The terms Paplu, Nichlu, and Tiplu are Rummy terminology from the infamous Marriage Variant of rummy played in India. Often regarded as Paplu rummy, it sets itself apart with its unique gameplay in the world of Indian rummy.

The Paplu Rummy / Marriage Rummy Variant

Marriage rummy is a popular Indian variation of the rummy card game. It can be played by 2-5 players. Unlike traditional rummy, this version utilises three decks of 52 cards and accommodates 2 to 5 players. A distinctive feature of Marriage Rummy is the absence of printed jokers. Instead, a set of “wild cards” is designated from the dealt cards, and these wild cards serve as jokers. Each player receives 21 cards, and the objective is to form sets of three cards instead of the traditional sequences.

Key Features of Marriage Rummy Variant

Strategic Gameplay:

Players must carefully analyse their hands and plan their moves to form the required sets. The involvement of these wild cards Paplu, Tichlu, and Nichlu makes it an upward spiral full of fun.

Multiple Decks:

Unlike standard rummy, which uses one or two decks, Marriage Rummy uses three 52-card decks. This increases the possible combinations and complexity, making it more exciting.

Wild Cards:

Instead of printed jokers, the Marriage Rummy game utilizes “wild cards” that are designated from the dealt cards. These wild cards can be used to complete sets, adding a strategic layer to the game.

Set-Based Gameplay:

The primary objective in the Marriage Rummy game is to form sets of three cards, either by rank or suit. This differs from traditional rummy, which often involves forming sequences in addition to sets.

What are Paplu, Nichlu, and Tiplu

TIPLU

• Definition: A Tiplu is a random card drawn from the deck after the initial deal of 21 cards to each player.
• Significance: The Tiplu card becomes a point card and all cards of the same rank as the Tiplu can be used as point cards. For example, if 5 of hearts is drawn as tiplu, all 5 of hearts would be tiplu. All other 5s will be Joker.

NICHLU

• Definition: Nichlu cards are one rank lower than the Tiplu card.
• Significance: These cards are often used to form sequences or sets. They can be combined with the Tiplu card to create powerful combinations. About the example of 5 of hearts as Tiplu, all 4 of hearts would be Nichlu. All other 4s in the game would be wild card joker

PAPLU

• Definition: Paplu cards are one rank higher than the Tiplu card.
• Significance: Like Nichlu cards, Paplu cards can form strong combos, especially with the Tiplu card. In this case, all 6 of hearts would be paplu. All other 6s will be wild card joker.

Role of Paplu, Nichlu and Tiplu in the Game

In the Marriage Rummy Variant, certain cards are designated as “Point Cards” or “Maal.” These cards, namely Tiplu, Nichlu, and Paplu, carry specific point values that influence the final score of the game.

• Tiplu: Each Tiplu card is worth 3 points.
• Nichlu: Each Nichlu card is worth 2 points.
• Paplu: Each Paplu card is worth 3 points.

It’s vital to know the point values of these point cards. They are key for strategy and for calculating the final score. Players can maximize their points and win by using the wild cards and point cards. A marriage is achieved when a player collects 10 points.

Navigating the World of Rummy with Paplu, Nichlu and Tiplu

In this particular variant of the rummy card game, the goal remains the same: to form valid sets and sequences. However, the twist lies in the unique card combinations.

Key Combinations:

• Tunnels: Tunnels are a set of three identical cards of the same suit. For example, (3♥, 3♥, 3♥).
• Pure Sequence: It is a set of three consecutive cards of the same suit. For instance, (7♠, 8♠, 9♠).
• Impure Sequence: A set of three cards where two are consecutive, and the third is a wild card (Tiplu/Piplu/Nichlu) to complete the rummy sequence. For example, (10♣, J♣, Tiplu).
• Triplet: A set of three identical cards of the same rank but different suits. For instance, (6♥, 6♣, 6♠).
• Dirty Triplet: A set of three identical cards where one is a wild card (Tiplu/Piplu/Nichlu). For example, (Tiplu, K♦, K♠).

The Marriage:

A special combination occurs when you form a pure sequence using a Tiplu, Nichlu, and Paplu card. This is often referred to as a “marriage” and can be a powerful tool in your rummy game arsenal. Having this combination means you have hit the jackpot.

How to Play the Marriage Game

The Beginning:

The dealer distributes 21 cards to each player, one at a time. The next card is flipped face up to initiate the discard pile, while the remaining cards are placed face down to form the draw pile.

If a player receives a tunnela (three identical cards) in their initial deal, they can immediately reveal it. These exposed tunnela can potentially earn points at the end of the game. However, tunnels that are not revealed at first have no point value, whether acquired later or concealed.

Revelation of the Point Cards – Paplu, Nichlu and Tiplu:

The primary objective is to form three sets, each consisting of either a pure sequence or a triplet. These sets can be a combination of both.

Once a player achieves this, they reveal their sets and draw a card from the unseen portion of the deck, keeping it hidden from the other players. This drawn card becomes the “Tiplu,” determining the wild card for the current round.

Subsequent players who also form their three sets can then view the Tiplu card, identifying the wild cards for their game. If a player discards a wild card before another reveals their sets, the latter cannot claim that discarded card. Instead, they must draw from the deck.

Dublees –

Instead of forming sets of three cards, players can also aim to collect pairs of identical cards, known as dublees. To win, a player must accumulate eight dublees. Once a player has seven dublees, they can reveal their hand and see the Tiplu card. However, wild cards cannot be used to complete dublees. All pairs must consist of two identical cards.

After viewing the Tiplu, a player with seven dublees cannot draw from the discard pile unless the card completes their eighth dublee. That ends the game.

The Winning Moves

Four-Combination Victory:

• Once a player has formed three valid combinations (tunnela or pure sequences), they draw a card.
• If this draw allows them to create four valid combinations, they can immediately declare victory.
• The player then discards the remaining card, and the game concludes.

Eight Dublee Victory:

• A player can achieve victory by collecting eight pairs of identical cards (dublees).
• Once a player has seven dublees, they draw a card.
• If this card completes their eighth double, they can declare victory.
• The remaining five cards, along with the discarded card, can be of any value and suit.

Rules of the Game

• Flexibility of Aces: An Ace can be used to form a sequence at either end. For instance, (Q-K-A) or (A-2-3) are valid sequences. However, a sequence like (K-A-2) is not permissible.
• The Role of Jokers: Jokers cannot be used to complete a sequence of three identical cards (tunnela). Additionally, a combination like (5-5-Joker) is not valid, as it does not form a true triplet.
• A particularly valuable combination is the “marriage.” This occurs when a player forms a pure sequence using a Tiplu, Nichlu, and Paplu card. It’s a powerful play that can significantly impact the game’s outcome.

Other Rummy Variations

13 Card Indian Rummy

One of the most widely played rummy variations, 13 Card Rummy involves forming sequences and sets of cards. Players are dealt 13 cards and must arrange them into valid combinations. The game typically involves two decks of cards and a joker is designated as a wild card.

21 Card Rummy Game

A variation of the 13-Card Rummy, the 21-Card Rummy involves dealing 21 cards to each player. This larger hand size offers more strategic possibilities and often leads to more complex gameplay. The rules and objectives remain similar to those of the 13 Card Rummy.

Pool Rummy

Pool Rummy is a longer format of rummy where players accumulate points over multiple deals. The goal is to reach a predetermined target score, often 101 or 201 points to win Pool Rummy. Players can drop out of a deal if they have a weak hand, but they will still incur a penalty.

Deals Rummy

Deals Rummy is a fast-paced variation where players are dealt a fixed number of hands. Each hand is played independently, and the player with the lowest score at the end of all deals is the winner of the deals rummy.

Points Rummy

Points Rummy is a popular variation where players aim to score points by forming valid combinations. The player with the highest score at the end of a predetermined number of deals is the winner of the points rummy game.

Gin Rummy

Gin Rummy is a two-player game that focuses on discarding unwanted cards. The goal is to reduce the value of your hand as much as possible. The player with the lowest score at the end of a hand is the winner.

Rummy 500

Rummy 500 is a strategic game where players aim to score points by forming sets and sequences. The game is played over multiple deals, and the player with the lowest score at the end of the game is the winner.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is Paplu Rummy?

A. Paplu Rummy is a popular variant of the Rummy card game, often played in India and other South Asian countries. It involves forming sequences and sets of cards to create valid combinations.

Q2. How many decks are used in Paplu Rummy?

A. Typically, two decks of 52 cards are used in Paplu Rummy.

Q3. How many cards are dealt to each player in Paplu Rummy?

A. The number of cards dealt to each player can vary by the rules. But, it’s usually 13 cards per player.

Q4. What is the role of jokers in Paplu Rummy?

A. Jokers can be used as wild cards to substitute for any missing card in a sequence or set. They play a crucial role in forming valid combinations.

Q5. How do I declare a hand in Paplu Rummy?

A. To declare a hand, a player must have a valid combination of sequences and sets. Once a player declares, their hand is evaluated, and the points of their opponents’ unmatched cards are calculated.

Q6. What are the penalties for an invalid declaration?

A. If a player declares an invalid hand, they may be penalized with a certain number of points. The specific penalty can vary depending on the ruleset.

Q7. How is the winner determined in Paplu Rummy?

A. The player with the lowest score at the end of a round is typically the winner. The score is calculated by adding up the points of the unmatched cards in a player’s hand.