The strict reading

A valid declaration requires at least two sequences, one of which must be a pure sequence (a run of three or more consecutive cards of the same suit without a joker), with the remaining cards arranged in valid sets or additional sequences. The declared hand must total zero points in unmatched cards. A hand without a pure sequence is an invalid declaration.

The five parts of a declaration

  1. Pure sequence. Required. Three or more consecutive cards of the same suit. No joker.
  2. Second sequence. Required. Pure or impure. With or without joker.
  3. Set. Required at least one. Three or four cards of the same rank, different suits.
  4. Additional sequences or sets. Optional. Use up the remaining cards.
  5. Unmatched cards. Must total zero points at declaration.

Diagrams of the five parts

Four melds laid out on a dark wood surface with one open joker at the corner, alongside a single rummy table set up for one round of points rummy, cards dealt in front of each seat, soft window light from camera-left.
Part 01 (pure sequence) and part 02 (second sequence with joker) shown on the felt. Part 03 (set) sits to the right.

The invalid declaration

A declaration that does not meet all five parts is invalid and scores 80 points. The most common invalid declaration is one without a pure sequence. The second most common is one with a pure sequence but no second sequence. The third is one with a pure sequence and a second sequence but no set.

How to defend a declaration

Describe your hand in one sentence. If the sentence fits in thirty words, the hand is ready. If not, the hand is not. A lost round at zero cost is cheaper than an invalid declaration of 80 points.