21 Card Rummy Rules
21 card rummy is the bigger, longer cousin of 13 card rummy. Each player holds 21 cards, three decks are shuffled together, and special card combinations such as tunnelas and marriages earn bonus points. It is closely related to the game called Marriage (or Indian Marriage), which is especially loved in Nepal, Darjeeling and Sikkim.
On this page 8 sections
Local rules vary a lot. No two families seem to play 21 card rummy exactly the same way. The rules below are the most common pattern. Before you deal, agree on the points that change most: how many pure sequences are needed, what counts as a value card, and how many points each bonus is worth.
Quick facts
| Players | 2 to 6 (3 to 5 is common) |
|---|---|
| Cards | Three standard decks with their printed jokers |
| Cards per player | 21 |
| Goal | Arrange all 21 cards into valid groups and declare |
| Card points | Face cards and aces 10 each, number cards their face value, jokers 0 |
The basics carry over from 13 card rummy
If you already know Indian rummy, most of this is familiar. You still build sequences and sets:
- A pure sequence is three or more cards in a row of the same suit, with no joker: 4♠5♠6♠
- An impure sequence uses a joker to fill a gap: 8♦9♦★JKRJ♦
- A set is three or more cards of the same rank. In 21 card rummy, a set normally needs different suits, so K♥K♣K♠ is a set.
On each turn you draw one card (from the closed deck or the open pile) and discard one. You declare when all your cards are arranged correctly.
The special terms
Wild joker and value cards
After the deal, one card is turned up to decide the wild joker. Every card of that rank works as a joker. Printed jokers are wild too.
In 21 card rummy, the cards right next to the wild joker in the same suit are special. Say the wild joker card is the 6♦:
- The upper joker is one rank above, same suit: 7♦
- The lower joker is one rank below, same suit: 5♦
The wild joker card itself (in that suit), the upper joker and the lower joker are called value cards. They can be used as jokers in many versions, and simply holding them earns bonus points at the end of the round.
Marriage
A marriage is the lower joker, the wild joker and the upper joker of the same suit together in one sequence. With the 6♦ as wild joker, the marriage is 5♦6♦7♦. It is a pure sequence and also the most valuable bonus in the game.
Tunnela
A tunnela is three identical cards: same rank and same suit. This is only possible because three decks are used. 9♥9♥9♥ is a tunnela. In most versions a tunnela counts as a pure sequence when checking whether you have enough pure sequences to declare, and it may also earn bonus points.
Dublee
A dublee is a pair of identical cards, like Q♣Q♣. Many versions let a player declare with eight dublees instead of the usual sequences, as a special winning hand. Some groups use seven dublees, and some do not allow it at all.
How to declare
The most common rule is:
- You need at least three pure sequences (tunnelas often count towards this).
- All your other cards must be in valid sequences or sets.
- On your turn, draw your 22nd card, place one card face down as your final discard, and lay out your 21 cards in their groups for everyone to check.
Some groups ask for only two pure sequences, or allow one of the three to be a marriage. Write your agreed rule down before the game starts.
Scoring
When someone makes a valid declaration, the other players count the points in their unarranged cards (cards not in valid groups). Many groups let players who already have their pure sequences ignore those cards and count only what is left over. Value cards and bonuses are then added or subtracted.
There is no single official points table for bonuses. As an illustration, here is one scheme some home groups use. Change the numbers to suit your table.
| Combination | Example bonus |
|---|---|
| Each value card held (upper, lower or wild joker card of the same suit) | small bonus, e.g. 2 to 5 |
| Tunnela | medium bonus, e.g. 5 to 10 |
| Marriage | large bonus, e.g. 10 or more |
| Declaring with eight dublees | agreed bonus |
In traditional Marriage, these value cards are called maal. The wild joker is the tiplu, the card above it is the poplu and the card below is the jhiplu. Cards of the same rank and colour as the tiplu but the other suit (the alter) are value cards too. In that game, the joker card is only revealed to players who have first shown three pure sequences or tunnelas, and only those players can count maal. Bonus values in Marriage differ from village to village and family to family.
If you play several rounds, a points sheet helps. Our printable score sheet has room for multiple players and rounds.
Common variations to agree on
- Number of pure sequences needed to declare: two or three.
- Whether a tunnela counts as a pure sequence.
- Whether sets may contain two identical cards (most say no).
- Whether value cards act as jokers or only earn bonus points.
- Dublee declaration: seven, eight, or not allowed.
- Penalty for a wrong declaration, and a maximum points loss per round.
- Whether the closed deck and open pile can be reshuffled when the deck runs out.
Tips for 21 card rummy
- Focus on your three pure sequences first. Without them you cannot declare at all.
- Keep an eye out for value cards. A card next to the wild joker in its suit is worth keeping even when it does not fit a group yet.
- With three decks, there are three copies of every card. Do not assume a card is gone just because you saw one discarded.
- Discard high cards you cannot use early, to reduce your points if someone else declares first.
Many of the same habits work in the 13 card game, so our beginner tips are worth a read. You can practise sequences and sets in our free 13 card rummy game.
FAQ
How many decks are used in 21 card rummy?
Three standard 52-card decks, usually with their printed jokers. Three decks are needed so that tunnelas (three identical cards) are possible.
What is a tunnela in rummy?
A tunnela is three cards of the same rank and the same suit, such as three 9s of hearts. In most versions it counts as a pure sequence and may earn bonus points.
What is a marriage in 21 card rummy?
A marriage is the lower joker, wild joker and upper joker of the same suit in one sequence. If the 6 of diamonds is the wild joker, the marriage is 5-6-7 of diamonds.
How many pure sequences do you need to declare?
Usually three, and tunnelas often count towards this. Some groups play with two. Agree the rule before the game.
Is 21 card rummy the same as Marriage?
They are closely related and share ideas such as value cards and tunnelas, but Marriage has its own extra rules, like revealing the joker only after showing three pure sequences. Many people use the names loosely for slightly different games.