Growing up my family played a version of what Joan calls Chicago Rummy…we called it Books and Runs. You are trying to collect the same things that Joan stated but the first round is dealt with only 6 cards, second round 7 cards, third round 8 cards, and so on. We play a sixth and seventh round with 11 cards (2 runs & 1 set/book) and an eighth round with 12 cards (3 runs). This round is played “down and out” meaning you have to lay down and go out on the same move without playing cards on others as you could in earlier rounds. We also allow “wants”. This means that at any time during the game a player can “want” a card out of turn. The want option is awarded to the player who’s turn is next in line. If you take a “want” (top card from discard pile) you must also take a penalty card from the top of the draw pile. There is no limit to the number of wants during the game except in the last round with 12 cards dealt…each player can only want twice…so choose wisely!

We also love to play hand and foot. There are so many versions of that!

Recently we learned a new game. Matter of fact I was just searching the internet for the rules. It is called Pekwa, Fan Tan, Card Dominos, Sevens…or something like that!