How to Play Gin Rummy

Overview

Gin Rummy is a classic two-player card game where the goal is to form your 10 cards into valid melds (sets and runs) while minimizing deadwood (unmatched cards). The first player to knock or go gin ends the round.

Setup

1. Use a standard 52-card deck (no jokers).
2. Deal 10 cards to each player.
3. Place the remaining cards face down as the stock pile.
4. Turn the top card face up to start the discard pile.

Card Values

• Face cards (K, Q, J): 10 points each
• Aces: 1 point
• Number cards (2-10): face value

Gameplay

1. Draw: Take the top card from the stock pile OR the top card from the discard pile.
2. Build melds in your hand: Organize valid sets and runs as you play. In standard Gin, players usually reveal melds only at the end of the round.
3. Discard: End your turn by discarding one card face up on the discard pile.

Melds

• Set: 3 or 4 cards of the same rank (e.g., 7-7-7, Q-Q-Q-Q).
• Run: 3 or more consecutive cards of the same suit (e.g., 4-5-6 of hearts).
• Aces are always low (A-2-3), never high (Q-K-A is not a valid run).

Ending the Round

Knocking

When your deadwood (unmatched cards) totals 10 points or fewer, you may knock. Both players reveal their hands. The opponent may lay off any of their unmatched cards onto the knocker's melds. The player with the lower deadwood scores the difference.

Going Gin

If you manage to meld ALL 10 cards with zero deadwood, you can "go gin." This earns a 25-point bonus plus the opponent's total deadwood. The opponent cannot lay off cards when gin is declared.

Scoring

• Knocker wins: Scores the difference in deadwood.
• Opponent undercuts: If the opponent's deadwood is equal or lower, they get the difference plus a 10-point bonus.
• Going gin: 25-point bonus + opponent's deadwood.

First player to 100 points wins the game.

Strategy Tips

• Count cards that have been discarded to know what your opponent might need.
• Hold middle-value cards (5-9) early — they're more versatile for runs.
• Don't knock too early with high-value deadwood; aim for 5 or fewer deadwood points.
• When discarding, avoid giving your opponent cards they can use to complete a meld.

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FAQ

How many points to win Gin Rummy?

A game is typically played to 100 points. The first player to reach 100 wins.

What's the difference between knocking and going gin?

Knocking ends the round when deadwood is 10 or fewer. Going gin means zero deadwood and earns a 25-point bonus.

What are the card values in Gin Rummy?

Face cards = 10, Aces = 1, number cards = face value.