Rummy Glossary
Rummy Glossary complete with terms you need to start playing today.
A
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To discard a card in order to induce an opponent to discard another card of the same rank or in suit and sequence with it. Also known as Baiting, Chumming, Fishing.
Ante
The initial bet placed by all players in the game, a must before the beginning of every rummy game.
B
Base
A set of four natural cards sharing the same rank.
Block
To withhold a card that would extend a meld for an opponent.
Book
A meld which is made up of three or more same rank cards.
C
Canasta
A meld of seven cards of the same rank. A "mixed canasta" is a meld containing one to three wild cards. A "natural canasta" is a meld containing no wild card.
Combination
Two cards which could potentially turn into one matched set should a particular card be drawn.
D
Deadwood
single cards discarded in Gin Rummy
Discard
A rejected tile in Mahjong, or card in Rummy, which may be claimed by another player.
Draw
Taking a card from the stock/discard pile.
F
Fill
Name for a card which turns a combination into a matched set.
Forcing
Discarding a card in Rummy that the next player, under the rules, must take up.
G
Go Gin
Lay down a gin hand; go rummy.
Go Rummy
Laying down a hand not containing any Deadwood (see above).
Going Out
Ridding of all the cards in one's hands, effectively winning.
K
Knave
Any jack in cards.
Knocking
player lays down his groups of cards on the table and discards his final card in Gin Rummy.
M
Meld
groups of sequential cards of the same suit or number in Gin Rummy.
Meld
Place matched sets on the table; lay off; a matched set.
R
Round-the-Corner
Variant of rummy where the rule has it that the ace is in sequence with both the king and the deuce.
Run
Three or more consecutive same-suit cards.
S
Set
Three cards or more from the same rank.
