rummy · USA / UK / Global
Gin Rummy
Also known as Gin
Gin Rummy is the world’s most popular two-player rummy: draw and discard to form your ten cards into melds, then knock — or go Gin for the big bonus. Play free in your browser vs a smart bot or a friend, no download or signup.
2–2 players · free · no download · no signup
How to play Gin Rummy
- Draw from the stock or take the discard.
- Build runs and sets; keep deadwood low.
- Discard your least useful card.
- Knock when deadwood ≤ 10, or go for Gin (0).
- Score the deadwood difference; first to 100 wins.
Gin Rummy rules
Deal
Two players, a standard 52-card deck, 10 cards each. The rest forms the stock, with one card turned up to start the discard pile.
Melds & deadwood
Form runs (3+ consecutive cards in one suit) and sets (3-4 of the same rank). Cards left over are ‘deadwood’; their pip values (face cards = 10, Ace = 1) count against you.
Your turn
Draw one card — from the stock or the top of the discard pile — then discard one card. Try to lower your deadwood every turn.
Knock & Gin
When your deadwood totals 10 or less, you may ‘knock’ to end the round. Zero deadwood is ‘Gin’ (a 25-point bonus). The knocker scores the difference in deadwood; if the defender ties or beats it, they ‘undercut’ for a bonus. First to 100 points wins.
Strategy tips
- Keep cards that can go multiple ways (e.g. a 7 that fits a run or a set).
- Watch what your opponent discards — and never feed their melds.
- Knock early when ahead; chase Gin only with a strong hand.
- Hold high cards only if they’re close to a meld — otherwise they’re heavy deadwood.
Variants
Oklahoma Gin · Straight Gin · Hollywood Gin
Gin Rummy — frequently asked questions
What is the difference between knocking and Gin?
You ‘knock’ when your deadwood is 10 or less to end the round. ‘Gin’ is knocking with zero deadwood, which earns a 25-point bonus.
What is an undercut in Gin Rummy?
If the defender’s deadwood is equal to or lower than the knocker’s, they undercut — scoring the difference plus a bonus instead of the knocker.
Can I play Gin Rummy free online?
Yes — free in your browser at Love Card Games vs a smart bot or a friend, no download or signup.