Knock Rummy

Knock Rummy is a fast draw-and-discard rummy game. This implementation follows Pagat's Knock Rummy structure: two players use one 52-card deck, each gets 10 cards, and a player can end the hand by knocking after a draw and discard decision.

Goal

Build sets and runs so your unmatched cards, called deadwood, are worth less than the opponent's. Aces are low, so A-2-3 is a valid run and Q-K-A is not.

Turn Flow

Start by drawing from stock or discard. Then either discard a selected card face up to continue the hand, or knock to reveal both hands and score the deadwood comparison.

Scoring

Aces count 1, number cards count face value, and jacks, queens, and kings count 10. The lowest deadwood wins the difference. If the knocker does not have the lowest deadwood, the winner also receives a 10-point knock penalty. Going rum with zero deadwood earns a 25-point bonus plus the opponent's deadwood.

Strategy Tips

Knock Rummy rewards timing. Knock early when your deadwood is genuinely low, but do not knock just because you made one meld. Watch the discard pile: taking a discard helps only if it improves your deadwood more than the card you must eventually throw away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I knock on the first turn?

Pagat's main rules allow a player to knock on any turn, even early. This version allows knocking after you have drawn, matching the flow of the browser controls.

What counts as a meld?

A meld is either three or four cards of the same rank, or three or more consecutive cards in the same suit.

What is going rum?

Going rum means knocking with no deadwood. It wins even if another player also has zero deadwood and pays a larger bonus.

Related Games

For longer rummy contracts, play Continental Rummy or Liverpool Rummy. For classic meld play, try Rummy.