Seasonal Rummy

January 16, 2010

Seasonal Rummy – you gotta be kidding me!

When someone mentions card games, the first thing that comes to my mind is Rummy!
The funny part is that although I’m not a big fan of rummy, I’m a fairly good player, so I can never resist playing any of the Rummy online variations.
Several rummy variations have shown up in the recent years and I’ve had the opportunity to check out most of them.
Last week my friend Allan purchased a new variant called “Seasons – The Calendar Rummy Game”.
He invited and a couple of friends over to try out this new variant.
What is unique about this particular game is that each player has his own specific deck.
There are other changes to the basic game of rummy, the main one being the addition of a calendar theme.

After trying out the Calendar Rummy Game, I feel I’d prefer any of the simpler versions of rummy that are available online – say Mystery Rummy #4 or the all time favorite Gin Rummy Online.
Although we read and discussed the rules of game, frankly, I found Season rummy too complex. The game overwhelms me completely and every now and then I have to refer to the rules to get a grip on the game.
Ordinarily, people who opt to play rummy want to enjoy a quick game.
With Calendar Rummy, there is a distinct disadvantage on this front as the game takes more than two hours to finish.
Obviously, people who are accustomed to playing rummy online expect a quick result and may not find this rummy variant interesting.

Calendar Rummy also has a complicated scoring card for each player.
I found the scoring process to be long and unmanageable, perhaps because these have to be maintained manually.
Playing rummy online has a distinct advantage – the computer keeps the score for you, reducing the monotony of the game.
A quick card game is a plus if you have nothing to do on a long train journey.
Calendar Rummy would certainly not be your choice to pass the time in such a situation –you’d more likely go for the traditional game of rummy, with a pack of cards.
And, if you have the luxury of a laptop with net connectivity, there are so many rummy online games to choose from like Rummyroyal.com

The only bright side of it I think was the bright and colorful artwork of the Seasons: Calendar Rummy Game.
For rummy fanatics who are looking for something unique, or for collectors, this variant of the game delivers.
In fact, if you stretch things a bit, this game might actually pack a lot of fun; only, you need to get the hang of the game to truly enjoy it.
With rummy online, simplicity is the name of the game!
The graphics are great, they hold your interest and of course, you can enjoy the thrill of the game right from the comforts of your home. Besides, you have a lot of players on the scene.
You could make new friends, pick up a few tricks and tips from the pros or simply share your experience with other like-minded people who love rummy.

Well, as I said, rummy online is my first choice when it comes to card games played on the internet.
But if you are one of those rummy enthusiasts who prefer to try new variations of the game with a bit of challenge, try out progressive rummy.
It is a challenging game, with many twists and turns, guaranteed to exercise your skills at playing rummy.
Progressive rummy is classified under ‘Contract Rummy’ games where you have a specific number of deals comprising a game. Each of these deals (known as contracts) must be met to lay down any cards.

Progressive rummy can be played among a maximum of eight players.
If you are a group of three or four people, you will need 2 decks of cards with three jokers.
3 decks with 2 jokers totaling to 158 cards are required for 5-6 players.
The ideal number of players would be four, whether you are playing progressive rummy online or with a pack of cards.
To begin play the dealer deals 6 cards to each person in the first deal for which you need to make two sets.
7 cards are dealt to each in the second deal for which the players need to make one set and one sequence.
8 cards are dealt in the third deal where two sequences need to be made.
The deals progress in this manner and for deal no.7, players get 12 cards each.
This is the last hand, where three sequences must be made.

Just like any other game of rummy, you draw a card from either the stock or the discard pile. You need to meld or lay the cards when it’s your turn.
To win, you must be the first person to meld or lay out your cards or discard all your cards.
After the last hand, the score is calculated and the player with the lowest score wins the game. Like all other variants of rummy, you can also play progressive rummy online at some of the gaming sites.

Other card games like Poker have become synonymous with Hollywood stars enjoying these games on and off-screen.
With Poker, the glamour quotient has reached a high.
However, games like rummy have also had their share of celebrity status.
Although they may not be creating headlines like Poker, they are quite popular and proven to be addictive among the fans of the game –and these run into thousands.
With most of the popular versions like Gin Rummy and Rummy 500 going online, rummy fanatics have never had it better.
Not only the old-timers, but the newer generation of card players (like me) has been attracted to Rummy online.
So, now you know why I’ going Rummy online!
Check out the site Rummyroyal.com and I’m sure you’ll agree with me that it is the best venue to enjoy the thrills of rummy online.