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Rummy Sequence

Rummy is a popular card game where you must create sets and sequences to win. A sequence in rummy is a group of three or more sequential cards of the same suit. A pure sequence and an impure sequence are the two different types of sequences that can be formed in rummy.

You need to use your skills and the right set of strategies to arrange cards in the required combinations. To win, you must have at least one pure sequence in your hand and all required sequences, or sequences and sets.

Sequence in Indian Rummy

The rules of rummy make it compulsory to create sequences. Any player that declares their cards without having at least 2 sequences not only ends up losing the game but is also awarded an 80-point penalty. Read on to learn more about creating a valid sequence in rummy.
Here are some examples of sequences.

  • 5♣-6♣-7♣-8♣

  • J♠-Q♠-K♠

  • A-2-3

  • 5-6-PJ

Types of Rummy Sequence

You can create sequences using 3 or more cards from the same suit or by using jokers/wild cards. Here are the types of sequences that you can create:

Pure Sequence in Rummy

A sequence created using cards from the same suit is called a pure sequence. Wild cards cannot be used to replace any card in a pure sequence. However, a sequence is still pure if the wild joker is used in its original value and as a card of its original suit.

Examples

  • 8♣-9♣-10♣

  • 10♠-J♠-Q♠-K♠

  • 4♣-5♣-6♣ (WJ)


Impure Sequence in Rummy

A sequence using cards from the same suit and jokers/wild cards is called an impure sequence. In an impure sequence, at least one of the cards is replaced by a joker.

Examples

  • 4♣-5♣-PJ (printed joker)

  • 10-PJ-Q-K

  • 7-8-3♣ (wild joker)


Pure Sequence Without and With Joker

Pure Sequence Without Joker:

A pure sequence is formed without the use of any joker or wild card. It consists of three or more cards of the same suit, arranged in consecutive order. For example:


4♠ 5♠ 6♠ (A sequence of three cards of spades)

7♥ 8♥ 9♥ 10♥ (A sequence of four cards of hearts)


Pure Sequence with Joker

As per the rules, a pure sequence is made using three or more consecutive cards. Though, a pure sequence cannot be made with the use of Joker, unless used in its original value, meaning it must belong to the same suit a that of the pure sequence.


Pure sequence with a joker card:

6♥, 7♥, 8♥, 9♥ (here 9♥ is a wild joker card)

Impure Sequence Without and With Joker

Impure Sequence With Joker:

An impure sequence is formed with the help of a printed joker or wild joker card. The joker can replace any card to form a sequence. An example of an impure sequence could be:

  • 4♠ 5♦ 6♠ (Here, 5♦ is a Wild joker used to replace 5♠)

  • 7♥ 8♥ PJ (Here, a PJ (Printed Joker) is used to replace 9♥)


Impure Sequence without Joker

In an Indian Rummy Game, sequences without a joker are referred to as "pure sequences," and those with a joker are called "impure sequences."

Rummy Sequence Rules

Rummy is a game of skills that gives everyone an equal opportunity to win. There is a set of rules for creating sequences in rummy. Here are the rules you need to follow while creating a sequence:

  • Two sequences are mandatory to win a game of rummy. Out of these two sequences, at least one must be a pure sequence.

  • The minimum number of cards that can be used to make a rummy sequence is 3.

  • You are awarded an 80-point penalty if you declare your hand without having at least two sequences.

  • While you can make sets and sequences to win the game, it is not mandatory to create sets unlike making sequences.


How to Create a Sequence with Low and High Points Cards in Rummy

Now that you know how to create sequences, let's discuss low-point and high-point card sequences.

Low Points Cards Sequence

Though the value of a valid sequence is zero irrespective of the cards it has, creating low-points card sequences is less risky than creating high-point card sequences. If your opponent declares before your sequence is complete, low-value cards result in a smaller penalty on you than high-value cards.

Here are some sequences created with low-value cards.

  • 2-3-4

  • 3-4-5

  • 4-5-6

High Points Cards Sequence

Here are some sequences created with high-value cards.

  • 9-10-J

  • 10-J-Q

  • J-Q-K

  • Q-K-A

Sequence of Face Cards (Jack, Queen, King, Ace)

While making sequences in rummy, you will often come across a situation where you will have face cards that can be used to create a sequence. Here is how to put face cards into a sequence.

  • J-Q-K

  • Q-K-A

Note: All the cards in each of the sequences above must belong to the same suit, i.e. clubs (♣), diamonds (), hearts (), or spades (♠).


Why Is a Pure Sequence Mandatory in 13 Card Rummy Games?

In Indian rummy, a pure sequence is the most important card group. According to Indian rummy rules, you must create at least one pure sequence to win. Additionally, once you create a pure sequence, a button "best group" gets activated giving you an opportunity to group or create sequences or sets as suggested under "best group". Also, if your opponent makes a valid declaration first and you have not created a pure sequence, then the points of all the cards in your hand will be added up to determine the margin of loss you will suffer. Even if you have created impure sequences or sets, the points of all your 13 cards will be added up.


Avoid Declaration with Invalid Sequence

The biggest mistake you can make in rummy is making a wrong declaration. By making a wrong declaration, you not only lose the game but lose it with the biggest margin possible. So never make that mistake. Before declaring your hand, double-check to ensure that it includes at least 1 pure sequence and a second sequence and that all the other cards are arranged in sequences or sets.


Value of Rummy Card Sequence In an Indian Rummy Game

In Indian Rummy, which is typically played with two decks of cards and two jokers, the objective is to form valid sequences and sets. Understanding the value of each card is crucial for gameplay and scoring. Here's a breakdown of the value of cards in Indian Rummy:

Number Cards (2 to 10): The cards from 2 to 10 carry the same points as their face value. For instance, a 2 of any suit has 2 points, a 3 has 3 points, and so on up to 10.

Face Cards (King, Queen, Jack): All face cards, regardless of their suit, carry 10 points each.

Aces: An Ace, irrespective of its suit, carries 10 points.

Jokers (Printed and Wild): Jokers have zero points. This includes both the printed joker and the card selected as the wild joker for that particular game.


Rummy Sequence FAQs

What is a sequence in rummy?

A group of three or more consecutive cards that belong to the same suit is called a sequence in rummy. There can be two types of sequences in rummy: impure sequences and pure sequences.

What is a pure sequence in rummy?

A group of three or more consecutive cards of the same suit is called a sequence. When no card in a sequence has been replaced by a joker, it is called a pure sequence.

What is an impure sequence in rummy?

A sequence in which at least one of the cards has been replaced by a joker (printed joker or wild joker) is called an impure sequence.

Can I use a printed joker in a pure sequence?

No, avoid using a printed joker as if you use a joker in any sequence, then it won't be a pure sequence. The most important combination is a pure sequence in rummy. If you have only one pure sequence in your hand, do not add a printed joker to it because adding a printed joker to a pure sequence changes it into an impure sequence.

Can I use a wild joker and a printed joker to create an impure sequence?

Yes, you can use both wild jokers and printed jokers to create an impure sequence in rummy.

What is the correct sequence in rummy?

In rummy, the correct sequence is a group of three or more consecutive cards of the same suit. Players must form two sequences, of which at least one must be a pure sequence (without a joker) to make a valid declaration.

Can we create more than one pure sequence in rummy?

Yes, players can create more than one pure sequence in a game, which can be advantageous for reducing points.