Learn to Play 500 Rum: Rules & Tips
| Players | 2-8 Players |
| Difficulty | 5/10 |
| Recommended Age | 8+ |
| Game Category | Rummy |
500 Rum Game Overview
500 Rum is a popular rummy game that's easy to learn and fun to play. It's a great game for family gatherings, parties, or just a night in with friends. The game is played with a standard deck of 52 cards and can be played with 2-8 players. The objective of the game is to be the first player to reach 500 points by forming sets and runs of cards.
Objective of the Game
The object of the game is to be the first player to reach 500 points. Points are earned by forming sets and runs of cards and by laying off cards on other players' sets and runs. The game ends when a player reaches 500 points, and the player with the highest score at the end of the game is the winner.
Materials Needed for Playing 500 Rum
- Standard deck of 52 cards
- Pen and paper for scorekeeping
Cards Used
500 Rum is played with a standard deck of 52 cards. Jokers are not used in this game.
Other Supplies Needed
None
How To Play 500 Rum
- Shuffle the deck and deal 7 cards to each player.
- Place the remaining cards in a draw pile, with the top card turned face up next to it to start the discard pile.
- The player to the left of the dealer goes first, drawing either the top card from the draw pile or the top card from the discard pile.
- The player then tries to form sets and runs of cards in their hand and lay them down on the table. A set is three or four cards of the same rank, and a run is three or more cards of the same suit in sequential order.
- After laying down sets and runs, the player can lay off cards on other players' sets and runs. A layoff is a card that can be added to an existing set or run to make it longer.
- The player then discards one card from their hand onto the discard pile.
- The next player to the left takes their turn, following the same steps.
- The game continues until a player reaches 500 points, at which point the game ends and the player with the highest score is the winner.
Keeping Score
Points are earned by forming sets and runs of cards and by laying off cards on other players' sets and runs. Aces are worth 1 point, face cards are worth 10 points, and all other cards are worth their face value. The first player to go out earns a bonus of 100 points, and any cards left in the other players' hands are counted as negative points. The game ends when a player reaches 500 points, and the player with the highest score at the end of the game is the winner.
