How to play gin rummy: knocking variation

Learn how to play gin rummy: knocking variation. In this version of Gin, you can end a game by "Knocking."

You Will Need

* Deck of cards
* 2 players

Step 1. Deal

Draw a card to see which of you will be the first dealer. The high card deals. Then shuffle the cards and deal 10 cards each, alternating between players.

Number cards have the value of their number, face cards are worth 10 points, and aces are one point.

Step 2. Understand the goal

Be the first to combine all or most of your cards into “melds.”

Step 3. Meld your cards

Meld your cards by collecting “runs” of three or more sequential cards in the same suit, such as the eight, nine, and 10 of hearts, or “sets” of three or more cards of the same rank, such as three sevens or three jacks.

Step 4. Play

Play gin as you normally would, picking up and discarding cards to form melds.

Step 5. Knocking

End the round by “knocking” when the value of your unmatched cards – those that don’t fit into a meld – is 10 or fewer points. When it’s your turn, discard a card facedown; tap your cards on the table, and say, “Knocking!” Then spread your cards, face up, into their melds.

Step 6. Finish the round

Finish the round by allowing the other player to spread their remaining cards, adding cards to the melds if they can. The knocker is not allowed to add any cards to their opponent’s melds.

Step 7. Score after knocking

Add the total value of the unmatched cards of each player. If the knocker’s score is lower, they are awarded the difference. If the value is equal or the knocker’s hand is higher than the opponent’s, the opponent gets the difference, plus a 10-point bonus.

Step 8. Continue

Continue the game, alternating dealing, until one player reaches 100 points.

FACT: Gin rummy evolved from an 18th-century card game called Whiskey Poker.