How to Play Rummikub: Runs, Groups, Initial Meld & Manipulation
In Rummikub, each player starts with 14 tiles. The goal is to empty your rack by forming legal groups and runs.
Groups
A group contains 3 or 4 tiles with the same number in different colors.
Runs
A run contains 3 or more consecutive numbers in the same color. The 1 is low; it does not follow 13.
The initial meld
Your first play to the table must total at least 30 points using only tiles from your own rack.
After your initial meld
You may add to and rearrange legal sets already on the table, as long as every set is legal when your turn ends and you satisfy the current rules for tiles played from your rack.
If you cannot play
Draw one tile from the pool and end your turn. The current classic rules say you cannot immediately play the tile you just drew.
Winning
The first player to empty their rack calls “Rummikub!” and ends the game.