What is Pool Rummy?

Pool Rummy is a type of Indian Rummy that involves a fixed entry fee paid by players, which is added to the prize pool. This particular variation is known for being the longest version of the game and comes in two formats: 101 pool and 201 pool. In both formats, players are eliminated from the game once their score reaches 101 points or 201 points, respectively.

In Classic Rummy, the number of winnings for a Pool Rummy game is determined using the following formula:

Winnings = [Entry Fee X Number of Players] - Classic Rummy Fee.

How to Play 101 & 201 Pool Rummy Game?

There are two variants of Pool Rummy: 101 rummy and 201 rummy. The aim of the game is to ensure that a player's score remains below 101 or 201, depending on the variant being played. Players can decide how much they want to wager before the game starts.

Although the gameplay of Pool Rummy is similar to Points Rummy, it stands out from other versions as players can be eliminated. Let's examine this game in more detail.

• Cards and Players: Typically, 2 to 6 players participate in a game of Pool Rummy using one or two standard decks of 52 cards each, along with one Joker per deck. The Joker plays a vital role in the game.
• Toss and Dealing: Each player is randomly dealt 13 cards one at a time, after a random toss determines the player who will make the first move.
• The Objective of the Game: The primary objective of the game is to arrange cards into sequences or sets and make a valid declaration. To do so, players must have at least two sequences, with one of them being a pure sequence. The remaining cards should be arranged in sequences or sets.
• The key to winning Pool Rummy is to keep the score as low as possible and avoid reaching the maximum limit of 101 points (in 101 pool) or 201 points (in 201 pool). The player who reaches this limit is eliminated, and the game is won by the last player remaining at the table.
• Gameplay: After dealing the cards, the remaining cards are placed face down on the table to create the closed deck, and the top card from the closed deck is placed face up on the table to form the open deck.
• On their turn, players draw a card from either the closed deck or the open deck and discard one card to the open deck. The goal is to arrange the cards into sets or sequences and declare by discarding the 14th card into the "Finish Slot." The player who successfully meets the game's objective first is declared the winner.

Pool Rummy Rules

• The player (s) with the least score at the end of the game is declared the winner
• In a winning hand, one pure sequence and one impure sequence is mandatory.
• The player who places a successful show gets zero points the other player(s) gets a score that is equal to the sum of the values of their cards that are not part of a valid sequence or a set.
• With two decks in use, you cannot use the same card twice in a set.
• The scores get added up at the end of every round. A player is eliminated once their score reaches 101/201 or more.
• If the players leave the table in between the game, they will have to forgo their entry fee.
• If a player is disconnected, the auto play feature will turn on for 3 rounds in a 6-player table and 5 rounds in a 2-player table and then the game will be dropped.
• Split Option: Among all the variants of rummy, only Pool Rummy allows players to split the prize money based on their drop counts. In 101 Pool, the 'Split' feature can be used when the total score of all players at the end of the final round is 61 or higher. Similarly, in 201 Pool, players can choose this option when the total score is 151 or higher. However, it's important to note that the 'Split' feature can only be used when all players mutually agree to it. If any player refuses to split the prize money, this option cannot be utilized.
• 2-Player Auto Split: In a 101/201 game with more than two players, when only two players are left at the table and each has a game count higher than 80 for 101 and 175 for 201, the prize will be automatically split between the two.
• 3-Player Auto Split: In a 101/201 game with more than three players, when three players are left at the table and each has a count higher than 80 for 101 and 175 for 201, the prize will be automatically split between the three. A 3-Player Auto Split can also be applicable for a game that started off with three players, and one of them rejoined after getting knocked off.
• Manual Split and 2-Player Manual Split: If both players agree to the manual split, the prize will be proportionately distributed amongst the two. This is applicable to 101 and 201 regular tables that start off with more than three players.
• 3-Player Manual Split: A 3-Player Manual Split can also be applicable for a game that started off with three players, and one of them rejoined after getting knocked off.
• The condition is that the difference in the number of drops possible for any two of the three players should not be greater than 2 during a game. If all three players agree to the manual split, the prize will be proportionately distributed amongst the three.

How is Score Calculated in Pool Rummy?

Pool Rummy is a game that aims to achieve the lowest score possible and avoid surpassing the maximum pool limit of 101 points (in 101 pool) or 201 points (in 201 pool). The winner of the game receives zero points, while the losing players earn points based on the ungrouped cards in their hands.

Face cards (Ks, Qs, Js) and Aces (A's) have a value of 10 points each, while numbered cards (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10) have a value equal to their face value. Jokers (printed/wild) have zero points.

In a Pool Rummy game, the prize money is distributed among players based on their drop counts. The "Split" option is available in 101 Pool Rummy when the total score of all players is 61 or more, and in 201 Pool when the total score is 151 or more. However, this option can only be used if all players agree to split the prize money.

The winner's score is calculated using the formula:

Winnings = (Entry fee X Number of players) - Classic Rummy fee.