One of the online games which have gained the attention of people all over India is the rummy game. In addition, rummy also enjoys considerable popularity in other corners of the world in different variants. Played traditionally on the occasion of festivals such as Diwali, rummy has shifted effectively to the online landscape.

Now, you can easily access online rummy portals for playing your favourite variant of rummy from any location, any time! However, there are many hidden facts about rummy that you don’t know. Discovering the various facts about rummy can help players understand the significance and popularity of the game clearly. Here are some of the unknown facts about rummy that every player should know.

Origin of Rummy 

The origins of the rummy game are probably more mysterious than the accounts of the Loch Ness monster or the Yeti. Different accounts of the origins of rummy are spread throughout the history of many countries in the world. Some believe that the game originated from Conquian, a Mexican card game, while some accounts suggest that rummy originated from French Poker.

Mahjong, the Chinese game, is also one of the supposed origins of rummy. In India, the Mughals brought ‘Ganjifa,’ a Persian card game, in the 16th century, that had considerable similarities to rummy. Over the years, ‘Ganjifa’ found widespread recognition in the general public, and rummy came into existence.

Variants of Rummy

At present, there are around 20 known variants of the rummy game. The common variants that you can find are Canasta, Indian Rummy, Penang, Gin Rummy, Three Thirteen, Kalooki, and others. 13 Card Rummy is the most common variant of rummy in India while Gin Rummy is common in the US.

Origins of the Name

The name “Rummy” also has an exciting legend revolving around its origin. In the distant past, the bet on a game of rummy was rum. The losing player had to purchase drinks for the winning player in the game. Voila! Rummy got its quintessential name.

Unknown Benefits of Rummy

Studies on the effects of rummy have also revealed some interesting insights regarding the game. For example, rummy players have better coordination abilities and visual perception capabilities. In addition, rummy is also a reliable tool for learning how to read people. Players have to analyze the gestures, thoughts, and stances of their opponents deeply in a game of rummy. Therefore, rummy helps players in improving their cognitive skills and their people’s reading skills.

Rummy is Not Illegal in India

Readers should also know the fact that playing rummy with cash is not illegal in India. The Supreme Court of India recognises the rummy game as a skill-based game rather than as a game of luck.

The Most Played Game

Rummy is also one of the notable card games that have higher playtime than other board games and card games. In the Indian subcontinent, rummy is a favourite pastime of many people, especially housewives. Furthermore, rummy is also the preferred card game for family gatherings and social events.

Conclusion

Now, rummy definitely seems interesting, doesn’t it? We unravelled some important unknown facts regarding rummy. The facts presented above include references to the origin of rummy and its name, the number of variants of the game, legality of rummy, and hidden benefits of playing rummy. Don’t you want to play this amazing game right now?

Paul Petersen