Online Kalooki (Kaluki) Rummy Strategy

Implementing a winning online Kalooki (Kaluki) strategy is much different from other rummy games where only a single deck is used. While there are more strategic maneuvers to be considered in Kalooki, it is still a game of random cards, therefore a specific Kalooki strategy cannot be used. Instead, players must rely on basic concepts to be utilized throughout the game to incur a higher rate of winning at Kalooki.

Kalooki (Kaluki) Strategy Tip #1 - The Deck

Kalooki involve the use of 2 standard decks, plus 2 jokers added into the mix. This means a player has two chances to receive the same card - miss it in the Open Pile and it may come back around. A player should still remain aware of the Open Pile at all times so they will when they should reconsider collecting a Meld.

Kalooki (Kaluki) Strategy Tip #2 - The Stock Pile

It is very important to draw from the Stock Pile when feasible, especially at the beginning of a game. Taking from the Open Pile gives your opponents a lot of information about your hand, which should remain concealed for as long as possible to gain the highest advantage in the end. Do not miss the opportunity to claim a card you truly need, but consider whether you truly need it before picking it up. In addition, drawing from the Stock Pile may prevent your opponent from getting a card he needed.

High value cards should only be collected towards the beginning of a hand. The Rules of Kalooki (Kaluki) call for a player's first Meld to consist of 51 or more points. High-value Melds may be necessary.

Kalooki (Kaluki) Strategy Tip #3 - Watch Your Opponent

Always pay very close attention to what your opponents are discarding. This can greatly benefit you in several ways.

• Know what Melds to Develop: By knowing what cards have been discarded, a player can determine what Melds should or should not be collected. However, since Kalooki uses 2 decks of cards, losing a card you need in the Open Pile does not always mean it is a lost cause. It may come around again, plus there are Jokers to be considered.

• Know what is Safe to Discard: Watch your opponents' discards carefully. What they get rid of can give you a good idea of what they are collecting and what not to discard to them. The normal rummy strategy cannot be used since Kalooki uses 2 decks of cards. Just because a player has dropped an 8 doesn't mean he is not collecting a Set of 8's. The only safe 8 to discard to this person is an 8 of the same suit he has discarded. The same goes for Runs.

• Know what Builders to Keep: Remembering the cards an opponent has taking from the Open Pile can tell you what builders to hold onto. If your opponent has Melded 5h-6h-7h and you hold the 8h, but have not yet Melded, taking a 9h from the Open Pile will benefit you upon Melding. Also, be careful not to throw away Builders your opponent can use.

Kalooki (Kaluki) Strategy Tip #5 - Baiting Your Opponent

Baiting your opponent is one of the oldest strategy tricks in the book of all rummy games. Baiting is most commonly done in the first 3 to 4 rounds of play. Baiting is much easier in Kalooki since you can throw duplicate cards to draw the number you need to complete a Set. For example, you have 8h-8h-8d. Discard an 8h, since two hearts cannot be used in the same Set. Your opponent may throw an 8 back to you, hopefully one you don't have the suit of. Baiting your opponent on a Run can be done in the same manner, or by throwing an off card, such as the 9h when collecting 6h-7h, in hopes of drawing the 8h from your opponent.

As effective as baiting can be, players must be careful not to fall for that same bait!

Kalooki (Kaluki) Strategy Tip #6 - Lucky Number Seven

The 7 is considered to be the most useful card in Kalooki, and all rummy games. 7's are the most frequently used card when building Runs. 7's are never good discards when avoidable. Players should also avoid collecting 7's as a Set unless it falls into your hand.

Kalooki (Kaluki) Strategy Tip #7 - Going Kalooki (Kaluki)

The decision to Go Kalooki should be based on your opponents' maneuvers throughout the game, and how well you've read their game play. Going Kalooki incurs 25 Penalty Points to each opponent, therefore is well worth it, when feasible.

If your opponents have already placed Melds on the table, do not hold all of your cards trying to Go Kalooki. This is too dangerous. Get your Melds onto the table as soon as possible.

Where to Play Kalooki (Kaluki) Online

• Rummy Royal
  • Play Kalooki Online at the worlds largest online rummy site, Rummy Royal. Other games include Gin Rummy, Oklahoma Gin and Traditional Rummy. Play Kalloki online for real money or just for fun. PayPal and 200% First-Deposit Bonus - US Players Accepted. Read Full Review of Rummy Royal