Rummy And Mathematics
What is the connection between Rummy and Mathematics? It might come as a surprise, but the card game of Indian Rummy is based on various principles of Maths.
Fun with Numbers
It is a quintessence of how distinct number concepts are employed in a simple game, how they function together and make rummy not only intriguing but also a fantastic brain booster and a big-time entertainer.
Delving into Rummy
Just don a mathematical lens and have an insightful look into the Rummy Game.
We know very well that a standard deck of cards contains 52 cards. There are 4 suits – Spades♠, Hearts♥, Clubs♣ and Diamonds♦, with 13 cards in each suit.
To begin with, each player gets a precise number of cards, i.e., 13 when the game starts. The task is to meld these cards into valid sequences and/or sets in the minimum possible turns.
To grasp the things better, have a look at an example of a finished hand –
| 2♥, 3♥, 4♥ | 8♦, 9♦, Joker, J♦ |
| 7♠, 7♣, 7♥ | K♣, Joker, Joker |
Runs and Sets
They are examples of permutations and combinations. Players try out sundry permutations and combinations to come up with appropriate melds. It is a different matter that a lot many of them might be subconsciously deploying the principles of Mathematics.
Calculated Guesses
How do players speculate their prospects of getting a particular card? Again, knowingly or unknowingly, they make calculations based on the theory of Probability.
Indian Rummy gives players a choice of forming long sequences as well. But most players prefer to create short runs of 3-4 cards. The reason is simple. Probability says that it is easier to form shorter melds as compared to longer ones.
Point Score
Now, something elementary. Players need to constantly check their points from rising, especially when they play Online Rummy. Each card holds specific points.
| Card | Points |
| 2 – 10 | Same as the number on them |
| Jacks, Queens, Kings, Aces | 10 |
| Joker | 0 |
Shed Your Points
As you meld your cards, your points decrease. Another significant aspect taken care of by deft rummy players is to minimize their point score by getting rid of their high-value cards as swiftly as possible. Why? The aim is to reduce the point score to zero!
A Mathematical Insight
Those who have studied permutations and combinations at school would agree that the number of permutations of n things, taking r at a time, can be calculated using the formula >> nPr = n! / (n – r)!
Likewise, the probability of getting a desired card = 1 / 52
While that of getting an unfavourable card = 1 – (1 / 52)
Rack Your brains Hard
It is up to individual players how proficiently they exercise the key number ideas to steer the game in their favour. They swap the data in their mind with every pick and drop of a card, and continuously make calculations. And not to mention, they are sticklers when it comes to rummy rules.
The Golden Fact
It would be interesting to note that players assimilate the above-mentioned mathematical concepts in an amusing manner when they play the captivating rummy game.
The Expert Angle
Let us know some points that smart rummy players exercise to their advantage:
- Carefully deciding what cards to pick and discard according to the changing scenario observed from the visible cards in the open pile.
- When you play on a 6-player table, two decks are in use, which improves the probability of getting the required cards.
- Always remember that you require only one pure sequence. Rest of the cards can be melded comfortably with or without jokers.
Download the free rummy app, play Indian Rummy online, and work your way through Mathematics!
