Kalooki Game

July 5, 2024

Kalooki is a card game that is played with four (4) to seven players (7) using multiple decks of 52 cards and Jokers. It is a form of Contract Rummy that originated in Jamaica and has since become popular in many parts of the world. The game is typically played for fun, but there are also competitive tournaments held for serious players.

The objective of Kalooki is to be the first player to get rid of all the cards in their hand by forming sets and runs, in a series of rounds with specific contract requirements. A set is three or more cards of the same rank, while a run is three or more consecutive cards of the same suit. A player can also add cards to sets and runs that have already been played by other players.

At the start of the round, each player is dealt the number of cards based on the contract requirement for each round, and the remaining cards are placed face down in the center of the table to form a stockpile. The top card of the stockpile is turned face up to start the discard pile.

On each turn, a player can either draw a card from the stockpile or the top card of the discard pile. They can then lay down any sets or runs they have in their hand and discard one card. The first player to get rid of all their cards wins the round.

The game continues for a predetermined number of rounds, and the player with the lowest total score at the end of the game is the winner. In Kalooki, cards have point values, with numbered cards worth their face value, face cards worth ten points, and aces worth one or eleven points, depending on the player’s preference.

Overall, Kalooki is a fun and challenging game that requires strategic thinking and a bit of luck. It is a popular game for players of all skill levels and can be played for fun or in competitive tournaments.