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Kalooki 51 Rules
Kalooki 51 is a variation of Gin Rummy. It’s played between 2 to 4 players, and requires 2 standard decks and 2 Jokers. Learn Kalooki 51 Rules here and if you don’t already know, learn how to play Kalooki 51.
Kalooki 51 Rules
Each player is dealt 13 cards with the remaining cards placed facing down in the middle of the table. The object of Kalooki 51 is for each player to form melds with the goal of “going out” or “going Kalooki” by discarding the last card. A meld is defined as a sequence of cards in the same suit (i.e. 5-6-7 of clubs) or groups of identical cards (i.e. 4-4-4).
The cards in the middle of the table are called the stock. Before the first player’s turn, 1 card from the stock is overturned and placed next to it. This first card forms the discard pile. Each player’s turn begins by drawing a card from either the discard pile or the stock pile. If a player can form a meld after drawing a card, he has the opportunity to play the meld in front of him. In order for a player to lay off his first meld, that meld must total at least 51 points.
Card Values
Cards are valued differently based upon variations of Kalooki 51. That said, the values most often used are: face cards equal 10 points, Aces equal 11 points, and all other cards reflect their face value (that is, 7’s equal 7 points). The Jokers are scored based upon the card they represent. For example, a Joker used in a sequence meld of 5-Joker-7 would represent 6 points. In a group meld of Q-Joker-Q, it would count as 10 points. However, if a player has a Joker in his hand when another player “goes Kalooki,” it represents a 25-point penalty.
The Jokers
Jokers are valuable because they can be used in place of needed cards to form melds. What’s more, a Joker that has been used in a meld can be retrieved if the needed card is acquired. For example, if a Joker is used in a 5-Joker-7 meld and the needed 6 is acquired, the Joker can be replaced by the 6, allowing the player to use the Joker elsewhere. If a Joker is used in a 3-set group meld such as Q-Joker-Q, both missing Queens must be acquired before the Joker can be replaced.
Each hand ends when a player “goes Kalooki.” The other players must add the points in their unmelded cards to the winning player’s score. The first player to reach the target score wins the game.
Rummy Royal hosts Kalooki 51 games online, so check it out! Also check out Kalooki 40 rules or how to play Kalooki 40. Check out our home page for more information on Rummy games.
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