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Welcome to Shanghai Rules!
In this article, I will be discussing a variation of manipulation rummy known as Shanghai. It’s a fascinating twist on the classic card game. However, please note that this game should not be confused with another version of Shanghai that is a contract rummy game. If you’d like to learn more about rummy card games in general, click here.
Shanghai is a perfect game for 3 to 5 players, with 4 players being the ideal number. Of course, if you have more than 5 players, you can always add more decks, but keep in mind that this might make the game less exciting.
Let’s Make a Deal
To determine the first dealer, you can use any method that the players agree upon. Once the dealer has been chosen, they will start by dealing each player a total of 10 cards. The cards are dealt in batches of three sets of three cards each, with one set of three being dealt at a time, followed by one additional card.
When I play Shanghai, the cards that are left go face-down in the middle of the table, and that becomes the stockpile. Then, in the next rounds, the person to the left of the dealer starts and it goes around in a circle.
HOW TO PLAY SHANGHAI
Shanghai starts with the person on the left of the dealer and then goes clockwise. On your turn, you play cards from your hand onto the table. When you do this, you need to put your cards together in one of two ways:
- Set Meld. This means you put together a group of 3 or 4 cards that have the same number but different suits.
- Run Meld. This means you put together a group of at least 3 cards that have the same suit and are in order, like 2, 3, 4.
In the game of Shanghai, players have the option to use some or all of the cards in their hand to create melds or add cards to existing melds on the table. This unique aspect is what sets Shanghai apart from other rummy games.
If you have more than one card that can be melded, you are required to do so. However, it doesn’t mean you have to meld every single card you can. Just make sure to meld more than one. After you meld, it’s the next player’s turn.
If a player is unable to meld any cards, they must draw one card from the top of the stockpile. If they’re able to play that card, they have to, but if not, they keep drawing until they get a playable card. Once they meld a card, their turn is finished.
When a player melds their last card, the game comes to an end.
Shanghai
The game gets its name, Shanghai, from a specific move in the game.
A Shanghai occurs when you can rearrange the melds on the table to play cards from your hand. As long as the melds are legal, this move is allowed.
SCORING
The game ends when one player has played all their cards. In that case, they score 0 points.
Players who are still in the game score 1 point for each card left in their hand. The game doesn’t have an official end, and you keep playing until someone reaches the target score and loses, or until players decide to stop.
COMMON QUESTIONS
How do you play Shanghai Rummy the card game?
Playing Shanghai Rummy involves going through ten rounds, where each player receives eleven cards per round.
Shanghai Rummy has some unique rules. These include changes to the number of buys allowed per round (buying is when a player takes the upcard out of turn) and the number of jokers involved.
In Shanghai Rummy, each turn has three parts. First, you’ll draw a card (or cards) from either the stock or discard pile. Then, you’ll meld cards from your hand to meet the round’s contract. Finally, if you have any cards left in your hand, you’ll discard one.
If you’d like to learn more about the rules of Shanghai Rummy, you can check out our contract rummy rules here. Offical rules for Shanghai Rummy are coming soon!
Have you ever wondered what to do when you’re stuck with cards you can’t play?
Well, if you find yourself in this situation while playing Shanghai, don’t worry! I’ll tell you exactly what to do.
When it’s your turn and you can’t meld any of the cards in your hand, simply draw a card from the stockpile. Keep doing this until you finally get a card that you can play. At that point, your turn comes to an end.
But wait, when does a game of Shanghai actually end?
Here’s the interesting part: there’s no official end to the game! It can go on and on until you reach a target score or until everyone decides they’ve had enough.
Now, you might be wondering if there’s a winner in Shanghai.
Typically, there isn’t a winner per se, but rather a loser. The player with the lowest score total at the end of the game can be considered the winner, if you want to play with that rule.
11 thoughts on “SHANGHAI RULES”
Hello Linda! It seems you have a question about the list of each hand. If you could provide more details, I’ll be happy to assist you.
Hey, do you still need the list of hands? It’s a game we used to play as kids. I have the list, so let me know if you want it.
Alright, here’s the list:
- 1 set 1 run – 7 cards
- 2 runs – 8 cards
- 3 sets – 9 cards
- 2 sets 1 run – 10 cards
- 1 set 2 runs – 11 cards
- 3 runs – 12 cards (but we deal 11 cards, not 10)
I’ve seen different variations where you can start with as little as 6 cards or as many as 15 cards. However, for the standard game, we deal 11 cards and there are a couple of extra rules that aren’t mentioned here. But that’s a whole different story.
Hope this helps!
Wow, thank you so much! Playing this game with my grandmother brings back such great memories, but I’ve forgotten some of the finer details. After reading your comment, I realize that we had a slight variation in our rules. Instead of dealing cards in sets of three, we would deal 11 cards in one go. We also had an interesting twist where we could make two out-of-turn ‘purchases’.
When it came to scoring, we had a simple system. Aces through 9s were worth their face value, face cards were worth 10 points each, and jokers were the big ones at 15 points each. We could play on each other’s cards on the table, but we weren’t allowed to rearrange anything.
Our game started with a hand of 2 sets, which meant we had 6 cards to begin with. Then, we followed the same sequence of hands that you listed. After playing all 7 hands, the person with the lowest score would be the winner.
My grandmother was a big fan of statistics, and she meticulously kept track of all our weekly games for years. She had all the records written on index cards. It wasn’t just about the game for her, she even knew all the Red Sox stats! But I digress, it was truly a special time playing and bonding with her over this game.
Once again, thank you for reminding me of these fantastic memories.
Amber Crook
Hey Dawn, thanks for sharing! Your grandmother’s commitment to this game is truly inspiring. I’m grateful for the opportunity to help you reconnect with it and understand its significance to you.
Amazing Content! This is super helpful!
In my family, we play a slightly different version of this game. At the start, each player is dealt 11 cards, and we include jokers in the deck. The concept of sets and runs remains the same, with sets being groups of cards with the same number and runs being consecutive cards of the same suit.
Here’s how it works: on your turn, you must discard at least one card. The player sitting to your right, or the clockwise player, can choose to pick up that card for free. Alternatively, another player can take that card and a penalty card from the deck if it’s not their turn. If this happens, it’s your turn again, and you have to draw a card from the top of the deck.
The joker is a wildcard that can be used in sets or runs. However, if it’s used in a set, the joker is removed from play and can’t be picked up by another player. If the joker is used in a run, for example, in a heart run of 2, 3, joker, 5, anyone who has the 4 of hearts can pick up that joker and use it in their hand. But remember, they must be able to complete the hand that’s being played.
Now let’s talk about the goal of each hand:
1st Hand: 2 sets
2nd Hand: 1 set and 1 run
3rd Hand: 2 runs
4th Hand: 3 sets
5th Hand: 2 sets and 1 run
6th Hand: 1 set and 2 runs
7th Hand: 3 runs
When it comes to our point system, we assign values as follows:
Cards 2 to 10: 5 points each
Face cards: 10 points each
Aces: 20 points each
Jokers: 50 points each
The player who discards their last card first wins the hand and scores 0 points for that round. The rest of the points are tallied based on the value of the cards remaining in each player’s hand.
Hey there! Let me share some thoughts with you about the importance of choosing the right card in a game. It’s a topic that often leaves us wondering, “Which card should I choose?” The thing is, picking the right card can make a huge difference in the game. Let me explain why.
Firstly, let’s talk about the power of choice. When you have a variety of cards in front of you, it may seem overwhelming. But remember, with great choices comes great opportunity. Each card has its own unique abilities and attributes, waiting to be put to good use.
Now, you might be thinking, “How do I know which card to choose?” Well, my friend, that’s where strategy comes into play. It’s all about understanding the game and the different cards at your disposal. Take a moment to think about the situation at hand and consider the possible outcomes of each card you have.
Another important factor to keep in mind is timing. Timing is everything! Choosing the right card at the right moment can often be the key to victory. It’s like a puzzle you have to solve. You want to make the most out of your cards and use them effectively to gain an advantage over your opponents.
Of course, there are times when you might not have the perfect card for the situation. Don’t panic! It’s all part of the game. Instead of dwelling on what you don’t have, focus on what you do have. Sometimes, a little creativity and resourcefulness can turn an unfavorable hand into a winning one.
Lastly, never underestimate the element of surprise. Sometimes, the card that seems least useful can actually be a game-changer. So, don’t be afraid to take risks and think outside the box. You never know when that unexpected card might give you the upper hand.
So, there you have it. Choosing the right card is no simple task, but with careful consideration, strategic thinking, and a bit of ingenuity, you can turn the tide of the game in your favor. Remember, my friend, it’s not just about the cards you are dealt, but how you play them that truly matters.