Rummy Terms Glossary: Key Words Explained
New to rummy and tripping over the terminology? This glossary explains the key rummy terms in plain English, so the rules and strategy guides make complete sense. Bookmark it as a quick reference. To learn the game itself, see how to play rummy and the full Lotus365 rummy guide.
For players aged 18+ where skill gaming is permitted. Play responsibly — see responsible gaming.
Core rummy terms
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Sequence (run) | Three or more consecutive cards of the same suit. |
| Pure sequence | A sequence formed without a joker. You need at least one to declare. |
| Impure sequence | A sequence completed using a joker as a substitute. |
| Set (group) | Three or four cards of the same rank in different suits. |
| Meld | A valid sequence or set you’ve formed from your cards. |
| Joker | A wild card that can substitute for any card in a set or impure sequence. |
| Wild joker | A random card chosen at the start; all cards of that rank act as jokers. |
| Printed joker | The joker card that comes in the deck. |
Play and turn terms
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Closed deck | The face-down pile you draw an unknown card from. |
| Open deck (discard pile) | The face-up pile of discarded cards you can pick from. |
| Draw | Picking a card from the closed or open deck at the start of your turn. |
| Discard | Placing an unwanted card on the open pile to end your turn. |
| Declare | Finishing the game by showing a valid hand of sequences and sets. |
| Deadwood | Unmatched cards not part of any sequence or set — they count as points against you. |
| Drop | Leaving a deal early for a fixed penalty instead of playing a weak hand. |
Scoring and format terms
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Points | Penalty value of unmatched cards: face cards and aces 10 each, number cards face value (usually capped at 80). |
| First drop | Dropping before picking any card — the lowest penalty (~20). |
| Middle drop | Dropping after starting your turn — a higher penalty (~40). |
| Points rummy | A single fast deal where each point has a set value. |
| Pool rummy | Play until your score crosses a limit (101 or 201) and you’re eliminated. |
| Deals rummy | A fixed number of deals; most chips at the end wins. |
| Invalid declaration | Declaring without a valid hand (e.g., no pure sequence) — usually a full penalty. |
Keep learning
Learn how to play rummy, the points, pool and deals formats, when to drop, and read the full rummy guide. Compare card games in rummy vs poker. Create your Lotus365 ID to begin.
FAQs
What is the difference between a sequence and a set?
A sequence is consecutive cards of the same suit; a set is three or four cards of the same rank in different suits.
What is deadwood in rummy?
Unmatched cards that aren’t part of any sequence or set — they count as penalty points if you lose.
What is a pure sequence?
A sequence formed without any joker. You need at least one pure sequence to make a valid declaration.
What does it mean to declare?
To finish the game by showing a complete, valid hand of sequences and sets.
What is the difference between the closed and open deck?
The closed deck is face-down (you draw an unknown card); the open deck is the face-up discard pile.
What is an invalid declaration?
Declaring without a valid hand, such as missing a pure sequence — it usually carries a full penalty.
