Rummy 500
- Game Type: Rummy
- Age: 12+
- Players: 2+
- The pack: 52 card deck
OBJECT OF THE GAME
Rummy 500 is the ideal fusion of skill, strategy, and a little bit of chance. The special ability to draw from the discard pile in Rummy 500 sets it apart from other rummy versions and creates new chances to form winning combinations.
A 52-card rummy deck (jokers are wild cards) and a passion for strategy are required to play Rummy 500. Although it can accommodate up to eight players, the game functions best with two to four. By using the cards in your hand to build melds (sets or runs), you aim to be the first player to reach 500 points. The game is won by the first player to achieve 500.
STARTING THE GAME
Here’s how to set it up:
- Dealing: Each player is dealt seven cards in a two-player game. If there are more players, the number of cards dealt can vary. The remaining cards form the draw pile, with the top card turned face-up to start the discard pile.
- Objective: Form melds (either sets of cards of the same rank or sequences of consecutive cards of the same suit). Points are scored for each valid meld, and the first player to reach 500 points wins.
HOW TO PLAY
How to Play: Rummy 500 Rules
At the beginning of each turn, a player must draw a card. You can draw from either the draw pile or pick the top card from the discard pile—but with a twist! If you choose to pick from the discard pile, you must take all the cards beneath it, too. Here’s where strategy comes into play.
- Drawing a cardThis is the moment where players have to choose wisely between the unknown draw pile or the tempting cards in the discard pile. If the top card in the discard pile fits into a meld, it could be worth the risk of picking up extra cards to claim it. However, be careful not to take on too many unwanted cards.
- Making a meldOnce you’ve drawn your card, you can lay down any valid melds. Remember, a meld can be a set of three or four cards of the same rank (for example, three queens or four 9s) or a sequence of at least three consecutive cards of the same suit.
- DiscardingAfter you’ve made your melds, you must discard one card to end your turn. The next player, who is the player to the left, will then repeat the process.
The 500 rummy game rules allow for a lot of flexibility, which means no two rounds are ever the same. Every decision, from which card to draw to which one to discard, has the potential to swing the game in your favour—or hand the advantage to your opponents.
Scoring in Rummy 500
In Rummy 500, the point values of the cards in your melds determine your score. Here’s how it works:
- Aces15 points when played high in sequences (such as A-K-Q), but only 1 point when played low (A-2-3).
- Face cards (J, Q, K)Each face card is worth 10 points.
- Number cards (2-10)These cards are worth their face value.
At the end of each round, players score based on the value of the cards they’ve melded. However, any cards left in a player’s hand are counted as penalties and subtracted from their score. The goal is to reach 500 points, which crowns you the winner.
Strategies to Win Rummy 500
Here are some pro strategies to help you outsmart your opponents:
- Use the discard pile smartlyPicking up cards from the discard pile can be risky but rewarding. Only pick from the discard if the top card completes or adds to your melds. Taking too many unnecessary cards can leave you with penalties.
- Keep track of discardsAlways note what your opponents are discarding. It can give you insight into their strategies and help you decide which cards to hold onto or discard.
- Bluff with discardsSometimes, discarding a card that looks valuable to your opponents can throw them off your real strategy. This can keep them from completing their own melds.
- End the round quicklyWhen you’re close to going out, do so as soon as possible. Not only will you rack up points, but your opponents will be stuck with rummy cards in their hands, reducing their scores.
- Playoff opponents’ meldsOnce a player lays down a meld, don’t hesitate to add to it. This reduces the cards in their hands and increases your score without having to rely solely on your own sets or runs.
Discover the Art of Playing Cards with Art of Cards
At Art of Cards, we think that the secret to having a great time playing the game is strategy. Having a plan will make your games a lot more enjoyable and satisfying, whether you're playing competitively or just for fun with friends.
Take out your rummy deck, shuffle the cards, and dive into the world of Rummy 500, the pinnacle of strategy, skill, and enjoyment. Experience it now with Art of Cards, where each game is a work of art just waiting to be perfected!


