Rummy Player
To be a better Rummy Player…
Rummy's got a cult following, all on its own. It's not like poker, where practically the whole world plays for the fame alone. Most rummy players are not exactly the 'Hollywood' types, puffing on big cigars, hiding behind fancy shades. Most rummy players aren't looking for fame, their in it for the thrill or to win money, pure and simple.
Unless you're playing in some high stakes rummy tournament online, stakes in rummy games with friends will usually get you a beer or at best, dinner at Red Lobster (that's what I won last week playing against Dave and AJ). Rummy is skill based social card game so therefore a successful Rummy player will have that combination of nerves and savvy which has always defined the best gamblers.
The best Rummy players have an even temperament: you got to know how to keep it cool; you have to hone that ability to stay calm amidst the possibilities of both success and failure. An experienced rummy player can handle the ups and downs of big games and rummy tournaments; they aren’t fazed by the risks of playing for high-stakes either. These type of rummy players are at home in any game and they can usually be found in the big rummy tournaments in Vegas, Reno and yes, even online.
There are Rummy players who love the game and even get a kick out of playing for small money; I'm talking about the “penny ante” level. These are the players may win consistently in the low-stakes games, but get rattled by the risks in higher level play. They're still good, but they're obviously not in it to win big money. They’ll lose focus on their hand, play defensively, and generally present a completely different persona at a high-stakes table than a low-stakes table. As long as these players are able to stay relaxed, they’ll be able to take charge of the game, but once they get nervous, they can’t win. It's a psychological thing I can't explain, but I've seen it a dozen times.
While it may seem that the best Rummy players are born, not made, the opposite is more nearly the case. Anyone with an aptitude for card games can learn to be a great Rummy player, and can cultivate the combination of sanguinity and daring that the game requires. It’s best for beginners to play the low-stakes games until they are familiar with the rules, the odds, and strategies of the game. As in any skill game, experience counts; even Joe Dimaggio was once a Little Leaguer.
At this beginning level of play, it’s important to remember some basic principles of Rummy success. First, a good player is always able to stay calm. One of the best ways to do this is to make sure that the game stakes aren’t more than you can afford. If you’re sitting at the table and worrying about how you’ll be able to pay the pot, you aren’t focused on your hand or the cards on the table. Second, a good player is aware of what’s going on around him, but doesn’t play defensively. If you start trying to guard your hand, it’s a sure sign to experienced players that you’re in over your head.
One you’re comfortable with the game, and have built up a record of success, you’ll be able to start playing the larger tournaments, or the higher stakes games. But those are topics for another article. Good luck!
