Michigan Rummy (1939) Board Game

Michigan Rummy, also known as Tripoli, is a popular card game that has been around since

It is a variation of the classic game of Rummy and combines elements of poker and Michigan. The game is played with a standard deck of cards and can accommodate 2 to 9 players.

Game Components of Michigan Rummy

Game Board or Mat: A layout with nine scoring cups or spots, often including a large central spot for the “Kitty”.

Deck of Cards: A standard 52-card deck.

Poker Chips: Multiple chips for betting and scoring.

Optional: Handmade or printed sheets of paper for scoring cups if a board is not available.

How To Setup Michigan Rummy

To set up Michigan Rummy, start by shuffling the deck and dealing out a number of hands equal to the number of players plus one. Each player receives a hand, and the extra hand is either kept by the dealer if it contains no scoring cards or put up for bid if it does. Players then ante by placing one chip into each of the nine scoring cups, with the dealer placing two chips into each cup. The scoring cups typically include specific card values and combinations like the Ace of Diamonds, King of Clubs, Queen of Hearts, and sequences like 7-8-9 of a single suit.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Dealing Hands: Deal one more hand than the number of players, with the extra hand potentially being bid on.

Playing Cards: Players take turns playing the lowest card in their hand in sequence, switching suits when necessary. The game stops when a sequence is broken or an ace is played.

Scoring: Players collect chips from the scoring cups by playing specific cards or combinations. The “Kitty” cup is awarded to the first player to empty their hand, and the “Poker Pot” goes to the player with the best poker hand at the end of the round.

Bidding: The dealer may choose to bid on the extra hand if it contains scoring cards, with bids going to the kitty.

Player Experience

Michigan Rummy is known for its blend of luck and strategy, making it appealing to a wide range of players. The game is easy to learn but challenging to master, as players need to balance the goal of emptying their hand quickly with the strategy of claiming scoring cups. The game fosters a lively and competitive atmosphere, especially with the dramatic moments of claiming pots like the 7-8-9 sequence.

Pros

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players of all ages and skill levels.

Social Interaction: Encourages friendly banter and competitive spirit.

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to new players.

Variety in Gameplay: Combines elements of Rummy and Poker, offering diverse gameplay mechanics.

Cons

Luck-Dependent: The game has a significant luck component, which may frustrate some players.

Equipment Needed: Requires a specific board or mat and poker chips, though these can be improvised.

Personal Thoughts on Michigan Rummy

Michigan Rummy is an excellent choice for families and casual game nights. It’s versatile enough to accommodate a range of player counts and is particularly enjoyable for those who appreciate the combination of card sequencing and poker-style betting. While it may not offer deep strategic depth, its simplicity and interactive nature make it a great addition to any game collection. If you’re looking for a game that’s easy to pick up but still engaging, Michigan Rummy is a solid choice.

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