Is Gin Rummy the Same as Conquian?
Short Answer
No. Conquian is the ancestor of all Rummy games, originating in Mexico around the 1850s. Gin Rummy was created in 1909 as a faster variation of standard Rummy. While both involve forming melds, they differ significantly in deck size, hand size, and gameplay mechanics.
Key Differences
| Feature | Conquian | Gin Rummy |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Mexico, ~1850s | USA, 1909 |
| Deck | 40 cards (no 8s, 9s, 10s) | 52 cards (standard deck) |
| Hand Size | 10 cards (9 to meld) | 10 cards |
| Drawing | Must take from discard or stock | Choose discard or stock |
| Melding | Melds laid on table during play | Melds revealed only at end |
| Knocking | Not applicable | End round with ≤10 deadwood |
Conquian: The Ancestor
Conquian (from Spanish "con quién" meaning "with whom") is considered the oldest Rummy-style game. It spread from Mexico to Texas and the American South in the mid-1800s. Players must form melds on the table during play, and the first to meld all cards wins.
How Gin Rummy Evolved
Gin Rummy was invented by Elwood T. Baker and his son C. Graham Baker in 1909. They wanted a faster game than standard Rummy that could be played in short sessions. Key innovations included:
- Hidden melds: Cards stay in hand until knocking or going Gin
- Knocking mechanic: End the round early with low deadwood
- Undercut bonus: Penalty for knocking with too much deadwood
- Gin bonus: Reward for perfect hands
Family Tree
Conquian → Rummy → Gin Rummy → Hollywood Gin, Oklahoma Gin, and other variants
Which Should You Play?
- Conquian: Traditional, slower pace, melds visible throughout
- Gin Rummy: Faster, strategic hand management, more popular today