How the Game Begins

When you start a new game, the winner of the last hand deals to the loser (when you start up Classic Gin Rummy, the computer deals to you first). Each player is dealt ten cards.

After the hands are dealt, the top card of the draw pile is flipped over to form the discard pile. This first card is referred to as the upcard, and is very important in other variations of Gin Rummy.

The non-dealer has the first choice to pick up the upcard. If she doesn't want it, the dealer has the option to pick up this card.

If neither player picks up the card, the non-dealer must take a card from the draw pile (also known as the "stock"). When a player picks up a card, she begins her turn.

The draw pile and discard pile are spotlighted below:

 

Draw and discard piles in Classic Gin Rummy

Draw and discard piles


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