Its name derives from the fact that it is played throughout the continental Europe (especially in the Czech Republic and Slovakia where it is known as Žolíky), the United States, Mexico, Canada, and also in South America.

[1] According to Albert Morehead, it was "at one time the most popular form of Rummy in women's afternoon games, until in 1950 it lost out to Canasta."

The object of Continental Rummy is to be the player with the fewest penalty points after playing all seven hands.

For example: Each player is dealt 12 cards, the remaining stock pile is set on the table.

A set consists of three or more cards of the same face value, e.g., three queens, or three aces, or three sevens.

Cards that remain in a player's hand may only be played onto the sets and runs already established on the table.

Multiple trios of the same value (number or face) can be played in this manner as well.

Play starts with the player to the dealer's left and proceeds clockwise.

Beginning with the player to the left of the dealer, a person's turn begins by selecting either the top card from the stock pile, or the top card from the discard pile.

If it is not too late, as defined, to correct the error, the offender restores the card drawn, takes back any cards that he or she may have played, and play then reverts to the correct person, the rule Illegal Draw may apply.

The next player in turn may either take the card or may have it placed face down in the center of the stock pile, and proceed to play as if no irregularity had occurred.

That is, players have three options to draw from instead of the normal two, as long as exposed cards remain at the top of the stock pile.

A player's illegal draw may not be corrected after discarding, but the section on Incorrect Hand may apply.

A player who is dealt an incorrect number of cards may demand a re-deal before drawing in their first turn, but not after that.

There must be a re-deal at any time it is discovered that the pack is incorrect, but the results of previous deals are not affected.

Any cards which are superfluous in an otherwise correct set or run must be returned to the original player's hand as soon as they are discovered.

However, if an error in scoring is discovered when there had previously been no dispute, an agreed upon correction may be made at any time.