Liverpool Rummy is a fun variation of the Rummy card game that involves strategy, skill, and a little bit of luck as well. It’s embraced in many countries with the US being one of them, however, who would have known that Liverpool Rummy could almost rock at your next Thanksgiving or festival? The game is always interesting because of the incorporation of its various rounds and various card contracts. Hence regardless of your experience in Rummy.
What is Liverpool Rummy?
Liverpool Rummy is a card game played in progressive rounds. The objective in every hit is to fill a ‘contract’ of certain cards. It is played with a normal deck of cards and normally requires at least three players to play their points. The goal in each round is to be the first to complete your contract by forming sets (cards with the same value) and sequences (consecutive cards of the same suit), all while keeping your points as low as possible. The nature of contracts is that they replace the old one with a new one which makes the game all the more interesting.
Liverpool Rummy however is one of the rummy games which has more easy to master methods since it uses extra Jokers and special rules that are not found in other Rummy games. Master the 21 cards Rummy rules to excel in this intricate game variation.
How to Play Liverpool Rummy?
Liverpool Rummy is best enjoyed with 3 to 8 players. There are no teams here—everyone plays for themselves!
Decks:
- For 3-4 players, use two standard decks of 52 cards, with two Jokers each.
- For 5-8 players, use three decks, with either 108 or 162 cards including Jokers.
Card Ranks:
- The cards rank from high to low: K, Q, J, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2.
- Aces can be high (above a King) or low (below a 2), but they can’t be both in the same sequence.
- Jokers are wild cards and can replace any card.
The Deal:
- Deciding the Dealer: Shuffle and cut the cards. Each player draws one card, and whoever has the lowest card deals the first round. After each round, the dealer role moves to the left.
- Rounds and Cards:
- The game has seven rounds.
- In the first four rounds, each player gets 10 cards.
- In the final three rounds, each player gets 12 cards.
Stock and Discard Piles:
- The rest of the cards form the stockpile (face down), with the top card placed face up next to it as the discard pile.
Gameplay
The player to the left of the dealer goes first. The goal is to complete the contract for that round by creating the right sets and sequences.
Melds:
- Set: Three cards of the same value (e.g., 5♠, 5♥, 5♣).
- Sequence: Four cards of the same suit in order (e.g., 10♠, J♠, Q♠, K♠).
Turn Structure:
- Draw: You start by drawing a card from the stockpile or the discard pile.
- Meld: If you can, lay down your sets and sequences.
- Discard: End your turn by discarding a card.
Ending the Round:
The round ends when one player completes their contract and discards their last card. Other players get points for the cards still in their hands, and the player with the lowest total score after seven rounds wins!
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Liverpool Rummy Rules
Contracts by Round:
- Round 1 (10 cards): Two sets.
- Round 2 (10 cards): One set, one sequence.
- Round 3 (10 cards): Two sequences.
- Round 4 (10 cards): Three sets.
- Round 5 (12 cards): Two sets, one sequence.
- Round 6 (12 cards): One set, two sequences.
- Round 7 (12 cards): Three sequences.
Special Rules:
- Sequences: Must be of different suits and cannot overlap.
- Laying Off: You must complete the contract for the round before adding any extra cards to other players’ melds.
- Buying: If you want a card from the discard pile out of turn, you can “buy” it by taking that card plus an extra one from the stockpile as a penalty.
- Jokers: Jokers can be swapped out of a sequence if the correct card is available and then reused in a new sequence.
- Aces: Aces can be high or low, but they can’t wrap around (you can’t go King-Ace-2).
Penalties:
- If you can’t complete the required melds, you get a 50-point penalty.
- A perfect cut (cutting exactly the number of cards needed) reduces your score by 50 points!
Running Out of Cards:
- If the stockpile runs out, the discard pile is reshuffled to form a new stockpile.
Example Hands of Liverpool Rummy
These are some sample hands to show what contracts might look like during the game:
- Round One Contract (Two Sets):
- 8♠ 8♥ 8♦
- J♥ J♦ J♠
- Round Two Contract (One Set, One Sequence):
- K♣ K♦ K♥
- 6♥ 7♥ 8♥ 9♥
- Round Three Contract (Two Sequences):
- 6♣ 7♣ 8♣ 9♣
- J♦ Q♦ K♦ A♦
Scoring in Liverpool Rummy Card Game
At the end of each round, players record their scores based on the cards left in their hands. The goal is to have the lowest score.
Card Point Values:
- Cards 2 through 9: Face value
- 10, J, Q, K: 10 points each
- Aces: 15 points
- Jokers: 15 points
Strategy Tips for Playing Liverpool Rummy
- Play Low-Value Cards: Keep sets and sequences with lower points to avoid a big score.
- Smart Joker Use: Use Jokers carefully since they carry a high point value.
- Watch Discards: If you suspect an opponent needs a certain card, discard something else to block them.
- Discard with Caution: Don’t give away a card that might lead someone to buy it and gain an advantage.
Final Thoughts:
Liverpool Rummy is a game that will keep everyone entertained for hours. It’s perfect for adding some friendly competition to your next card session. Gather your friends and give it a shot—you’ll be glad you did!
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FAQ’s on Liverpool Rummy
1. How many cards do players get in Liverpool Rummy?
In the first four rounds, each player gets 10 cards, and in the last three rounds, they get 12 cards.
2. How many decks do players use in Liverpool Rummy?
For games with 3-4 players, players use 2 decks, while games with 5-8 players require 3 decks.
3. Who picks from the discard pile in Liverpool Rummy?
The player whose turn it is can pick up the card from the discard pile. Other players can buy the discarded card after their turn by paying a certain amount.
