Gin Rummy
How to play
Before the start of the game, players must decide between the game versions Oklahoma-Gin and Gin. They also have to decide how many points to play for. The options are 50, 100 and 200 points.
At the start of the game, the first card drawn can be refused by clicking the Pass button. Cards can be drawn and taken by clicking. A quick click on a card moves it to the best possible location. If there are various ways to group cards, the card's position can be changed by dragging it using the left mouse button.
Each player is given 3 minutes for their first move. While that move is being made the clock counts down. Providing the player completes his/her move within 10 seconds, an extra 10 seconds are granted for the next move (this time is added to the remaining time on the clock). The maximum time limit is 3 minutes.
For example, if a player needs 30 seconds for his first move, he shall then have 2 minutes and 30 seconds for his next move. However, should he manage to complete his next move in just 5 seconds, he shall have 2 minutes and 35 seconds for the next move, not 2 minutes and 25 seconds (2 minute and 25 seconds of remaining time + 10 bonus seconds).
Rules of the game
Gin Rummy is a game for two people. It is played with a 52 card deck. Each player receives 10 cards. The rest of the cards are put into the middle and the first card is turned face-up. The player who did not deal begins the game. S/he has the option of taking the card in the middle. If s/he decides not to, then the other player may take the card. After this the players take turns. A turn consists of taking and discarding a card. This can be either a card from the pile or the card last discarded.
The object of the game is to collect and lay down combinations of cards. A combination consists of at least three cards, either a group or a straight. A group consists of at least three of a kind e.g. three Kings. A Straight is at least three consecutive cards of the same suit, e.g: Ten of Hearts, Jack of Hearts, Queen of Hearts. Note that each card can only be used for a Straight or a Group, but not both simultaneously.
After a player takes a card and before s/he discards one, s/he has the right to lay down the cards ("knock"). Laying down is possible when, after a card is discarded, the value of the unused cards is equal to or less than ten. After the first player (the "Knocker") has put down their cards, the other player must do the same. The second player also has the option of adding their unused cards to the first player's combinations (as long as they match). If e.g. the first player puts down three sevens and the second player has the fourth seven among their cards, this can be added.
If the player who knocks has no unused cards left, this is called Gin. The player gets bonus points for this and the second player cannot add any of their cards to those of the first.
The game is over as soon as one of the players wins the specified number of points (50, 100 or 200 points).
Oklahoma-Gin is a popular variant of Gin Rummy, which can be selected if players want some variety. In Oklahoma-Gin the first card which is turned up determines the number of points from which it is possible to knock. If the first card is an Ace, it is only possible to knock if you have a Gin. Moreover, the remaining points are doubled if the first card was a Spade.
The scoring system
The sequence of cards is as follows Ace, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Jack, Queen, King. The Ace is worth one point and the Jack, Queen and King are each worth 10. The other cards are worth their face value.
In case of a Gin (the player who knocks has no cards left over), the player receives a 25-point bonus. In Oklahoma Gin the remaining points are doubled if the first card was a Spade.