Rummy 500 Bonus – Introduction & Game Rules
Introduction:
Rummy 500 Bonus is an exciting variation of the classic Rummy 500 card game, offering extra scoring opportunities and strategic depth. The game is played with 2-8 players using a standard 52-card deck (plus jokers, if desired). The objective is to form sets (3 or 4 cards of the same rank) and runs (3+ consecutive cards of the same suit) to score points. The first player to reach 500 points wins, with bonus points adding a thrilling twist!
How to Play Rummy 500 Bonus:
1. Setup:
Each player is dealt 7 cards (for 2 players) or 5-7 cards (for 3+ players).
The remaining deck forms the draw pile, and the top card is placed face-up as the discard pile.
2. Gameplay:
On your turn, draw a card (from the draw pile or discard pile) and try to form melds (sets/runs).
You may lay down melds (optional) or add to existing melds (yours or opponents’).
End your turn by discarding one card to the discard pile.
3. Going Out & Scoring:
To "go out," a player must meld all cards (with one final discard).
Opponents subtract the value of their remaining cards from their total score.
4. Bonus Rules (Key Feature!):
Bonus Melds: Special combinations (e.g., 7-card run, 4-of-a-kind with jokers) grant extra points.
Discard Pile Bonus: If you take the entire discard pile (not just the top card), you earn +25 bonus points.
Big Meld Bonus: Forming a meld of 7+ cards in one turn awards +50 points.
5. Card Values:
Ace: 15 (or 1 in a low run, e.g., A-2-3)
Face cards (J/Q/K): 10
Jokers: 20 (wild cards)
Number cards: Face value (e.g., 7♥ = 7 points)
6. Winning:
The game ends when a player hits 500+ points. The player with the highest score wins!