Overview
Gin Rummy is a melding & deadwood card game. This guide uses a straightforward common ruleset and notes where versions often differ.
Objective
Form sets and runs while keeping unmatched deadwood low enough to knock or reach gin.
What You Need
- Standard 52-card deck
- 2 player(s), as appropriate
- A clear table or playing area
Setup
Deal 10 cards to each player. Place the remainder face down as the stock and turn one card face up beside it to begin the discard pile.
How to Play
- Draw either the top stock card or the top discard.
- Arrange cards into sets of equal rank and runs of the same suit.
- Discard one card to end the turn.
- Knock when your deadwood is within the allowed limit, commonly 10 or less.
- Gin means all 10 cards are in melds; compare hands and score the deal.
Scoring / Winning
The knocker scores the difference in deadwood when lower; gin earns a bonus. If the defender has equal or lower deadwood after laying off, an undercut bonus commonly applies.
Worked Example
A hand with 4♥ 5♥ 6♥ and three Queens has two melds. Unmatched cards count as deadwood until they can join a meld or be discarded.
Strategy Tips
- Track cards your opponent takes from the discard pile.
- Keep flexible middle cards that can extend runs both ways.
- Knock when the deadwood advantage is likely enough rather than always chasing gin.
Common Mistakes
- Using the same card in two melds.
- Forgetting that runs must be one suit.
- Knocking above the agreed deadwood limit.
Variations & House Rules
Gin bonuses, undercut bonuses and target scores vary; Oklahoma Gin changes the knock limit according to the first upcard.
FAQ
What is deadwood?
Cards not included in a valid set or run.
What is gin?
A hand in which all cards form melds, leaving no deadwood.
Score Card
Open the CS17 fillable Gin Rummy Game Sheet to enter names and results on screen, then print it or save it as a PDF.