The history of Rummy game

Although you might think otherwise, the term “Rummy” is not the name of a single game. Rummy is the name of a family of games that have similar structure. The main objective of Rummy Games is to be the first to get rid of all the cards in your hand, by combining them into sets and runs. Drawing and discarding a card during each turn, players try to combine all of their cards, and once they done that they win the game.

The roots of the Rummy game lie several centuries ago and are not certain. Some versions trace the origins of this popular game to Orient, to the Chinese Mahjong game, while others trace it back to the late 19th century, at New York. The most convincing theory connects Rummy to the Spanish card game that was named “Conquian”. This game is very similar to the Gin Rummy game and is considered the father of the modern Rummy.

Spanish communities who immigrated to United States brought the game in America and after few minor changes Gin Rummy was quickly adopted by the Hollywood elite during the 30s. The name of Gin Rummy is probably coming from the alcoholic drink that was famous at that time. After the Hollywood adoption, Rummy becomes increasingly popular. Today Rummy is considered the worlds' third most popular game.

 

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