No one knows for sure about the name rummy and where it came from. There are certain theories that might describe the origin of the word rummy and following are a few of these theories:

Rummy is a noun for a person who is habitually drunk and some suggest that the original game was played for a glass of Rum which is an alcoholic drink and the loser of the game had to buy a round of rum drinks for all.

The poker origin theory holds that Rummy evolved from Poker, which originated with French settlers in the New World. Poker rules and rummy rules do have certain similarities in how cards are combined, both sharing the concepts of straights and three- of-a-kind in poker. Specifically, Rummy is said to have developed from a game called "Whiskey Poker", which later became known as "Rum Poker" and then just "Rummy".

The word ‘rum’ is also British slang for ‘weird’, ‘bizarre’, ‘strange’ or ‘peculiar’ and it is believed that perhaps someone uttered the word rum when learning the rules of the rummy card game and this word was then distorted to ‘rummy’ since ‘rum’ is also a name of an alcoholic drink.

It is clearly evident however, that there is no certainty of where the word rummy came from.

Below are some of the more widely played variations of the rummy card game and these variations may have variations within each type:

• Gin Rummy (or Gin for short)

• Canasta – Classic Canasta & Modern American Canasta

• Oklahoma Gin (close relative of Gin Rummy)

• Mahjong (Originated in China)

• Rummikub – Tile-based game

• Bing Rummy – Variant of Kalooki

• Contract Rummy

• Kalooki – Kalooki 40 & Kalooki 51

• Dummy Rummy

• Ten Step or Florida Rummy – Most similar to Liverpool Rummy

• Liverpool Rummy

• Phase 10 – Based on a variant of Rummy known as Liverpool Rummy

• Progressive Rummy

• Robbers’ Rummy – Popular in Germany

• Rumino – Italian origin

• Rummy Omar

• Shanghai Rummy – Based on Gin Rummy

• Three Thirteen

There are many theories regarding the history and origin of Rummy games and each one attributes the invention of these games to different people or nations around the world making it difficult to verify the exact origin. For example, one of the earliest games in the Rummy family was Conquian which some sources say originated in Spain and which was exported to Mexico. Others insist, however, that this game was developed in Mexico in the mid-1800’s.

Others hold that Rummy was derived from Poker which originated with French Settlers in the west. That is, it is believed that Rummy was developed from a game called "Whiskey Poker" which later became known as "Rum Poker", and later just "Rum" and then finally "Rummy". Today, Gin Rummy is often referred to as Gin Poker although it is unlikely that there is a connection there.

Rummy is also believed to have originated in China. There is a Chinese card game called "Khanhoo" and another known as "Kon Khin", which were first reported in the late 1800′s, and which contain the distinctly Rummy characteristic of creating combinations of cards. Many Chinese domino games are also built on this mechanism, as is the Chinese game of Mahjong.

Other variations on the game subsequently appeared in other countries and so there is no definitive answer as to the exact origin and history of Rummy.

Rummy was originally intended for two players, but with all the variations of the game, up to six players can play. Some variations are limited to only two players, while others allow team play or individual play of up to six players. For example, Gin Rummy is typically a two player game while Standard Rummy can be played with anything from two to six players.

There are many players of card games who rely heavily on luck or a ‘lucky streak’ as some call it, however, Rummy is more a game of skills rather than of luck and a player must know the best way of winning the game and the strategies involved in improving their chances of winning. The rummy game and all of its variations require skill to play well. A watchful eye, total concentration and a refined strategy are necessary to win this game. Skill is also needed when melding the cards or checking other player’s discards to analyze what is going on in their mind. It is also equally important to master the knocking technique, in order to avoid “under knocking” by an opponent when you have exposed your cards on the table.

Rummy is a play of numbers and one must also have a very good memory to remember the cards that have already been discarded. This gives you an edge over your opponent, since remembering the cards already on the discard pile will help you to plan moves accordingly. A good example is when 2 Queens are already in the discard pile, then it is no longer wise to hold on to your Queen, since you can no longer form a meld out of this card. A good memory evens out the element of luck, and you can still play competitively and win the game even if the opponent is running on a ‘lucky streak’ or was dealt with a very good set of cards.

Chance or luck plays a certain role in most card games because when the cards are shuffled, and cut in half, the type of cards a player receives is dependent on chance. The randomization of the cards allows chance to enter the game since no one knows which card will come next. Rummy games are, however, predominantly games of skill and strategy.

Interestingly enough, the answer is No. Since Rummy and all of its variations are considered to be a game of skill, you can play rummy online for real money against other players and this is not considered as gambling. Playing skill games is not regarded as gambling.

The object of the game of Rummy is to be the first player to get rid of all the cards in one’s hand, by melding them into sets and runs and laying them down and avoiding deadwood or unmatched cards.

If the deck is not shuffled, the cards in the deck will be in the same or similar order as they were at the end of last game session. That is, the un-shuffled deck would be arranged in a number of melds and near-melds so when you deal the cards again without shuffling, most of the players will get complete or near complete melds and this would take a lot of fun out of the game.

Shuffling cards is a skill and proper shuffling is necessary if you want to get a fair card game going. There are certain shuffling techniques that can randomize a deck of playing cards in a very professional way. Shuffling is also necessary as it provides an element of chance and fair play in the game and it avoids cheating by experienced players.

There are various different ways to shuffle cards such as, the overhand shuffle or the Riffle shuffle and once you practice often enough, you should be able to shuffle cards with ease.

YES! Perhaps, the most important thing to do in any card game is shuffling and cutting. Shuffling randomizes the deck of playing cards providing the element of chance in a card game. The shuffling of the cards is then followed by a cut to ensure that the shuffler has not manipulated the cards for his gain. So by cutting the deck of cards before a hand of Rummy, avoids cheating or manipulation in a game.

You meld hands by arranging your cards into combinations. Depending on what variation of Rummy you are playing, your melds will generally consist of combinations of three or more cards that form either a Run or a Set.

A RUN or a SEQUENCE is three or more cards of the same suit in sequence. Some examples of a Valid Run include; 6, 7, 8; or 2, 3, 4, 5 and some examples of an Invalid Run include; 8, 9, 10, J or 7, 8, 9.

A SET or GROUP or BOOK is three or four cards of the same rank and different suits. Some examples of a Valid Set include; J, J, J; or 3, 3, 3, 3 and some examples of an Invalid Set include; 7, 7, 8 or A, A, 10.