Rummy sequences and sets

Pure sequences

A pure sequence contains at least three consecutive cards of the same suit, without a joker filling a gap. The jack follows the ten, so 9♦ 10♦ J♦ works. Sequences can also contain four or more cards.

Check the suits first, then the ranks. A group can look close to complete while still having a gap or a card of the wrong suit.

Impure sequences

An impure sequence uses a permitted joker in place of a missing card. In 4♠ Joker 6♠, it replaces 5♠. In 7♥ 8♥ Joker 10♥, it replaces 9♥.

Name the missing card before assigning a joker. The rest of the group must still fit the same run. Check the table’s rules for printed jokers and wild ranks, particularly when a wild card appears at its natural rank and suit.

Sets

A natural set contains three or four cards of the same rank in different suits. Q♣ Q♦ Q♠ is a set. Its cards match by rank rather than running in order.

With multiple decks, you may hold identical cards. Two copies of 3♣ cannot fill two different suit positions in a set. Joker use and maximum set sizes depend on the game’s rules.

One card, two possible groups

Consider these five cards: 5♠ 6♠ 7♠ 5♥ 5♦. You can use 5♠ in the spade sequence or in a set of fives. You cannot count it in both.

Moving it into 5♠ 5♥ 5♦ leaves 6♠ 7♠ incomplete. Keeping it in the sequence leaves the two other fives ungrouped. The better arrangement depends on the rest of your hand and later draws.

Before declaring, count each card once and check that the required sequences are complete. Read the table’s ace rules before using an ace as high or low; do not assume K-A-2 can wrap around.

Sources

RummyCircle: sequences and sets; RummyCircle: duplicate-card rules; Bicycle: ranks and groups in another rummy variant.

Common questions