Rummy

Rummy is one of the oldest card games played in the world. These days, when you say the word Rummy, you are not just referring to a card game, but rather a collection of card games that fall into the Rummy category – Traditional Rummy, Gin Rummy, Kaluki Rummy, Oklahoma Rummy, etc.

Throughout the centuries, Rummy games have been played from one side of the globe to another. I, personally, spent many nights as an adolescent and young adult, seated around the table with family playing Rummy. It is not just a fantastic pastime, but actually involves a lot of strategy, making it a perfect candidate as a gambling card game, especially for playing Rummy online.

History of Rummy

The true history of rummy continues to mystify historians to this day. Without any real records to document its origins, we are left to speculate various theories. The most popular theory is known as the Conquian Theory.

History of Rummy – Conquian Theory
It is most widely accepted that the history of Rummy began with a game called Conquian. This version dates back hundreds of years, beginning in Spain, then migrating to Mexico. Some believe the Rummy version of Conquian actually began in Mexico in the mid-1800’s.

Conquian, named for the Spanish term “con quien” meaning “with whom”, made its way up into North America from Mexico sometime after. Supporting this theory is the fact that Rummy was introduced to America before England. Had Conquian come from Spain, it would only make sense that it would hit England before making its way from Mexico to America.

Rummy’s first reference in America was called “Cooncan”, strikingly familiar to the name “Conquian”. Later variations were termed “Coon Can”, “Coon-Can”, “Coon-King” and “Conkin”.

It wasn’t until these originators of Rummy came to England that it received a similar name to its current state – “Rum”. In those days, the English used the term “rum” to denote anything strange, odd or queer to them. As voyagers traveled the seas between England and the Americas, the game gained more popularity and eventually took on its current name, “Rummy”.

History of Rummy – The Whiskey Poker Theory
Another common theory states that Rummy’s history actually came from French settlers in America, derived from a card game known as Whiskey Poker. Supporting this theory is the mere relation of Whiskey and Rum as popular liquors in those days, and the connection between Poker and Rummy hands. A Set in Rummy is a Set, or Three of a Kind, in poker. A Run in Rummy is also very similar to a Straight in Poker.

The theory is that Whiskey Poker evolved into rum Poker, then just Rum, and finally Rummy.

History of Rummy – The Chinese Theory
It is a known fact that many of today’s favorite game originated in ancient Chins. Perhaps Rummy is one of them?

The Chinese actually have two different card games believed to date back to the 1800’s, called “Kon Khin” and “Khanhoo”. Both of these games have noticeable similarities to Rummy and Poker games, requiring specific groups and sequences (like Sets and Runs).

History of Rummy – Conclusion
Though we may never know exactly where the history of Rummy originated, we do have a good idea of where the future of Rummy is going. In modern times, with technological growth and the global expansion of the Internet, Rummy has spread from our kitchen tables to the world wide web. These days, fans of the game from all over the globe can gather at online rummy sites and play together, just for the fun of it, or with real money at stake.