Objective of the Game
Rummikub is a tile-based game where the goal is to be the first player to eliminate all the tiles from their rack by forming number sets (runs) and groups (sets). The first player to place all their tiles and clear their rack wins.
Components
- 104 numbered tiles (values 1-13 in four different colors, each twice)
- 2 jokers
- 4 tile racks
Setup
- Each player draws a tile to determine the order of play, with the highest number going first. Replace the drawn tiles and shuffle the pool.
- Each player draws 14 tiles and places them on their rack, keeping them hidden from other players.
- The remaining tiles are placed facedown to form the pool.
Gameplay
- Initial Meld: To make an initial meld, a player must place one or multiple sets totaling at least 30 points down without using jokers. Each number on a tile counts as its face value.
- Building Sets: Once a player has made their initial meld, they can build upon existing runs or groups, or lay down new ones in their turns:
- Run: A sequence of at least three consecutive numbers of the same color.
- Group: A set of at least three tiles bearing an identical number but in different colors.
- The player may draw a tile if they can't (or choose not to) play.
- Joker: The joker can take the place of any tile. When a joker is used, it counts as the value of the tile it replaces.
Variant: Manipulation
Players may manipulate the tiles on the table to create new or extended sets or runs, as long as at the end of their turn all tiles form valid sets.
End of the Game
- The game formally concludes when one player has successfully placed all their tiles and calls out "Rummikub!".
- Alternatively, it ends if the pool is exhausted and no player can make a move.
- Scoring:
- Each player scores negative points equal to the sum of the tiles they have left.
- The winner earns points equal to the total of the negative scores from other players.
Tips and Strategies
- Planning: Retain some tiles to create surprising opportunities for tile placement.
- Joker Usage: Use the joker strategically and swap it if it helps eliminate more tiles.
- Awareness: Keep a close eye on opponents' moves to anticipate their strategies and leverage during turns, especially during manipulation.
