Pool Rummy vs. Deals Rummy: An In-Depth Comparison

The popularity of Rummy as a card game is continuously increasing. In India, mobile-based applications are being developed to allow all the players to simply log in to their accounts and play. Even before the advancement of technology, Rummy was considered to be a socially engaging and skill-based game. People would gather around and play for hours which made social occasions more engaging.  

Pool Rummy and deals Rummy are two of the popular Rummy variants played around the world. In Pool Rummy players try not to reach a predetermined score. Whereas, in Deals, Rummy players play the game for a predetermined round of games.

Let’s learn more about these two Rummy variants by comparing their objectives, game structures, and more.

Objective of the Games

First, let’s learn the objectives of both games.

Pool Rummy

All the players of the game try to meld their cards by forming sets and sequences. Your objective would be to get rid of all the cards and score as low as possible. You score zero if you successfully meld all your cards. While other players score based on the unmelded cards in their hands.

Deals Rummy 

In the Deals Rummy players play for pre-determined deals and their objective is to meld all their cards through sets and sequences. Your objective should be melding all your cards in hand through sets and sequences. 

Eager to know more about its scoring system and how is the inner declared? Scroll on to learn more about the game rules.

Gameplay Structure

The game structure of both games is interesting which makes the gameplay more interesting as well. 

Pool Rummy 

There are two variants of pool Rummy – 101 and 201 pool Rummy. It means that players get eliminated once they reach 101 or 201 points in the related variants. Otherwise, the game-playing rules remain mostly similar to Rummy-playing rules.

Deals Rummy

In Deals Rummy players play a fixed number of deals. The number of deals varies among Rummy platforms. At the end of the predetermined deals, the player with the lowest score gets eliminated.

When you play with Rummy chips, the winner gets all at the end of the game. 

Scoring System

Now let’s focus on the scoring system of both games.

Pool Rummy

 The scoring system in Pool Rummy is very simple.

  • Number cards are scored as per their face values
  • Jack, Queen, and King (Face Cards) attract ten points each
  • If you use Jokers, it attracts zero points
  • While one point is attributed to Aces

When you meld all your cards before anyone does, you score zero. Opponents’ scores depend on the values of unmelded cards. As soon as any player reaches the specific score of the game (ex. 101 or 201 points), he gets eliminated. 

The game goes on until only one player remains in the game. He becomes the winner of the game.

Deals Rummy

All the cards in Deals Rummy attract similar points as the pool Rummy. Like Pool Rummy, you also try to meld all your cards into sets and sequences. A player scores zero upon successful melding of all cards, while others get a score based on their unmelded cards.

At the end of the predetermined deals, if you are playing with chips, the player with the lowest score wins chips from their opponents.

Time Duration

The total hours or rounds taken for the games can help you choose the one suitable for you. 

Pool Rummy

In Pool Rummy, the total game duration is longer than the Deals Rummy. This is because the elimination process does not start until one player reaches the predetermined point threshold.

Deals Rummy 

On the other hand, you get a limited number of deals to finish a game of Deals Rummy. So, it takes a shorter time to finish the game.

Player Strategy

It does not matter which type of game you play, you must play with a specific strategy to win. To win Deals Rummy or Pool Rummy, you need a strategy as well.

Pool Rummy

Here you have the option to play for a long time with many hands. You can adopt a balanced strategy – a mix of aggressive and defensive gameplay. Besides, you need to observe your opponents, their discards, and the situation of the game. A close observation will give you ways to win the game quickly.

Deals Rummy

On the other hand, here you have a limited number of deals or rounds to play. So, you can be more aggressive to quickly get rid of all the cards in your hands. Try to observe your opponents’ gameplay to find loopholes in strategy. This may give you the chance to outshine your opponent.

Risk and Reward  

The gameplay structure is different for both Deals and Pool Rummy, so you have a different risk vs. reward ratio. 

Pool Rummy

In Pool Rummy, you have a prolonged gameplay structure where players have risks related to losing poker chips. If you have to give your opponents poker chips for the score you get then you may have to give chips until your score hits the threshold. 

Deals Rummy

On the other hand, in this variant of pool Rummy, players only play for the predetermined rounds. The fewer rounds you play, the lower your risk is. In some variants, players only play until they reach 80 points or until the predetermined rounds end.

Skill Level and Appeal

On one side you have a gameplay structure that needs a long time, on the other side, you have a short and quick gameplay structure. Naturally, you will require players of different skill sets.

Pool Rummy

Rummy is not all about knowing all the rules of forming sets and sequences, it involves strategic decision-making, calculation, emotion control, and much more. You can develop all these attributes with time. 

As pool Rummy is laid out in a long-gameplay format, seasoned players are more suitable for this variation. 

Deals Rummy 

On the contrary, you get a quick start and quick finish type of gameplay in this format. So, it is designed for beginners to novice players to get the thrill of playing Rummy.

Popularity and Availability

You don’t need an introduction to Rummy or any variants of the game. Both Pool Rummy and Deals Rummy are available on online Rummy playing platforms.

Pool Rummy

It is mostly played in a tournament format on various reliable Rummy platforms. You can play on these platforms using practice chips as well to improve your gaming skills. To make playing pool Rummy more fun you can play with your friends and family members.

Deals Rummy 

This format is most suitable for beginners looking for an opportunity to play the game. If you are a beginner, this might just be for you. Try playing Deals Rummy on reliable platforms and experience the joy of Rummy.

But which format should you choose to get the best of online Rummy? 

If you are a beginner and do not have much to do for a longer format, choose Deals Rummy. However, if you are seriously invested in playing the game and looking to play for the long format, choose Pool Rummy. This version of the game will expose you to players with varied gaming styles.

Conclusion  

In conclusion, Pool and Deals Rummy are two of the most popular Rummy variants played on various online platforms. Pool Rummy continues the play until all the players reach the point threshold, except the winner. Whereas Deals Rummy is played only for the predetermined rounds. 

Once players complete playing all the rounds, the player with the lowest score wins the game.