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The Difference of Gin from other card games
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Poker is currently the rage among card players, thanks to its constant exposure in television and the movies. Perhaps this attention is not surprising—after all, Poker’s history dates up way back in the 15th century, although the most acknowledged account of its origin was from Joseph Crowell, an English actor, who said Poker was played during 1829, in New Orleans. Many are unaware that Poker has been engraved in the annals of American culture, and not only because it is perhaps the most popular card game around the world. Everyone knows the term poker face came from poker, but many are unaware that the terms ace in the hole, beats me, pass the buck, stack up, up the ante, and wild card had poker origins. Considering that most of these statements are already well-known phrases—if not clichés—it is not hard to understand that poker was popular. Unfortunately, this popularity has lead many people—Americans included—to think that poker is the only card game; or at least the only card game worth anyone’s time. This, of course, can be attributed to the exposure in the media. More rooted card players, however, know that there are other card games worth playing. Card games did not begin and end with poker. |
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The beauty of Gin Rummy
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One of the more popular card games in existence today is Gin Rummy (also known as Gin). Gin was created by the father and son tandem of Elwood Baker and C. Graham Baker. Although it was only invented in 1909, it has nonetheless already enticed millions and millions of fans not just in American—Gin’s fan base reaches other countries where card games are popular. Gin was invented with the intention of being a fast paced game, unlike most of the rummy games. Although it does not have the spontaneity of knock rummy, Gin is nonetheless exciting regardless of its quick pacing and simple gameplay. The objective in Gin is to eliminate deadwood by forming card combinations or melds. Each player has 10 cards in his hand, and the game uses just one card deck—a drastic change compared to other rummy games that use two or more card decks. Each card has a corresponding point—face cards are 10 points, Aces are one point, while the number cards have the corresponding points (a two card has two points, for example). When a player creates a meld—either a set of three to four cards with the same rank (for example, four number seven cards) or a sequence of three or more cards with the same suit (for example, three to six cards with the heart suit)—the cards in the meld loses its points. The objective is to create as many melds as possible so one can have minimal points. If a player has no deadwood, meaning he has created melds with all his cards, he has created a Gin and automatically wins the game. A player can also knock, or present his card, provided he has a minimum of 10 points in his hand. If the player has fewer points than his opponent, he wins. If not, then the defending opponent underknocks and wins. |
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Gin’s simplicity |
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As the game play itself presents, Gin is fairly easy. Unlike poker, one does not need to remember card combinations to win. In Poker, there are hand rankings—from the straight flush to the high cards—that players need to understand in order to win. On the other hand, Gin is simple—a quality not many card games have. This simplicity is deceiving. Because of this simplicity, many card players consider Gin as an inferior game. However, Gin enthusiasts would argue that Gin requires as much skill as playing poker or canasta—or perhaps even more. Knowing the rules in Gin is not enough to win. There is not much luck involved in Gin—although it undeniably helps, of course. This is unlike Poker, where luck dominates the game. To win a Gin match, one has to be analytical and strategic. One also needs a good memory—and be able to use it to his advantage. It has been said that the simplest of things are the hardest to master—this is the same with Gin. It takes time and effort. Of course, these will prove to be advantageous in the end. |
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Gin’s popularity |
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Many experts and card players say Gin may perhaps become one of the most popular card games in the country today—if it isn’t that popular already. Right now, there are a lot of online companies offering Gin game play. The number of subscribers to these services proves that Gin’s simplicity and quick game play entice millions of players. This also proves that Gin, despite the misconception of other people, is a complex card game that rivals the older and more popular card games today. |
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