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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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Entertainment • Card Game

Rummoli

Rummoli is a Canadian family card game that combines elements of poker and rummy.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Rummoli is a Canadian family card game that combines elements of poker and rummy. It is typically played with a Rummoli board, a standard 52-card deck without jokers, and chips or coins, and was first marketed in 1940 by Copp Clark Publishing in Toronto. The game is strongly associated with Canada and is commonly described as a Canadian family card game.

History

Rummoli was first marketed in 1940 in Toronto by Copp Clark Publishing Company. Sources describe it as a Canadian board and card game that became popular in Canada.

Gameplay

The game is played with a board marked with pot spaces and special card spaces. Players ante chips to the board, play a poker round, then continue with a card-laying phase in which players aim to empty their hands and win specific pots.

Equipment and setup

A standard 52-card deck without jokers is used, along with chips or coins and a Rummoli board. Some sources note that a homemade board can be used if an official one is unavailable.

Scoring and winning

The poker pot is won by the strongest poker hand or by forcing others out of the betting round. The Rummoli pot is usually won by the first player to get rid of all cards, and the overall winner is often the player with the most chips.

Key facts

  • Rummoli is a Canadian card game for two to eight players.
  • It was first marketed in 1940 by Copp Clark Publishing Company of Toronto.
  • The game uses a standard 52-card deck with no jokers.
  • Players also need a Rummoli board and chips or coins.
  • Gameplay combines a poker betting round with a rummy-like card-running phase.
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Canadian context

Rummoli is strongly associated with Canada: it was first marketed in Toronto and is commonly described as a Canadian family card game.

Frequently asked questions

What kind of game is Rummoli?
Rummoli is a family card game that blends poker and rummy-style play.
How many people can play Rummoli?
It is commonly played by 2 to 8 players.
What do you need to play Rummoli?
You need a Rummoli board, a standard 52-card deck without jokers, and chips or coins.
When was Rummoli first created or marketed?
It was first marketed in 1940.
Is Rummoli a Canadian game?
Yes. It is widely described as a Canadian card game.

References

  1. The Original Workshop — https://theoriginalworkshop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Rummoli-Rules.pdf
    Supports: First created in 1940; Canadian popularity; 2–8 players; equipment and basic gameplay
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rummoli
    Supports: Canadian board game; first marketed in 1940 by Copp Clark Publishing Company of Toronto; equipment and player count
  3. Terrace Bay Superior Seniors 50 Plus — https://terracebayseniors50plus.ca/cards/rummoli/
    Supports: Board, deck, chips; basic setup and play; winner determination