The Tradition of Playing Online Rummy in India
Card Games in India
Back in the fifteenth century, the symbols King, Queen, Knight, Jack and Fool were found in card games in Europe. The origin of playing cards continues to be a subject of debate among scholars but there have been several theories that show proof of older cards in China, India, Korea, Persia, or Egypt. In India, the earliest mention of card games was in Mughal Emperor Babur’s memoirs in the sixteenth century. The Mughals played a card game called Ganjifa with circular-shaped playing cards.
Since then, card games have been an integral part of Indian heritage and culture. The older circular cards gave way to rectangular ones and the design underwent many changes: from cards depicting Lord Vishnu’s Dashavatar to paintings by Raja Ravi Verma; and from Dilkhus playing cards by Kamala Soap Factory in Kolkata to the present-day cards consisting of 52 cards and having four standard patterns – hearts, spades, diamonds, and clubs.
Card games are quite a popular pastime for Indians. Ranging from a light-hearted game called “Donkey” to strategic games like Poker and BlackJack, card games have mass appeal in India.
Leading the pack in terms of popularity is Indian Rummy, also known in colloquial terms as Paplu. The Indian Rummy is a pack-and-discard game played amongst two or more players (upto 6). If there are more than two players it is advisable to use two playing decks. The player that “declares” a sequence or a set first is the winner.
Indian Rummy and Its Popularity
A game of Rummy is a great way to break the ice amongst strangers. A round of Rummy can help you relax and forget your woes at the end of a long tiring day.
In many Indian families, Rummy is associated with a particular festival or occasion like Diwali, Janmashtami, or Ganesh Chaturthi. During these times of fun and joy, the entire extended family gets together to play cards. Often the games continue well past midnight. Happy memories are made. Although it’s all in good spirit, players are serious about the money they win or lose, and arguments break out at the drop of a hat.
Even though Indian Rummy has been a source of entertainment for generations of Indians, its popularity was dwindling a few years ago. This is because Gen Z could not connect to the game either in form or medium.
Right at that time, online rummy platforms broke onto the scene and revived the popularity of the game. And how! According to a report by Money Control, there are over six crore online rummy players in India.
[ Also Read About: Why Are Traditional Indian Card Games So Popular? ]
Online Rummy
The online rummy game can be played anytime, and from anywhere on your smartphone or tablet. All you need to do is download rummy app and ensure that you have a stable internet connection.
Online platforms like Classic Rummy are go-to sites for Indian rummy game lovers. In fact, online rummy is much more exciting than the offline version because it has many innovative variations. One can play Deal Rummy, Points Rummy, and Pool Rummy and also participate in multiplayer games or multi-level tournaments with opponents from across the world.
Not just that, platforms like Classic Rummy offer huge cash prizes and rewards. One can win daily cash prizes, cashback, bonuses, and partner offers. This lures Rummy lovers to shift to the online platform where they can play from the comfort of their homes and win big.
What has given online Rummy apps their biggest boost is the declaration of online rummy as a game of skill by the Supreme Court of India. Online rummy games are now legal in most states of India and can be played safely and securely. Platforms like Classic Rummy have super fast payouts that help in mitigating the perceived risk in these transactions.
Moreover, online rummy rules are the same as those of their offline counterparts and hence, everyone can play online rummy easily without having to learn new rules.
Indian Rummy is back on the popularity charts, albeit in its online avatar. It not only connects one to the traditional rummy game – which is a vital part of our culture – but also enables one to earn legit money on the side. Most platforms offer free games for beginners that can be played to hone rummy skills and prepare one for playing cash games in the big league.
Thanks to its online version, the Indian Rummy Game has survived and even surpassed competition from other means of entertainment. When it comes to mass appeal, the game of Rummy, especially its online version, is the preferred choice for majority of Indians.
