Online Rummy is a highly popular game today. But it is also highly misunderstood, which is what we’ll attempt to explain below. Continue reading to learn more!
1. Online Rummy Is Purely a Game of Chance
It is easy to assume that winning an online game of Rummy is purely happenstance. But that is not true. You need skill and strategic thinking to:
- i) group the cards together into valid sequences or sets by selecting low-value cards like the cards from Number Two to Number Nine
- ii) discard the high-value cards like King, Queen and Jack as soon as possible
iii) understand the possible sets or sequences your opponent is making by studying the cards they’re discarding or drawing
Also, playing an Online Rummy game requires qualities like the ones mentioned below to win:
- i) quick decision-making
- ii) analytical abilities
iii) focus
For example, say you have cards like the:
- i) Number Two of Clubs
- ii) Number Three of Clubs
iii) Number Four of Clubs.
In such a scenario, when your opponent discards a Number Five of Clubs, you will have to draw that card to complete your pure sequence before any other player does so. But if you have three Number Two cards, then you won’t have to draw the Number Five of Clubs.
So you will have to make a split-second decision during the game.
2. Online Rummy Is Illegal
This is a common misconception. There are quite a few laws that establish this game as a legal one, particularly the Public Gambling Act of 1867.
It covers the situations under which one can be penalized for gambling. The Allahabad High Court verdict of 2024 declared that the different types of poker and Rummy are skill-based games.
Some Indian states allow people to play these games, while others do not. For instance, states like the ones mentioned below allow people to play online Rummy without any issues:
- i) West Bengal
- ii) Goa
iii) Kerala
- iv) Punjab
- v) Haryana.
However, the states that restrict people from playing the different types of poker and the different types of Rummy are:
- i) Odisha
- ii) Telangana
iii) Nagaland
- iv) Sikkim
- v) Assam
- vi) Andhra Pradesh
3. Online Rummy Is Rigged or Unfair
As a beginner, you might think that these games are somehow winning by employing unfair practices. In reality, online Rummy platforms utilize Random Number Generators to ensure fairness.
Random Number Generators are software programs utilising atmospheric sensing and cryptographic algorithms to randomly deal cards to players. These software programs ensure that each player receives a fair group of cards by generating a “seed token”.
A “seed token” is a random value generated by the software used to shuffle cards virtually and deal cards to players.
All licensed online Rummy platforms use verified Random Number Generators to ensure fair play practices. That’s why we recommend researching such platforms before you choose one. Remember to check out their practice gameplay sessions and note your experience.
If you see or feel that the cards are rigged, we suggest avoiding that website.
4. Only Professionals Can Win
While experts will certainly have an edge over beginners or novices, this does not mean the latter can’t play online Rummy. That’s because they must thoroughly understand the rules of the particular game they’re playing and opt for practice matches on the website.
When they practice thoroughly, they are able to learn the different aspects of the game, such as:
- i) melding (grouping) cards into valid sequences or sets
- ii) discarding high-value cards like the Ace, King, Queen, and Jack cards (in some types of Rummy, the Ace card is not high-value) as soon as possible.
So, look for websites that offer beginner-friendly games. Just remember to practice patience and learn how to focus during long matches. You can practice meditation, deep breathing and other mindfulness techniques to gain focus.
5. Online Rummy Leads to Financial Losses
When you play responsibly, you can avoid losing an undue amount.
We suggest you carefully read all the contract clauses before signing it.
Furthermore, you should utilize your real identification documents like your PAN or Aadhar card when you create an account. This action will ensure that you do not get arrested for legal reasons.
Some platforms also offer deposit limits, which is the platform fee for playing an online Rummy game. These limits prevent you from paying a high amount.
Apart from that, we recommend you assign a minimal sum from your budget for your online matches. Ensure not to use more than that amount to maintain financial discipline.
6. You Need to Spend Money to Play Online Rummy
You don’t have to use real-life money to play a game of Rummy online. That’s because quite a few platforms offer free-to-play versions and practice modes. You can opt for any of these modes to enjoy the game.
So, all you have to do is:
- i) research and choose your desired website
- ii) create an account by entering the relevant details
iii) select the “practice” option
For instance, some websites offer Fun Chips, with the help of which you can play for free.
7. Online Platforms Lack Security
You will always face risk when you play online Rummy on unlicensed or notorious websites. However, licensed websites aren’t like that. They have advanced security measures in place like:
- i) verified payment gateways
- ii) multiple authentication pathways
iii) periodic security audits
- iv) programs to detect cheating
For instance, some platforms require people to submit biometric data, whereas others ask users to enter an OTP when they attempt to sign.
So you always choose reputed websites to play on.
8. Rummy Is Addictive
Playing online Rummy isn’t an addictive activity.
You can counter your desire to play the game with long rest periods to avoid getting addicted. These rest sessions will allow you to balance yourself and not get addicted to the game. Apart from that, you can also get the website to restrict your account for temporary periods.
Furthermore, some websites also have a notification feature that alerts players to stop playing if they lose more than a particular sum daily.
The Final Word
So, just to sum up, online Rummy isn’t an addictive game, and it is completely legal. Furthermore, you won’t have to spend money to play it as you can opt for practice games on websites that offer this feature.
We would recommend reading up and understanding the rules of the different types of Rummy games before you play them for an optimum experience. We hope you have a pleasant experience playing them!