Rummy is a group of games related by the feature of matching cards of the same rank or sequence and same suit.

The basic goal in any form of rummy is to build melds which can be either sets (three or four of a kind of the same rank) or runs (three or more sequential cards of the same suit) and either be first to go out or to amass more points than the opposition.

[4] Rummy variations like Gin and Canasta became popular in the twentieth century.

[5] Some attribute it to the British slang word rum, meaning odd, strange, or queer.

Others say the origin lies in the game Rum Poker, or in the popular liquor of the same name.

The un-dealt cards are placed in a face down stack in the middle, which is known as the stock.

Depending on the variation of the game, players take turns adding and shedding cards from their hands.

Some special or difficult melds may also give extra points to a hand.

Alternatively four to six players may play with a single pack, but with a reduced number of cards.

Recently, double packs of 104 German-suited cards have been produced for the first time in centuries.

The dealer then turns the next card to start the discard pile and places the rest of the pack, face down, between the players as the stock.

In turn, each player draws the top card from the stock or the discard pile.

That is, a player cannot go out by melding or laying off, but must discard the final card.

Or if there is a run of 8♥ 9♥ 10♥ on the table and Charlotte, who has the Q♥, picks up the J♥, she may lay off her two cards to the existing meld and go out.

The most basic form where play continues until the stock is exhausted or a player achieves a specific number of points.

Players are awarded and or penalized extra points depending on if they successfully meet their objectives.

In these games, players play until they have a minimal number of points or cards in their unmelded hands.

Canasta games usually involve partnerships using two or more decks with many wild cards.

In knock rummy, players usually reveal their entire hand at the end of the game.

In most variations, a player may signal (through knock or a specific kind of discard) that they have a valid hand.

If a player lays down a card matching a square, they collect the tokens therein.

Most versions allow multiple players to meld straights in sequence and do not use three- or four-of-a-kinds.

Rummikub and other international tile variations have rules similar to meld and knock rummy.