16.02.2022 - Rummy is the king of all skill-based games. Thanks to the game’s popularity, several variants exist across the world. However, the basic rules remain the same, and it requires players to arrange and meld cards to form relevant sequences and sets. Players must constantly strategize to discard and pick the right cards. It would not be easy to find people who haven’t had a run-in with rummy.
Thanks to the introduction of the Internet and the latest technologies, rummy is now enjoyed online on mobile devices. You can play rummy anywhere and anytime by downloading the game on your smartphone. Today, it is possible to spend endless hours playing rummy with real-life online players for free or earn money. Tournaments and cash battles keep the game exciting and make players come back for more.
While the rummy madness is at an all-time high and more people are joining the fun, you might be wondering where it all began. If that’s what you are thinking, you are in the right place. Here’s a guide tracing the history and evolution of rummy.
Rummy’s History
The history of the classic rummy game is as intriguing as the game itself. The game has evolved from Conquian, prevalent in the mid-19th century.
The earliest origins of Conquian traces back to Mexico, and it is said that over the years, the game spread to several parts of America and then the rest of the globe. The name is likely from the Spanish phrase con quien, which means ‘with whom.’ Conquian is believed to be the first instance of rummy, and the other variants of the game have developed from this version.
However, the Spanish connection of rummy might be the most widely accepted proposition, but it isn’t the only belief. Many people believe the origin of rummy is related to North America or Europe.
Another school of thought traces rummy’s origin to Asia. Almost a thousand years ago, a game called Mahjong existed in China. People played the game in the exact pick-and-drop style of rummy, which developed the basis of the assertion that rummy might have originated from China.
In the 19th-century, the same game went by other names like Kon Khin and Khanhoo. However, the Chinese people loved the game, and therefore, the rummy game might have originated in Asia and then reached the subcontinent of India.
There’s another popular theory speculating the evolution of rummy from Hanafuda, a Japanese game. The game was developed by the Portuguese people when they traveled to Japan.
The rummy game also existed at the time of World War 1. The newspapers in Hungary reported the presence of the game. However, the game is thought to have emerged around 1915 at coffee shops in Budapest City. The game quickly became a favorite of denizens, so it must have existed during WW1.
Is Rummy Linked To Poker?
Similar to the tales of the Spanish immigrants in America who brought the rummy game, many theories exist that link rummy to poker.
A form of poker, known as whiskey poker, is similar to the rummy version played today. But then, the game started to be called rum poker and became known as rummy.
Why Did Rummy Quickly Become A Popular Game?
Rummy is a straightforward game. The rules are easy to pick up. The game requires four to six players and a deck of cards. However, don’t let the deceivingly simple appearance of the game fool you. It takes a lot of strategizing and skills to meld cards and form relevant sets.
The rummy game is known to throw challenges and keep the players interested. Players need to apply their skills and mental resources to meld the cards and beat opponents. The game was an attractive option to keep oneself entertained when there were limited entertainment options. That’s why the game raked in a lot of appreciation during the 19230s, and Hollywood celebrities also started to have rummy game nights with a lot of enthusiasm.
The game’s popularity witnessed a massive surge during the Great Depression and the coronavirus pandemic. This is because masses of people stay indoors and entertain themselves by playing games.
Modern Rummy Game Of Today
The origin stories of rummy are so many that it cannot be said which one is the correct theory. However, the game’s popularity isn’t a hoax because the game is played today across the globe. Thanks to technology, there are various rummy gaming apps available for download. You can play rummy games with your friends or online players in real-time. There’s no need to carry a deck of cards anymore because your smartphone with an Internet connection is enough.
Most of the rummy gaming apps allow free practice leagues for pure entertainment and making virtual friends. Furthermore, some ongoing contests and tournaments experienced rummy players participate in and win cash rewards. Whatever your choice, stay assured that rummy games will keep you entertained.
Wrapping Up
While the history and origin of rummy might seem like old wives tales because there are several versions in existence, the game’s popularity is undeniable. The game has evolved from a simple deck of cards into an online sensation. The rummy variants you must check out are 13 rummy and 21 rummy. These two variations are the most popular among the rest. So, download the rummy game app right away and get your fill of the fun.
