Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions we've received about Liverpool Rummy:

Here are the answers to those questions:

Are there other games that are similar to Liverpool Rummy?
Some other similar versions we know of are: Contract Rummy, Shanghai Rummy, Liverpool Rummy, Joker Rummy.

Is there a rule that no spouse sits next to their own spouse? Mimi
Mimi, while there is no official rule that spouses can’t sit next to each other, maybe there should be? In our family, no one wants to sit on the discard side of Grandma because she always picks up all the discards and you get no good chances at the discard pile. One “house rule” might be that spouses must sit across from each other. That way couples will never be seated next to each other. Good luck with that.

I love playing the game, but I always lose. I hope there are some strategies in your rule book :o) Thanks, Amanda
Amanda, here are some hints:

  • Don't pick up a lot of cards on the first hand (two bunches) as it's hard to get rid of them later.
  • When the goal is straights (especially the later hands) go for lots of cards from the pickup pile but only if you can use at least one of them. My wife likes to pick up two cards from the discard pile, the top one she wants and whatever is second on the pile. That way she gets a "penalty" card and can still discard that second card. Or if the person to your right discards a 2 or 3, pick up two cards from the pile to get that penalty card. It's amazing how often the "penalty" card is something you want or a Joker.
  • Don't get locked in to what you started to save. Let's say you've got two sixes and only need one to go down. If you can match another card in your hand from the discard pile you might want to pick it up. Now you have two options for completing the bunch you need to go down.
  • Wear lucky socks. Luck doesn't hurt in this game.
Hope these hints help more than hurt.