Tracing the Origins of Rummy Online

January 15, 2010

Rummy is considered to be the third most popular game in the world.
Perhaps, this popularity stems from the fact that rummy has been a family game since time immemorial, an activity you could believe to be as old as the hills!
Such is the popularity of the game that even your teens today would jump at the prospect of challenging their minds and competitive skills with a Rummy500 tournament!
Of course, today’s kids would find the prospect of playing rummy online at sites like rummyroyal.com more appealing rather than sitting around a table and playing a quaint card game the traditional way.
Besides, you can play rummy online with like minded players and at a very furious pace rather than having to depend on players sitting around a table who might take frequent breaks and crack jokes that don’t make sense to you.

Numerous theories have been floated about the origins of rummy and its variations; all of them may have some element of truth in them.
Different cultures and nations have been credited with the invention of this game. The modern day version of rummy online games may have evolved by the amalgamation of the games played by these different cultures.
I say this because the characteristic pattern of the draw and discard game has endured the test of time.
The main aim of rummy still remains the same – getting rid of the cards in your hand before your opponent does so, by creating runs or sets of your cards.

The Oriental Connection

One theory propounds that the Chinese game of Mahjong was one of the earliest card games to integrate the draw and discard playing pattern.
Other games like ‘Kon Khin’ and ‘Khanhoo’ dating back to the 18^th century have similarities with rummy and poker.
These games spread swiftly around the world along with the Chinese immigrants and were also popularized by the British and Portuguese traders who got familiar with the games on their visits to China.

The Spanish Lineage of Rummy Online

Many believe rummy to have originated from the Spanish game ‘Conquian’ that the Spaniards enjoyed centuries ago, which was later brought to Mexico.
Yet others believed that it was the other way round – the game in fact originated in Mexico and was later passed on to the rest of the world.
In the latter part of the 18^th century, it is believed that Conquian traveled to America, beginning with Texas.
In America however, the game was known as ‘Coon Can’, ‘Coon-King’ or ‘Conkin’.

The term ‘Rummy’ has an interesting history.
As Conquian spread to England, it was tagged ‘Rum’, referring to anything odd, queer or strange.
The English name was brought to the US by people who traveled between England and America, which was then accepted all through the world as Rummy.

Another theory suggests that Coon Can originated in the US and was later brought to Mexico and called Conquian, a Spanish word that sounded like the American name.

Rummy Online Has its Roots in Poker

Some presume Rummy has its roots in the game of Poker.
This inference may have been drawn since both the games have similarities in the playing structure.
It was believed to have been started by French settlers in the American continent. Three-of-a-kind in Poker is greatly similar to the Rummy set while the straight in Poker is much the same as a run in Rummy.
The game of Whiskey Poker went through a name change when people began calling it ‘Rum Poker’ and ‘Rum’ which later evolved into ‘Rummy’, as it is known today.

The Origins of Gin Rummy Online

Among the numerous variations of rummy online games, Gin Rummy is probably the most popular.
Gin rummy is said to have originated from the older version known as Knock Rummy.
Elwood T. Baker in1909 created this variation of rummy and named it after the alcoholic drink ‘Gin’ on his son’s suggestion.
Gin Rummy was greatly accepted and played till 1930 after which it almost disappeared from the gaming scenes till 1941.
Hollywood film stars were crucial in reviving the game in the forties as they enjoyed this game on the sets, between filming.

The great depression was also another reason for the popularity of Gin rummy. Lacking financial resources for entertainment during that period, people preferred to enjoy the affordable game of Gin Rummy with friends and family.
Ever since, the popularity of Gin rummy has never looked back.
Today, you find thousands people playing Gin Rummy online, having a great time and making some serious money as well.

The history of Gin Rummy would be incomplete without mentioning the legend of the game.
Stuart Errol Ungar or ‘Stu Ungar’, as he was popularly known, was one of the best gin rummy players in the world.
Having an excellent memory and the IQ of a genius, Stu Ungar won his first gin rummy tournament at the young age of 10.
During his professional rummy playing days, he beat some of the best players of his time.
He was so successful that no other player wanted to compete against him, which ultimately made him turn to playing Poker, with equal success.

Unfortunately, tracing the history of rummy online is not so easy, since all the theories propounded appear to be feasible.
Many books supporting one theory or the other have been published over the years.
It could be presumed that Rummy has advanced due to its popularity and has journeyed across geographical barriers, in a relay fashion, gathering numerous variations of the game along the way.
But the fact remains that rummy is here to stay.

Today, numerous variations of rummy are being played online and the game’s fan following is increasing by the day.
Adults, who played traditional rummy as kids, are opting to play rummy online. Teenagers are hooked to the game as the present net savvy generation is looking for the thrills and excitement that Rummy and its variants have to offer.
Rummy will always have a special place in the gaming world as it’s a simple game that offers the thrill and excitement that few other card games can match.
If you haven’t tried rummy online yet, it is high time you did so.
At Rummyroyal.com you can play agaist other players online for fun or for real money.
As a bonus to new members, you will get $5 absolutely free when you sign up.
Real money players also get up to $200 free when they make their first deposit.