13 Card Rummy vs 21 Card Rummy
Rummy is an exciting card game that has several variants. When it comes to fun and entertainment, all the different types of rummy games have their own characteristics.
As popular as the 13-Card Rummy game is, the 21-Card Rummy game has also been extremely popular in many Indian households. 13 Card Rummy vs 21 Card Rummy has been a topic of discussion on which format is better, but both of them have the same enjoyment levels.
Key Similarities and Differences Between 13 and 21 Card rummy
When discussing 13 card rummy vs 21 card rummy, here are the similarities and differences for each. The main difference between 13 card rummy & 21 card rummy is the usage of jokers.
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13 Card Rummy |
21 Card Rummy |
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1-2 decks of cards are used |
3 decks of cards are used |
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2-6 players |
2-6 players |
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13 cards are dealt |
21 cards are dealt |
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At least one Pure sequence has to be made. The Rest can be arranged into valid sets or sequences |
At least 3 Pure sequences have to be made. The remaining cards can be arranged into valid sets or sequences. |
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Initial drop out of the game without playing a single hand attracts a 20-point penalty. If a player drops out after the first hand, then it attracts a 40-point penalty. |
In 21-Card Rummy, the initial drop out of the game will hand you a 30-point penalty. If a player drops out after the first hand, then it attracts a 75-point penalty. |
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Two cards of the same suit cannot be used to form any sequences or sets |
Two cards of the same suit cannot be used to form any sequences or sets |
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In 13-Card Rummy, a pure sequence can only be formed by combining a run of three cards of the same suite. |
In 21-Card Rummy, three cards of the same suit and the same value are called a ‘Tunnela’. This can also be used as a pure sequence. Ex: 5♥ 5♥ 5♥ |
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In the 13-Card Rummy variant, jokers are either in printed form or as a cut joker from the pile. Jokers can be used to substitute any card, and is important to form impure sequences. Jokers cannot be used to form pure sequences. |
In the 21-Card Rummy variant, there are upper and lower jokers assigned. If the cut-joker is a 4♦, then the upper joker is the 5♦ and the lower joker is the 3♦. The upper and lower jokers must be of the same suite as the cut-joker. The Upper and Lower jokers can also be used to substitute any card to form impure sequences. |
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Apart from pure sequences and impure sequences (including triplets), there are no other forms of cards. All sets and sequences in the 13-card variant must be of 3 or more cards. |
Apart from Tunella, in 21-Card Rummy, you can also form a ‘Dublee’. A dublee is formed when two cards of the same value and the same suits are paired together. For Ex: 8♣ 8♣. Jokers cannot be used to make dublees. However two ‘printed jokers’ can be grouped together to form a valid Dublee. |
Debating over 13 Card Rummy vs 21 Card Rummy is like ‘apples’ to ‘oranges’. While the 13 Card Rummy is a quicker and more agile format of the game, the 21 Card Rummy requires more concentration and attention-to-detail. 13 Card Rummy is easier to understand and simpler to teach new players, whilst 21 Card Rummy may be more detailed, but also more skilful. Both formats of the rummy game are exciting and vastly enjoyed in many Indian households, making it the favorite card game.
