What is Rummikub?

Rummikub is a popular tile-based board game that combines elements of rummy and mahjong. It was invented by Ephraim Hertzano, a Romanian-Israeli immigrant, in the 1940s and has since become a worldwide sensation. Rummikub is often considered a family game and is suitable for players of various ages.

The game is typically played with 2 to 4 players and includes 106 tiles, each with a number ranging from 1 to 13 in four different colors (usually black, red, blue, and yellow). Each number appears twice in each color. In addition to the numbered tiles, there are two joker tiles that can be used as substitutes for any other tile.

Game Rules

The objective of Rummikub is to be the first player to use all of their tiles by creating sets and runs on the table. A set consists of three or four tiles of the same number but different colors, and a run is a sequence of at least three consecutive tiles of the same color.

At the beginning of the game, players draw tiles and take turns trying to form valid sets and runs on the table. Once a player has made their initial meld (played a set or run), they can also manipulate existing melds on the table. Players can add tiles to existing sets and runs or split and rearrange them to create new combinations.

Rummikub is a game of strategy and planning, as players need to be observant of their opponent's moves and adapt their own strategies accordingly. The joker tiles add an element of unpredictability to the game, making it more challenging and exciting.

The game continues until one player successfully plays all their tiles, at which point they win the round and score points based on the remaining tiles in the opponents' racks. The first player to reach a certain number of points (usually 200 or 300) wins the overall game.