated risk to deploy your strategy and inch yourself closer to win.
- Use the cards at hand optimally
The golden rule of Indian rummy is to play well the cards at hand. No matter how bad a hand dealt, make the best use of the cards by checking for various possibilities. Also, do not wait for the right card. Keep re-arranging your cards in order to analyze how best you could use them.
- Make a gradual transition
If not slow, but a steady movement has to be made from practice to free and then finally to cash games. After a couple of wins in the free games, you may feel motivated to start playing cash games. But hold yourself from such impulsive actions. Cash games are pegged at the highest levels in terms of expertise, rewards and risks too. Hence, do not subject yourself to premature failures by your hasty decision.
Final thoughts
For a beginner of Classic Indian rummy, developing the necessary skills is equally important while learning the rules of the game. Keep these things in mind and made your learning more fruitful.