Rummikub rules are really easy to understand and only some parts of the game can be considered difficult. You can find rummikub games in different types of sets but each will contain 106 playing tiles plus racks that allow 4 players to play. The tiles are numbered 1 to 13 and there are a total of 8 sets available, 2 of each color: black, red, blue and yellow.

You will also find 2 jokers in every rummikub game. There are three main variations of rummikub games: International Rummikub, Sabra Rummikub and American Rummikub. The basic rules of these games are identical but there are also some additional rules that everyone needs to take into account whenever playing.

The basics of the game are really simple. You basically have to create sets. There are 2 types of sets possible: runs and groups. A run is a series of consecutive tiles that have the exact same color. A group is made out of tiles of different colors but the same numeric values. Both groups need to hold a minimum of 3 tiles and in the case of groups 2 colors cannot be repeated.

Sets are melded on the table and in most cases the winner is the person that first melds all the tiles on their racks. What is interesting is the concept of manipulation. You manipulate melds when you add to the melds that were made by other players. You will not be able to manipulate in the event that you did not meld.

If you are just beginning playing rummikub you should start with American Rummikub. This is because it has the easiest rules to understand. Also, it is the variation that allows you to change rules if all the players at the table will agree. After you learn how to play good American rummikub you can move towards Sabra rummikub, which also includes a few more rules.

Sabra is a little more complicated and you will need to be faster in the decisions that you make as there are special time limits imposed in most situations. Once you went through Sabra rummikub you can move towards International rummikub, which is by far the most complicated of all rummikub variations. International rummikub is actually similar to Chinese mahjong and you can win the game thanks to different combinations and patterns and the scoring rules might seem like really complicated for some people. Do not forget to learn all about rummikub winning strategy before starting to play and you will have more chances to win!