Rummikub set with Jokers, Storage box, and Racks

I designed a Rummikub set and created it using 3D printing. It contains all the necessary elements for the game:

• 48 tiles in four colors (red, blue, green, yellow), with 13 tiles of each color

• 2 jokers

• 2 playing fields for storing and organizing the tiles (2 fit in the box, of course you can print more)

• A storage box that holds both the 2 playing fields and the 48 tiles

My focus was on a clear, functional design that is easy to store and pleasant to use.

House Rules: Rummikub as Played by My Grandma, December 2023

 

 

Best played with two players. It also works with three, but then the waiting time gets a bit annoying.

 

Each player takes 14 tiles from the pile on the table without knowing what they are. Tiles face down. There may also be one Joker or two (never more).

 

Each player has a rack in front of them, sometimes even two, to place the tiles on. Only visible to yourself, no matter if arranged, pre-sorted or not. Sometimes you have numbers twice in the same color.

 

The previous loser may start, which means he or she always takes the first new tile from the pile. Whoever gets rid of all their tiles is the winner.

 

Laying down tiles is only possible at the beginning if you have a set or multiple sets that add up to at least 30 points.

 

The smallest set has three tiles. For example: 3×10 in different colors, or 1+1+1. If you reach 30, you can add more sets right away, as many as you have.

 

For example: 1+2+3+4+… in the same color, starting at any number. Or 9+10+11+12+13+1+2+3. Or simply 13+1+2+… We play this version against the printed rule.

 

Once the opponent has also laid out 30, the real game begins. You may extend or split their sets. Thinking can take time. Of course, you can also use your own sets to place your own tiles.

 

Important: a set must consist of at least three tiles!

 

The Joker represents any number. For example: 13 Red + 13 Green + Joker 13. You can take the Joker if you have, for example, a black 13. The tile you replace with must be used immediately. Saving it for later is not allowed. Important: don’t waste it.

 

The point of the game is to keep all manipulation options in mind, which can be tricky at first – especially because drawing new tiles on your turn constantly creates new opportunities for you or your opponent, or can ruin your plans.

 

Ambition and alertness are needed. Have fun!

 

At the end, having a Joker left costs you a high minus score. Otherwise, the loser must count the points of the tiles they still have. But you can also skip that – it’s enough that the winner is happy.

 

A game lasts about 10 minutes up to a quarter or half an hour.

 

By the way: as long as your opponent cannot “go out” yet, because they haven’t reached 30, you are free to “work” with your own sets – extend them, start new ones, split them up, everything.

 

Not all tiles in the pile are ever needed.