Game guide · FONPER
Play Rummy 500 with the rules at hand
Work at your own pace. Score for cards you meld or lay off, subtract cards left in hand, and reach a total of 500 points. The same rule applies on a phone and on a computer. Use the rule sheet as a reference. Each player starts with 13 cards from one 52-card deck. This version has no jokers. Take the next action only when the current step is clear.
One deck, two players, no jokers; open melds and layoffs; low-run Ace = 1, other Ace = 15. Going out need not end with a discard. No out-of-turn calls, deposits or prizes. Current hands save locally.
Something to practise
Begin with the objective. Draw from the stock or select a card in the discard history. Picking a buried discard takes that card and every card above it. Check the relevant controls before continuing.
Understand the aim
Score for cards you meld or lay off, subtract cards left in hand, and reach a total of 500 points. Check the relevant controls before continuing. For a calm first round, focus on one decision.
Step by step
- Each player starts with 13 cards from one 52-card deck. This version has no jokers.
- Draw from the stock or select a card in the discard history. Picking a buried discard takes that card and every card above it.
- A buried discard must immediately be used in a new meld or added to an existing meld. The game prevents ending the turn before this is done.
- Select three or more cards and choose Lay selected meld for a same-suit run or a three/four-card set.
- Select one hand card, then tap a table meld to lay off. You earn the value of your own cards even on an opponent’s meld.
- Discard to end a turn. Playing your last card in a meld/layoff can also end the hand. The stock running out ends the hand for scoring.
- Round points equal melded value minus remaining hand value. Aces count 15 except in an A–2–3 low run, where they count 1. Number cards count face value; faces count 10.
- Continue until a player reaches 500 with a higher score. A tie continues. No out-of-turn Rummy calls are used.
Using the playing area
Tap a card to select it. Use the labelled pile and action buttons. Sort by rank or suit; the hand wraps onto additional rows on a phone. Open Discard history to choose a buried card. Return to the explanation when a decision is unclear. Look at the complete hand before deciding.
Follow the example
If you meld 52 points and retain 17 points, your round score is +35. If a buried 7♥ is taken, it must be used immediately, for example with 5♥ and 6♥. Return to the explanation when a decision is unclear.
A common point of confusion
Before making a move, check the cards in view. Cards above a buried discard also enter your hand. Picking up a large pile can cost points if you cannot play those extra cards. Check the relevant controls before continuing.
Helpful answers for players
What is the aim?
Score for cards you meld or lay off, subtract cards left in hand, and reach a total of 500 points. Treat this as a chance to practise one rule. Check the relevant controls before continuing.
How do I use the controls?
Tap a card to select it. Use the labelled pile and action buttons. Sort by rank or suit; the hand wraps onto additional rows on a phone. Open Discard history to choose a buried card. Work at your own pace. Check the relevant controls before continuing.
Which format is available?
One deck, two players, no jokers; open melds and layoffs; low-run Ace = 1, other Ace = 15. Going out need not end with a discard. No out-of-turn calls, deposits or prizes. Current hands save locally. Work at your own pace. Take the next action only when the current step is clear.
What should I check before a move?
Cards above a buried discard also enter your hand. Picking up a large pile can cost points if you cannot play those extra cards. Begin with the objective. Return to the explanation when a decision is unclear.
Can you give an example?
If you meld 52 points and retain 17 points, your round score is +35. If a buried 7♥ is taken, it must be used immediately, for example with 5♥ and 6♥. Before making a move, check the cards in view. Check the relevant controls before continuing.
Can I take a buried discard?
Yes, if that selected card is immediately usable in a meld or layoff. You must take every card above it too. Work at your own pace. Take the next action only when the current step is clear.
Who scores a card added to another player’s meld?
The player who laid that card earns its value. Card ownership is tracked separately from the table meld. Look at the complete hand before deciding. Take the next action only when the current step is clear.
Can scores become negative?
Yes. If remaining hand value exceeds your meld points, the difference is subtracted from your match total. Before making a move, check the cards in view. Return to the explanation when a decision is unclear.
Must I discard to go out?
Not in this version. Melding or laying off the final card also ends the hand. Use the rule sheet as a reference. Check the relevant controls before continuing.
What happens when the stock ends?
The hand is scored using melded cards minus remaining cards for both players. Work at your own pace. Use another round to revisit a decision.
