What is Hollywood Gin?
Hollywood Gin is a Gin Rummy variant that uses a triple-game scoring system. Instead of playing single games to 100 points, you're playing three games simultaneously on one scoresheet!
How Hollywood Scoring Works
The unique "leg" system progressively opens new games:
| Win Number | Games Affected |
|---|---|
| 1st Win | Opens Game 1, points go to Game 1 only |
| 2nd Win | Opens Game 2, points go to Games 1 & 2 |
| 3rd Win+ | Opens Game 3 (if not yet), points go to ALL incomplete games |
Winning a Hollywood Match
The first player to reach 100 points in all three games wins the Hollywood match. Each individual game completing at 100+ is called "closing" that game.
Once a game is closed (100+), it no longer receives points from future wins.
Example Scoring
- Your 1st win (32 pts): Game 1 = 32, Game 2 = -, Game 3 = -
- Your 2nd win (28 pts): Game 1 = 60, Game 2 = 28, Game 3 = -
- Your 3rd win (45 pts): Game 1 = 105 ✓, Game 2 = 73, Game 3 = 45
- Your 4th win (30 pts): Game 1 = 105 ✓, Game 2 = 103 ✓, Game 3 = 75
- Your 5th win (28 pts): Game 1 = 105 ✓, Game 2 = 103 ✓, Game 3 = 103 ✓ — YOU WIN!
Origin of Hollywood Gin
Hollywood Gin emerged during the Golden Age of Hollywood (1930s-40s) when studio executives, actors, and writers played between takes. The three-game format meant longer, more strategic sessions—perfect for downtime on set.