Learn to Play Shanghai Rummy: Rules & Tips
| Players | 3-8 Players |
| Difficulty | 5/10 |
| Recommended Age | 10+ |
| Game Category | Rummy |
Shanghai Rummy Game Overview
Shanghai Rummy is a fun and fast-paced card game that combines elements of rummy and contract bridge. It's a great game for players of all skill levels, and it can be played with 3-8 players. The game is played over several rounds, and the goal is to be the first player to get rid of all your cards. Each round has a different objective, such as forming sets or runs, and players must meet this objective before they can go out. With its simple rules and exciting gameplay, Shanghai Rummy is sure to become a favorite in your game night rotation!
Objective of the Game
The object of Shanghai Rummy is to be the first player to get rid of all your cards. Each round has a different objective, such as forming sets or runs, and players must meet this objective before they can go out. The game is played over several rounds, and the player with the lowest score at the end of the game is the winner.
Materials Needed for Playing Shanghai Rummy
- 1 deck of playing cards per 3 players (e.g. 2 decks for 6 players)
- Pen and paper for scorekeeping
Cards Used
Shanghai Rummy is typically played with one or two standard decks of playing cards, depending on the number of players. Jokers are included and can be used as wild cards.
Other Supplies Needed
- None
How To Play Shanghai Rummy
- Shuffle the deck and deal 11 cards to each player.
- Place the remaining cards in the center of the table to form the draw pile.
- Turn the top card of the draw pile face-up to start the discard pile.
- Players take turns drawing either the top card from the draw pile or the top card from the discard pile.
- Players must meet the objective of the round before they can go out. The objective of each round is as follows:
- Round 1: 2 sets of 3
- Round 2: 1 set of 3 and 1 run of 4
- Round 3: 1 set of 4 and 1 run of 4
- Round 4: 1 run of 7
- Round 5: 1 run of 8
- Once a player has met the objective, they can go out by discarding one card and laying down their remaining cards in sets or runs.
- After a player goes out, the other players have one more turn to try to improve their hand.
- Players score points based on the cards left in their hand at the end of each round. Face cards are worth 10 points, aces are worth 1 point, and all other cards are worth their face value.
- The game is played over several rounds, and the player with the lowest score at the end of the game is the winner.
Keeping Score
Players score points based on the cards left in their hand at the end of each round. Face cards are worth 10 points, aces are worth 1 point, and all other cards are worth their face value. The player with the lowest score at the end of the game is the winner.
