How to Play Indonesian Remi
Indonesian Remi is a lively meld-scoring rummy from Indonesia that mixes sets and runs. If you want a friendly intro for quick games, this guide will help you start. Visit Playmore for more beginner guides and other card game ideas.
Quick facts
| Game | Players | Deck | Family |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indonesian Remi | 2–6 | Full standard 52-card deck | Indonesia (rummy family) |
What you are trying to do
Play cards from your hand to form valid melds. Melds are groups (same rank) or runs (consecutive cards in the same suit). The main goal is to lay down melds so your deadwood (unmatched cards) scores as low as possible, or to go out first depending on the house version you use.
What you need and how to set up
You need one full, normal 52-card deck. No special cards are required. Sit everyone around a table. Pick a dealer by any quick method. The dealer shuffles and deals the number of cards your group uses for Indonesian Remi — house rules vary, so check the official or regional rules for the exact hand size your group follows. Place the remaining deck face down as the stock and turn one card face up beside it to start the discard pile.
How to play
- On your turn, draw either the top card from the stock pile or the top card from the discard pile. You must take one card each turn.
- Try to form melds in your hand. Melds are usually three or more of a kind, or three or more consecutive cards of the same suit. Keep melds private until you lay them down.
- Some versions allow you to lay down melds during your turn once you meet an initial meld requirement. If so, place those melds face up in front of you.
- After drawing and optionally laying melds, discard one card to the discard pile. You cannot discard the card you just drew from the discard pile in the same turn in many versions, so confirm with your group.
- If a rule permits, players may add cards to their own or other players' melds on the table during certain phases. This varies by regional rules, so check which option your group uses.
- Play continues clockwise until someone goes out or a stopping condition is met (stock exhausted or agreed limit).
How a round or game ends
End conditions vary by version. Common endings are: one player goes out by using all their cards in melds and a final discard, or the stock runs out and play stops. After the round ends, players count points of their unmatched cards (deadwood). Exact scoring, penalties, and game target totals are version-dependent. Your group should check the authoritative regional rules for precise scoring and winning totals.
Beginner tips
- Watch the discard pile. If you need a card that appears there, be ready to take it on your turn but remember other players might need it too.
- Prioritize forming melds that reduce high-point deadwood first. Face cards often count more in scoring variants.
- Keep your hand flexible. Holding a run and a set that share cards can let you adapt when new cards arrive.
- Agree on the exact Indonesian Remi version before you start: initial meld rules, meld sizes, scoring, and whether laying off on other players is allowed.
FAQ
How many cards do I get?
That depends on the house or regional version. Deal size is version-dependent, so agree with your group and check the official rules for the common Indonesian Remi deal.
Can I pick up the discard pile or only the top card?
Most versions let you take only the top discard. Some rule sets allow more options. Confirm with your group before playing.
Where can I find the exact official rules?
There is an authoritative reference with regional details. Because variants exist, check that official or regional rules to learn the precise scoring, penalties, and sequence your group wants to play.