Overview

Rummikub is a tile-based game combining elements of rummy and mahjong, designed by Ephraim Hertzano in the 1940s. Players draw and play numbered tiles in sets (groups or runs) to empty their racks. The game’s signature mechanic is tile manipulation: rearranging existing sets on the table to accommodate new plays. The first player to play all tiles from their rack wins the round.

Components

• 106 tiles: 104 numbered tiles (numbers 1-13 in four colors: blue, red, orange, black, each number appearing twice) plus 2 joker tiles
• 4 tile racks (one per player)
• 1 rules sheet

Setup

1. Place all 106 tiles face-down on the table and mix them thoroughly.
2. Each player takes a rack.
3. Each player draws 14 tiles and places them on their rack.
4. Remaining tiles form the draw pool.
5. Players reveal one tile each; the highest number goes first (return tiles to pool and redraw if needed).
6. Play proceeds clockwise.

Turn Structure

On each turn, a player must either:

1. Play tiles from their rack onto the table in valid sets, OR
2. Draw one tile from the pool if unable or unwilling to play.

There is a 1-minute time limit per turn.

Actions

Initial Meld: A player’s first play must consist of one or more sets whose tile values total at least 30 points (some editions use 40). These points must come entirely from the player’s rack; tiles already on the table cannot be used for the initial meld.

Valid Sets:

• Groups: 3 or 4 tiles of the same number in different colors (e.g., red 7, blue 7, black 7).
• Runs: 3 or more consecutive numbers in the same color (e.g., blue 3, blue 4, blue 5, blue 6).

Adding Tiles: After completing the initial meld, a player may add tiles from their rack to existing sets on the table (e.g., adding a 4th tile to a group, or extending a run).

Manipulation: The key advanced action. After the initial meld, players may rearrange tiles already on the table to create new valid sets that accommodate tiles from their rack. All sets on the table must be valid at the end of the turn. Minimum set size is always 3 tiles.

Example Manipulations:

• Split a run of 6 into two runs of 3 to insert tiles into each.
• Remove a tile from a group of 4 (leaving a valid group of 3) and use it in a new set.
• Combine tiles from multiple existing sets with rack tiles to form new sets.

Jokers: A joker can substitute for any tile in a set. A joker on the table can be replaced by the tile it represents, but the player must immediately use the retrieved joker in a new set on the same turn. Joker penalty: 30 points if left on rack at round end.

Scoring / Victory Conditions

Round End: The round ends when one player empties their rack and calls “Rummikub!”

Scoring:

• The winner scores the total value of all tiles remaining on opponents’ racks.
• Losers score negative points equal to the total value of tiles remaining on their own racks.
• Jokers left on a rack count as 30 points (penalty).

Play continues for an agreed number of rounds. The player with the highest cumulative score wins.

Special Rules & Edge Cases

• If the draw pool is exhausted and no player can play, the player with the lowest total tile value on their rack wins the round.
• The 1-minute time limit per turn keeps the game moving. If a player cannot complete their manipulation within the time limit, they must return all tiles to their original positions and draw a penalty tile.
• Tiles played on the table during a failed manipulation must be returned to their exact prior positions.
• A run cannot wrap around (e.g., 12-13-1 is not valid).
• The number 1 is always low; 13 is always high.
• Groups must have all different colors (no two tiles of the same color in a group).

Player Reference

Initial meld: First play must total 30+ points (or 40+ in some editions) from rack tiles only.

Valid sets: Groups (same number, different colors, 3-4 tiles) or Runs (consecutive numbers, same color, 3+ tiles).

Manipulation: Rearrange table tiles + rack tiles into new valid sets. All sets must be valid at turn end.

Joker: Replaces any tile. Worth 30 penalty points if left on rack. Can be retrieved by playing the tile it represents.

Win: First to empty their rack. Score = opponents’ remaining tile values.