To play Rummy, the main goal is to arrange the cards in your hand into valid combinations called melds, which consist of runs and sets:

• Runs are sequences of three or more consecutive cards of the same suit (e.g., 4-5-6 of hearts).
• Sets (or books) are three or four cards of the same rank but different suits (e.g., three 7s of different suits)

Setup

• Rummy is typically played with 2 to 6 players. Each player is dealt a certain number of cards:
  • 10 cards each for 2 to 4 players.
  • 6 cards each for 5 players.
  • For 6 or more players, two decks are used, and each player gets 7 cards

• The remaining cards form the stock pile, placed face down, and the top card is turned face up to start the discard pile

Gameplay

• The player to the left of the dealer starts.
• On your turn, you must:
  1. Draw one card either from the stock pile or the discard pile.
  2. Optionally, meld cards by placing valid runs or sets face up on the table.
  3. Discard one card onto the discard pile to end your turn

• You can also "lay off" cards by adding them to existing melds on the table (your own or other players’ melds)

• Play continues clockwise.

Winning the Game

• The round ends when a player successfully melds all their cards into valid combinations and discards their last card.
• In some versions, the first meld you play must have a minimum point value (e.g., 30 points)

• In Indian Rummy, you must form at least two sequences, one of which must be a pure sequence (no jokers)

Additional Tips

• Keep track of cards your opponents pick or discard to anticipate their melds

• Use jokers or wild cards to substitute missing cards in sets or impure sequences but not in pure sequences

• Discard high-value cards early to minimize penalty points if you lose

This provides a basic overview of how to play Rummy, including setup, gameplay, and winning conditions