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Official Kaluki Rummy (Kalookie) Rules
Kaluki Rummy, also known as Caloochi or Kalooki 40, is a popular card game that combines elements of traditional Rummy with unique scoring and gameplay mechanics.
Objective
To be the first player to reach a predetermined score by forming sets or runs with your cards and going out (discarding all cards from your hand).
Setup
1. Determine Dealer: Choose a dealer randomly. The dealer shuffles the deck and deals the cards.
2. Deal Cards: Each player is dealt 13 cards. The remaining cards are placed face down in the center to form the draw pile. The top card of the draw pile is turned face up next to it to start the discard pile.
3. First Player: The player to the left of the dealer goes first.
Card Values
Jokers: 15 points each
Aces: 11 points each (can also be 1 point when forming sequences)
Face cards (K, Q, J): 10 points each
Number cards (2-10): Face value
*When used in a meld to substitute for another card, the joker takes on the point value of the card it represents. It counts 15 penalty points when in the hand of a player at the end of play.*
Gameplay
Drawing a Card: On their turn, a player must draw one card from either the draw pile or the discard pile.
Melding: After drawing, the player can lay down any valid melds from their hand. A meld can be either a set or a run:
Set: Three or four cards of the same rank (e.g., 7♦ 7♠ 7♣).
Run: Three or more consecutive cards of the same suit (e.g., 4♠ 5♠ 6♠). Aces can be high or low but cannot bridge high and low (e.g., Q♠ K♠ A♠ or A♠ 2♠ 3♠, but not K♠ A♠ 2♠).
Laying Off: After melding, the player can also add cards to their own or other players' existing melds on the table.
Discarding: At the end of their turn, the player must discard one card to the discard pile.
Going Out
A player goes out when they have successfully melded or laid off all their cards, with one card remaining to discard. The round ends immediately when a player goes out.
Scoring
Points for Remaining Cards: Players score points for the cards remaining in their hand when another player goes out. The points are added to their score.
End of Round: The player who goes out scores zero points for that round.
Winning the Game
The game is typically played over multiple rounds. A common end condition is reaching a certain score threshold (e.g., 100 points), at which point the player with the lowest score wins.
Alternatively, players can agree to play a set number of rounds, and the player with the lowest total score at the end wins.
Notes/Variations
Special Rules
Jokers: Jokers are wild cards and can be used to represent any card in a meld. However, a meld cannot consist solely of Jokers.
Initial Meld Requirement: Some variations require players to meet an initial meld requirement (e.g., 51 points) to lay down their first meld.
Reshuffling the Discard Pile: If the draw pile is exhausted, the discard pile (except the top card) is reshuffled to form a new draw pile.
Strategy Tips
Focus on Low-Value Cards: Try to get rid of high-value cards early to minimize points if someone else goes out.
Observe Opponents: Keep track of cards being discarded and picked up by opponents to gauge their strategy and needs.
Use Jokers Wisely: Jokers are powerful; use them to complete crucial melds but be mindful of their high point value if left in hand.
Variations
Contract Kaluki: Players must complete specific contracts (predefined sets and runs) in each round.
Double Deck Kaluki: Uses two decks plus four Jokers for more complex and longer games.
Kaluki Rummy offers a blend of strategy and luck, making it an engaging game for players of all skill levels.
