Game guide · WWJSMY
Rummy 500: what to know before playing
Keep the active rule in mind. Score for cards you meld or lay off, subtract cards left in hand, and reach a total of 500 points. Take the next action only when the current step is clear. For a calm first round, focus on one decision. Each player starts with 13 cards from one 52-card deck. This version has no jokers. Return to the explanation when a decision is unclear.
One deck, two players, no jokers; open melds and layoffs; low-run Ace = 1, other Ace = 15. Going out need not end with a discard. No out-of-turn calls, deposits or prizes. Current hands save locally.
Give this approach a try
Before making a move, check the cards in view. Draw from the stock or select a card in the discard history. Picking a buried discard takes that card and every card above it. Use another round to revisit a decision.
What you need to achieve
Score for cards you meld or lay off, subtract cards left in hand, and reach a total of 500 points. Use another round to revisit a decision. A clear plan starts with the current position.
The order of play
- Each player starts with 13 cards from one 52-card deck. This version has no jokers.
- Draw from the stock or select a card in the discard history. Picking a buried discard takes that card and every card above it.
- A buried discard must immediately be used in a new meld or added to an existing meld. The game prevents ending the turn before this is done.
- Select three or more cards and choose Lay selected meld for a same-suit run or a three/four-card set.
- Select one hand card, then tap a table meld to lay off. You earn the value of your own cards even on an opponent’s meld.
- Discard to end a turn. Playing your last card in a meld/layoff can also end the hand. The stock running out ends the hand for scoring.
- Round points equal melded value minus remaining hand value. Aces count 15 except in an A–2–3 low run, where they count 1. Number cards count face value; faces count 10.
- Continue until a player reaches 500 with a higher score. A tie continues. No out-of-turn Rummy calls are used.
Controls
Tap a card to select it. Use the labelled pile and action buttons. Sort by rank or suit; the hand wraps onto additional rows on a phone. Open Discard history to choose a buried card. Use another round to revisit a decision. Use the rule sheet as a reference.
Try this example
If you meld 52 points and retain 17 points, your round score is +35. If a buried 7♥ is taken, it must be used immediately, for example with 5♥ and 6♥. Return to the explanation when a decision is unclear.
One detail worth checking
Take a moment to read the table. Cards above a buried discard also enter your hand. Picking up a large pile can cost points if you cannot play those extra cards. Take the next action only when the current step is clear.
A few questions answered
What is the aim?
Score for cards you meld or lay off, subtract cards left in hand, and reach a total of 500 points. Keep the active rule in mind. The same rule applies on a phone and on a computer.
How do I use the controls?
Tap a card to select it. Use the labelled pile and action buttons. Sort by rank or suit; the hand wraps onto additional rows on a phone. Open Discard history to choose a buried card. Begin with the objective. Return to the explanation when a decision is unclear.
Which format is available?
One deck, two players, no jokers; open melds and layoffs; low-run Ace = 1, other Ace = 15. Going out need not end with a discard. No out-of-turn calls, deposits or prizes. Current hands save locally. Use the rule sheet as a reference. The same rule applies on a phone and on a computer.
What should I check before a move?
Cards above a buried discard also enter your hand. Picking up a large pile can cost points if you cannot play those extra cards. Use the rule sheet as a reference. Check the relevant controls before continuing.
Can you give an example?
If you meld 52 points and retain 17 points, your round score is +35. If a buried 7♥ is taken, it must be used immediately, for example with 5♥ and 6♥. Begin with the objective. Return to the explanation when a decision is unclear.
Can I take a buried discard?
Yes, if that selected card is immediately usable in a meld or layoff. You must take every card above it too. Begin with the objective. Return to the explanation when a decision is unclear.
Who scores a card added to another player’s meld?
The player who laid that card earns its value. Card ownership is tracked separately from the table meld. Before making a move, check the cards in view. Return to the explanation when a decision is unclear.
Can scores become negative?
Yes. If remaining hand value exceeds your meld points, the difference is subtracted from your match total. Before making a move, check the cards in view. Return to the explanation when a decision is unclear.
Must I discard to go out?
Not in this version. Melding or laying off the final card also ends the hand. Begin with the objective. Return to the explanation when a decision is unclear.
What happens when the stock ends?
The hand is scored using melded cards minus remaining cards for both players. Use the rule sheet as a reference. Return to the explanation when a decision is unclear.