Last Updated on July 31, 2025 by The Official Game Rules Team

Three Thirteen Rummy is a popular variation of Rummy that is played with two or more players over 11 rounds. The game uses a standard deck of 52 playing cards, and players try to form sets and runs to go out with the lowest score. With an increasing number of cards dealt each round and wild cards changing, Three Thirteen adds an exciting twist to classic Rummy gameplay. This page covers the official rules, scoring system, and strategy tips to master the game.

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How to Play Three Thirteen Rummy

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Objective

To have the lowest score at the end of the game by forming valid sets and runs with the cards in your hand.

Setup

1. Players: 2-8 players.
2. Deck: Two standard 52-card decks (104 cards total) including Jokers (optional).
3. Dealer: Select a dealer randomly. The deal rotates clockwise after each round.

Card Values

• Jokers (if used): 15 points each
• Aces: 1 point each
• Face cards (K, Q, J): 10 points each
• Number cards (2-10): Face value

Gameplay

Rounds and Deal

1. Round 1: Each player is dealt 3 cards, and the wild card is the 3.
2. Round 2: Each player is dealt 4 cards, and the wild card is the 4.
3. Continue this pattern until:
4. Round 11: Each player is dealt 13 cards, and the wild card is the King.

Turns

1. Drawing a Card: On their turn, a player must draw one card from either the draw pile or the discard pile.
2. 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♠).
3. Laying Off: After melding, the player can also add cards to their own or other players’ existing melds on the table.
4. 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

1. 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.
2. End of Round: The player who goes out scores zero points for that round.
3. Wild Cards: Wild cards can be used as substitutes for any card but carry a higher point penalty if left in the hand.

Winning the Game

• The game is typically played over 11 rounds.
• The player with the lowest cumulative score at the end of the final round wins.

Notes/Variations

• Wild Cards: The wild card for each round is determined by the number of cards dealt. For example, in the first round, threes are wild; in the second round, fours are wild, and so on.
• Jokers: If Jokers are included, they are always wild and can be used to substitute any card in a set or run.

Three Thirteen offers a dynamic and challenging gameplay experience, making it a popular choice for Rummy enthusiasts.