How to play

How to play Rummikub

Step-by-step Rummikub for a first table, including what the Tilehaus interface expects you to click.

Animated how-to: Rummikub runs are the same color counting up, sets are the same number in different colors, first play must reach 30 points, empty your rack to win. — Watch once — it loops. The words underneath are if you want them.

Good to know

The set has 106 tiles: 104 numbered tiles (2 × 4 colors × 13 ranks) and 2 jokers.
Ephraim Hertzano created the game in 1940s Romania after playing-card games were restricted, then manufactured it in Israel; Lemada Light Industries later globalized it.
The initial meld must score at least 30 points and, in standard rules, cannot use tiles already on the table.

Before the first tile

Open the Rummikub table. Choose seat count 2–4. For a first game, enable bots so empty seats still draw and discard on time.

Build the 30

A 13-12-11 run in one color is 36 points. Three 10s are 30 on the nose. Jokers count 30 if still unassigned in penalty scoring, but for the initial meld they take the value of the tile they represent.

Hold the manipulators

Tiles that can split a four-tile set or extend two runs are more valuable after you are on the board. Going out in one turn after a long wait is common.

Questions

How many tiles are in Rummikub?

106: two of each number 1–13 in four colors, plus two jokers.

Can I use the table before 30 points?

Not under standard rules. Tilehaus enforces a 30-point initial meld made of new groups from your rack.