Shanghai Rummy is a contract rummy game very similar to Liverpool Rummy, played over seven rounds with escalating contracts. The key feature is the buying rule \u2014 any player can pay to take the discard on another player’s turn, receiving one extra penalty card in exchange. Jokers are wild. The player with the lowest score after all seven rounds wins.<\/p>\n\n\n
A set<\/strong> is three or more cards of the same rank, any suits. A run<\/strong> is four or more consecutive cards of the same suit. Ace can be low or high but not both. Jokers are wild<\/strong> and can stand in for any card in any meld.<\/p>\n\n\n The player to the left of the dealer goes first. Play moves clockwise.<\/p>\n\n\n Before the active player draws, any other player may call ‘Buy!’ to take the face-up discard. The buyer receives the discard card plus one extra card drawn from the stock \u2014 both go into their hand. The buyer does not discard after buying. Maximum three buys per player per round. First to call gets the card if multiple players want it.<\/p>\n\n\n In Shanghai Rummy, once a Joker is placed in a meld on the table, another player who holds the natural card the Joker represents may swap their natural card for the Joker and use the Joker elsewhere. This Joker-stealing rule adds an extra layer of strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n When a player goes out, count unmelded cards in every other player’s hand:<\/p>\n\n\n Lowest cumulative score after seven rounds wins.<\/p>\n\n\nSetting Up Each Round<\/h2>\n\n\n
How to Play \u2014 Step by Step<\/h2>\n\n\n
Buying \u2014 Before Every Draw<\/h3>\n\n\n
On Your Normal Turn<\/h3>\n\n\n
Important Difference from Liverpool Rummy<\/h3>\n\n\n
Scoring<\/h2>\n\n\n
Tips for New Players<\/h2>\n\n\n