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Hawthorn
Description
Rummikub is a timeless game that combines the thrill of strategy with the familiarity of card games. Inspired by several Central European card games such as Machiavelli and Vatikan, it was invented in the 1940s by Ephraim Hertzano during a time when card-playing was banned under the Communist regime. After World War II, Hertzano immigrated to the British Mandate of Palestine (modern-day Israel) and, with his family, developed the first Rummikub sets. Over time, the game became Israel’s best-selling export, spreading joy to players worldwide.
Game Versions and Legacy:
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Hertzano’s Official Rummikub Book (1978) outlines three versions: American, Sabra, and International.
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Modern sets now include only the Sabra rules, though slight variations exist between publishers.
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In Turkey, the game is widely known as Okey, a beloved pastime at family gatherings and local cafés.
How to Play:
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The goal is to empty your rack of tiles by forming runs (3 or more consecutive numbers) or groups (3–4 of a kind).
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Colored numbers on the tiles act like card suits, adding a layer of strategy.
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While the game may start slowly, as tiles are played, each turn becomes more complex, challenging, and exciting, offering endless strategic possibilities.
Rummikub is a game that blends skill, strategy, and fun, perfect for family nights, casual gatherings, or competitive play. Available at Mind Games, Australia’s oldest and best games store.
