Love-hate Relationship Between Pure And Impure Sequences In A Rummy Hand

Love-hate Between Pure And Impure Sequences

Have you ever faced the dilemma of creating sequences but also wanting to play Rummy sets? It’s like a relationship where you are confused about hating or loving someone. And just like that someone who has a special place, Indian rummy occupies a special place in people’s hearts. Back in the day, people gathered together over the weekends and holidays to play this entertaining game. Today, the internet boom has led to the popularity of online rummy.

This game of rummy has been around for over two centuries and evolved over time. There are several different versions of this game, and people across the country choose to play their favorite version. Regardless of which version you pick, the objectives remain the same; all rummy versions involve grouping of similar cards or card melding. In other words, the objective is to form sequences and sets using all the 13 cards.

Whether you are an avid player, or a beginner who just watches videos and practices the game, you will know that sequences send you on a roller coaster ride. The two types of sequences are pure sets and impure sequences. Both have qualities that tend to send players into a tizzy.

For starters, a pure sequence is like the most innocent partner you can have in a relationship. It requires three or more cards in consecutive order and of the same suit. This cannot use a wild card or joker. Examples of pure sequence are 5♠ 6♠ 7♠ 8♠ or 2♣ 3♣ 4♣.

Impure sequences on the other are like the partners who have a streak of wildness. It requires three or more cards of the same suit, though a wild card or joker can be used. Examples of impure sequence are 2♠ Q♣ 3♠ 4♠ or 8♣ 2♠ 10♣ J♣.

From where you are seated, this might look straightforward. Are you wondering why people have a love-hate relationship with these sequences? Well, firstly to declare (win) in rummy, you need a minimum of two sequences of which one needs to be pure. Typically, a winning combination is one sequence with four cards, and one with three cards. However, other combinations such as three combinations of five, four and four cards or five, five and three cards is possible as well. This is where the love-hate kicks in. Both depend on one another and together result in a win. You cannot win with just either of them. You love rummy so much but at times you hate forming sequences because it’s just not working out for you.

You played a few rounds, find yourself in a do or die situation, and want to win. In the middle of this intense game, the only way you can be declared a winner is with all your cards in place. Here’s where your feeling towards sequences will come into play – you can either love them or hate them.

Another reason that makes people cringe is the fact that you need the least amount of points to win. While creating pure and impure sequences you need to discard cards with high values. This is a challenging task especially if you already have a winning combination in your hand. You can win, yes, but your score would be really high — so to quickly switch it up, you can discard these high value cards. But keep in mind that your opponent might use them and complete the sequence, so discard wisely.

It’s also challenging to constantly keep a tab on both your pure and impure sequences. Sometimes, you might draw a card which is useful, but neither here nor there. At such times, you would be required to give up on either your pure sequence or impure sequence. Both these choices are extremely difficult; without either of them you cannot win. Along with this, you need to constantly think of what your opponents discarded and analyse their sequences so you can form yours faster. There’s so much going on when you draw a single card, who would have thought!

Keeping this love-hate relationship in mind, Indian rummy needs to be played with clinical precision. The stakes are high, and a small mistake can cost you. So, plan, think ahead and make your move strategically.

Put aside all your feelings and leave no room for ambiguity. It’s natural for things to come in the way of your game and hinder your process, so take it in your stride. Even if you find yourself in a tight spot because of the pure or impure sequences, give it a minute, think calmly and breathe. This will help you overcome the situation you are in and maybe even go on to win the game.

Just like you cannot stop loving the one you love no matter how crazy they make you, your relationship with pure and impure sequences will be similar too. But it will also be the most rewarding ever!