Game guide · FHSYQ
Rummy 500: a guide for your next round
For a calm first round, focus on one decision. Score for cards you meld or lay off, subtract cards left in hand, and reach a total of 500 points. The same rule applies on a phone and on a computer. Use the rule sheet as a reference. Each player starts with 13 cards from one 52-card deck. This version has no jokers. Return to the explanation when a decision is unclear.
One deck, two players, no jokers; open melds and layoffs; low-run Ace = 1, other Ace = 15. Going out need not end with a discard. No out-of-turn calls, deposits or prizes. Current hands save locally.
Practice beyond the first move
Use the rule sheet as a reference. Draw from the stock or select a card in the discard history. Picking a buried discard takes that card and every card above it. The same rule applies on a phone and on a computer.
Your goal
Score for cards you meld or lay off, subtract cards left in hand, and reach a total of 500 points. Check the relevant controls before continuing. For a calm first round, focus on one decision.
The steps to play
- Each player starts with 13 cards from one 52-card deck. This version has no jokers.
- Draw from the stock or select a card in the discard history. Picking a buried discard takes that card and every card above it.
- A buried discard must immediately be used in a new meld or added to an existing meld. The game prevents ending the turn before this is done.
- Select three or more cards and choose Lay selected meld for a same-suit run or a three/four-card set.
- Select one hand card, then tap a table meld to lay off. You earn the value of your own cards even on an opponent’s meld.
- Discard to end a turn. Playing your last card in a meld/layoff can also end the hand. The stock running out ends the hand for scoring.
- Round points equal melded value minus remaining hand value. Aces count 15 except in an A–2–3 low run, where they count 1. Number cards count face value; faces count 10.
- Continue until a player reaches 500 with a higher score. A tie continues. No out-of-turn Rummy calls are used.
How your actions work
Tap a card to select it. Use the labelled pile and action buttons. Sort by rank or suit; the hand wraps onto additional rows on a phone. Open Discard history to choose a buried card. Use another round to revisit a decision. Use the rule sheet as a reference.
An example before you play
If you meld 52 points and retain 17 points, your round score is +35. If a buried 7♥ is taken, it must be used immediately, for example with 5♥ and 6♥. The same rule applies on a phone and on a computer.
Avoid this misunderstanding
Before making a move, check the cards in view. Cards above a buried discard also enter your hand. Picking up a large pile can cost points if you cannot play those extra cards. Use another round to revisit a decision.
Questions that come up during play
What is the aim?
Score for cards you meld or lay off, subtract cards left in hand, and reach a total of 500 points. Work at your own pace. Take the next action only when the current step is clear.
How do I use the controls?
Tap a card to select it. Use the labelled pile and action buttons. Sort by rank or suit; the hand wraps onto additional rows on a phone. Open Discard history to choose a buried card. Use the rule sheet as a reference. Take the next action only when the current step is clear.
Which format is available?
One deck, two players, no jokers; open melds and layoffs; low-run Ace = 1, other Ace = 15. Going out need not end with a discard. No out-of-turn calls, deposits or prizes. Current hands save locally. Before making a move, check the cards in view. Check the relevant controls before continuing.
What should I check before a move?
Cards above a buried discard also enter your hand. Picking up a large pile can cost points if you cannot play those extra cards. Treat this as a chance to practise one rule. Take the next action only when the current step is clear.
Can you give an example?
If you meld 52 points and retain 17 points, your round score is +35. If a buried 7♥ is taken, it must be used immediately, for example with 5♥ and 6♥. Treat this as a chance to practise one rule. The same rule applies on a phone and on a computer.
Can I take a buried discard?
Yes, if that selected card is immediately usable in a meld or layoff. You must take every card above it too. Use the rule sheet as a reference. Check the relevant controls before continuing.
Who scores a card added to another player’s meld?
The player who laid that card earns its value. Card ownership is tracked separately from the table meld. Begin with the objective. Use another round to revisit a decision.
Can scores become negative?
Yes. If remaining hand value exceeds your meld points, the difference is subtracted from your match total. For a calm first round, focus on one decision. Check the relevant controls before continuing.
Must I discard to go out?
Not in this version. Melding or laying off the final card also ends the hand. Before making a move, check the cards in view. Check the relevant controls before continuing.
What happens when the stock ends?
The hand is scored using melded cards minus remaining cards for both players. Begin with the objective. Check the relevant controls before continuing.