Rummy Sequence - How to Make Pure and Impure Sequences in Rummy

Rummy Sequence

Rummy, especially Indian rummy, has been a popular card game since time immemorial. It is a skill game that requires players to sort and arrange cards in different required combinations. The player who makes a valid declaration first wins the game. There are some rules that must be followed in the game. Among these, the sequence rules are of utmost importance as your ability to create sequences quickly determines your success in the game.

A sequence of cards is the most important combination in a rummy card game. Declaring your cards without a sequence not only makes you lose the game but also imposes a penalty of 80 points on you. So it is important to understand the role of sequences in the game.

Read on to understand rummy sequence rules well.

Types of Sequences in Rummy

Let’s first understand the concept of a 13 card rummy sequence. It is a combination of three or more consecutive cards of the same suit. There are two types of sequences in a rummy game: pure sequence and impure sequence.

Pure sequence in rummy:

A pure sequence is a group of three or more consecutive cards of the same suit, a sequence without jokers. However, a wild joker can be used to complete a pure sequence if it is used in its original value and not as a substitute for any missing card. Remember, creating a pure sequence is mandatory for a valid declaration in rummy. Any declaration made without pure sequence would be an invalid declaration resulting in a penalty of 80 points. See the examples of pure sequences below.

Impure sequence in rummy:

The concept of an "impure sequence" adds an intriguing twist, allowing players to include a wildcard or a joker in the sequence to enhance their strategic gameplay. Let's unwrap and understand the nuances of impure sequences in rummy using examples.

Pure Sequence with and without a Joker

For a pure sequence game rules mandate three or more consecutive cards of the same suit. Wild jokers can be used in a pure sequence but only if they complete the sequence in their original value and belong to the same suit originally as the other cards in the sequence. They cannot be used as replacements for any other cards. Look at the examples of pure sequences below.

Pure sequence in rummy card game:

Impure Sequence in Rummy

Here are some examples of impure sequences.

With printed joker:

• Suppose you have two cards of the same suit, say 8♥ and 10♥. On your next turn, you pick a printed joker (PJ). You can use this joker as a replacement for the missing card, i.e. 9♥. The impure sequence formed will look like this: 8♥-PJ-10 ♥.

With wild joker:

• Suppose you have 3♠, 5♠ and 6♠ in your hand. On your next turn, you pick K♦, which is a wild joker. You can use the joker as a substitute for the missing card, i.e. 4♠. The impure sequence formed will look like this: 3♠-K♦ (WJ)-5♠-6♠.

Rummy Sequence Rules

• As per the rummy sequence game rules, at least two sequences are mandatory for a valid declaration. Out of the two sequences, at least one must be a pure sequence.
• At least three cards are required to create a sequence (or a set) in rummy.
• If you declare your cards without a pure sequence, it is an invalid declaration and you get a penalty of 80 points. So before declaring, ensure that you have a pure sequence in your hand.
• While it is mandatory to have at least two sequences including at least one pure sequence for a valid declaration, you can create either sequences or sets with the remaining cards. Creating sets is not mandatory but optional.

Creating More Than One Pure Sequence in Rummy

Rummy rules require you to create at least one pure sequence for a valid declaration. You can also create multiple pure sequences, depending upon the cards you get. You can even arrange all your cards in pure sequences if you have such cards.

Valid declarations made with all pure sequences.

Valid Declaration in Rummy

Here is an example to help you better understand a valid declaration in rummy.

Suppose you sort your cards using the “Sort” button present on the screen and your card groups will look like this:

You can see that there is a pre-made pure sequence (J♥-Q♥-K♥) and a set (2♥-2 ♦-PJ) in your hand. You only have to work on arranging the remaining cards for making a valid declaration. You can choose to create pure and/or impure sequences, or sets, depending on the cards you pick on your next turns.

Turn 1.

• Suppose you pick 9♣ on your next turn. This card can be combined with the first group of cards (7♣-8♣-10 ♣) to create a pure sequence (7♣-8♣-9♣-10♣). You choose to discard J♠ from your third card group (4♠-5♠-10♠-J ♠).

Note: We would recommend you discard either J♠ or 10♠ as these are high-value cards and the chances of being able to create a sequence with 4 ♠ and 5♠ are higher than for the two high-value cards.

After your first turn, your hand will look like this (if you discard J♠):

Turn 2.

• Suppose you pick a printed joker on your second turn. You can use this card as a replacement for 3♠ or 6♠ in the third group. With this, all your 13 cards will be arranged in valid combinations and you can declare your cards by placing the 14th card 10♠ in the “Finish” slot.

Your declaration will be valid and it will look like this:

In the above example, two pure sequences (K♥- Q♥- J♥ and 7♣- 8♣ 9♣-10♣) are created and it is still a valid declaration. You win the game if you make a valid declaration before your opponent. In rummy, the winner’s score is zero.

Possible combinations for a valid declaration using 13 cards rummy sequence:

• 1 pure sequence + 1 impure sequence + 2 sets
• 1 pure sequence + 2 impure sequences + 1 set
• 1 pure sequence + 3 impure sequences
• 2 pure sequences + 2 sets
• 2 pure sequences + 2 impure sequences
• 3 pure sequences + 1 set
• 3 pure sequences + 1 impure sequence
• 2 pure sequences
• 3 pure sequences
• 4 pure sequences

Invalid Declaration with and without a Pure Sequence

According to rummy rules, it is essential to have at least two sequences (one must be a pure sequence) for a valid declaration. Otherwise it will be an invalid declaration.

Some examples of invalid declarations are as follows:

In the above declaration, there are three impure sequences (3♠-PJ-5♠, Q♥-K♥-6 ♣ (WJ), 7♦-8♦-PJ-10♦) and a set (4♥-4 ♣-4 ♦). As there is no pure sequence, it is an invalid declaration.

In this declaration, there is one pure sequence (2♣-3♣-4♣) and three sets (K♥-K ♦-K♣-K♠, 8♠-8♥-PJ, 5♦-5 ♠-6♥(WJ)). As at least two sequences are required for a valid declaration, this is an invalid declaration.

In the above declaration, there are two impure sequences (6♥-7♥--PJ-9♥ and J♦-PJ-K ♦) and two sets (3♠-3♦-4♣ (WJ) and 5♥-5 ♣-5 ♦). As there is no pure sequence, this is an invalid declaration.

Value of Rummy Card Sequence

In rummy, points are negative. So when you make a valid declaration before your opponent, your score will be zero. For a valid declaration, there must be at least two sequences in your hand, out of which at least one must be a pure sequence. The remaining combinations can be pure/impure sequences or sets.

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