Polish Rummy is actually a modified version of Michigan Rummy, which is just another variation of the game Five Hundred Rummy (also referred to as Pinochle Rummy). In Michigan Rummy players follow the exact rules of Five Hundred Rummy except that each hand is considered an entire game. Finally, Polish Rummy utilises all the rules in Michigan Rummy with the exception may take all the cards from the discard pile at any point in the game.
Equipment
Polish Rummy requires nothing but a standard deck of 52 cards.
Value of Cards
All cards count as their face number value, with the exceptions of the Jack, Queen, King (ten points a piece) and the Ace cards, which are worth 15 points. In the event that an Ace is used in a series of cards (Ace, Two, and Three all in the same suit), it is worth only one point, however.
Dealing
Beginning with the appointed leader, each player is dealt seven cards in a clockwise manner. After each player has seven cards, the next card in the deck is turned over face up to signify the discard pile, with the remaining cards placed face down beside it to represent the stock pile.
Playing
In turn, each player must either draw one card from the stock pile or any number of cards from the discard pile. Melds (a sequence of three cards with matching suits or a three of a kind) can be laid out as they become available, and other players can continue the sequence of these melds if they have the appropriate card. In the event a player chooses to put a card down off of another player's meld, it becomes necessary to clarify which meld is being played off of to avoid confusion. When adding to a three of a kind meld, that meld can no longer be played on. When adding to a sequence, the meld remains in play until the entire sequence has been exhausted.
- In turn, each player must either draw one card from the stock pile or any number of cards from the discard pile.
- In the event a player chooses to put a card down off of another player's meld, it becomes necessary to clarify which meld is being played off of to avoid confusion.
End of Game
With Polish Rummy, just like Michigan Rummy, the game ends when the hand ends, which occurs whenever a player manages to get rid of all his cards, or when the stock of cards to draw from is depleted. At that point, players must add up their respective scores by rewarding themselves points for melds of cards played, and taking away points for cards left unplayed.