A Beginner's Guide to Playing Kaluki

Known by various names like Kalooki, Kaloochi, Kalougi, Caloochi, or Kalogghi, this double-deck Rummy game has been a popular choice in card clubs across America and Great Britain. Here's a step-by-step guide to get started:

Number of players: Suitable for two to six players, with the best experience for two, three, or four.

Objective: The goal is to be the first player to discard all your cards by forming valid melds.

The cards: The game uses two standard 52-card decks along with four jokers. Jokers act as wild cards, capable of substituting for any other card in the deck.

To play: For two to four players, distribute 15 cards to each. If there are five players, deal 13 cards each, and for six players, deal 11 cards each. Place one card face-up to begin the discard pile, while the rest form the stockpile.

Players are not allowed to pick up the upcard until they have formed their initial meld or can immediately incorporate the upcard into a meld. The first meld must have a combined value of at least 51 points

(refer to "Value of Cards in Melding"). This total can include cards added to other players' melds, but remember, you must eventually lay down at least one meld of your own before the game concludes.

Melds consist of three or more cards of the same rank (with no duplicate suits) or three or more cards of the same suit in sequential order. Aces can function as either high or low, but not simultaneously. For instance, Q-K-A and A-2-3 are valid, whereas K-A-2 is not.

Before making your first meld, on your turn, you can either pick the upcard if it fits into a meld or draw the top card from the stockpile. If you can meld, do so, then discard. Once you've completed your initial meld, you can take the upcard and discard without needing to meld. Additionally, when you meld, you can add cards to your own or other players' existing melds.

Scoring: Players who lose must pay the winner 1 point for each card remaining in their hand and 2 points for each joker left.

Tips: Games often conclude quickly, so delaying your first meld offers little benefit. Jokers are highly valuable; while they can be grouped for 15 points each, they are more effective when used individually.

Variations: Some scoring methods penalize players based on the face value of cards left in hand, with jokers valued at 25 points each. In one Kaluki version, aces count as 11 instead of 15, so clarify this rule before starting. A player who goes out in a single move achieves Kaluki and earns double points from all opponents.

Publications International, Ltd.