Lay Off
Definition
Laying off is the act of adding your unmatched cards (deadwood) to your opponent's melds after they knock. This reduces your deadwood count and can lead to an undercut.
How Laying Off Works
- Your opponent knocks (not Gin)
- They reveal their melds and deadwood
- You reveal your hand and organize your melds
- You may add your deadwood cards to their melds:
- Add a 4th card to their set (e.g., add 7♣ to their 7♥7♦7♠)
- Extend their run (e.g., add 3♥ or 8♥ to their 4-5-6-7♥)
- Compare remaining deadwood to determine the winner
Example
Opponent knocks with: 8-9-10♦ (run), K-K-K♠♥♣ (set), and 5 deadwood. You have K♦ in your deadwood. You lay off the K♦ onto their Kings set, reducing your deadwood.
Laying Off Rules
- Only after a knock: You cannot lay off if opponent goes Gin
- Must fit the meld: Card must legally extend the set or run
- No new melds: You can only add to existing opponent melds
- Knocker cannot lay off: Only the defending player lays off
Strategic Importance
Laying off is your defense against a knock. If you can lay off enough cards to match or beat the knocker's deadwood, you score an undercut (25 bonus points). This makes the knocker's decision risky when you might have cards that fit their melds.