Rules for United

United is an exciting card game in the Rummy family played over seven rounds with progressive contracts. Also known as Liverpool Rummy or United, the game combines strategy, tactics, and a bit of luck. It's perfect for 3-5 players (best with 3-4) and typically takes 45-90 minutes.

The goal is to collect specific combinations of cards in each round - both sets (three or more cards of the same rank) and runs (four or more cards in sequence). The player with the fewest points after all rounds wins the game!

You'll need the following to play United:

• Cards: Two complete decks (104 cards) plus nine jokers - 113 cards total
• Players: 3-5 people (4 players is optimal)
• Score sheet: To keep track of points

The game consists of seven rounds with different contracts. In the first six rounds, 10 cards are dealt to each player. In the seventh round, 11 cards are dealt. The dealer position rotates clockwise.

Cards have the following point values when counting remaining cards:

• Jokers: 50 points (can replace any card)
• Aces: 20 points (can be used as both 1 and 14)
• Face cards (K-Q-J): 10 points each
• Number cards (2-10): Face value (2 = 2 points, 10 = 10 points)

Jokers are wildcards and can be used in both sets and runs, but there must always be at least as many natural cards as jokers in a combination.

Each round has its own contract that must be fulfilled before you can lay down:

1. Round 1 (3-3): Two sets
2. Round 2 (3-4): One set and one run
3. Round 3 (4-4): Two runs
4. Round 4 (3-3-3): Three sets
5. Round 5 (3-3-4): Two sets and one run
6. Round 6 (3-4-4): One set and two runs
7. Round 7 (4-4-4): Three runs (must go out with all cards)

Set: At least 3 cards of the same rank (e.g., 7♠️ 7♦️ 7♣️)
Run: At least 4 cards in sequence of the same suit (e.g., 5♥️ 6♥️ 7♥️ 8♥️)

After cards are dealt, the remaining deck is placed face-down in the center. The top card is turned face-up next to it as the discard pile.

Your turn consists of:

1. Draw a card: Take either the top card from the deck or discard pile
2. Lay down: If you've met the round's contract, you can lay down the combinations
3. Build: If you've laid down, you can add cards to your own or others' combinations
4. Discard: Always discard one card to the discard pile to end your turn

Play continues clockwise until one player goes out by getting rid of all their cards.

A special rule in United is the ability to buy cards:

• When a player discards a card, the next player can choose not to take it
• Other players can then "buy" the card by saying "buy" or "I'll take it"
• The player closest (clockwise) to the current player gets to buy
• When buying, the player must take both the discarded card AND a penalty card from the deck
• The buying player cannot lay down or discard until their turn

This provides tactical opportunities but also increases the number of cards in hand!

Joker rules:

• Maximum one joker in a 3-card set
• Never more jokers than natural cards in a combination
• You can replace a joker if you have the card it represents
• Jokers cannot be replaced from sets

Ace rules:

• Aces can be both high (after King) and low (before 2)
• Legal runs: A-2-3-4 or J-Q-K-A
• Illegal: K-A-2-3 (cannot "turn the corner")

Final round: In round 7, you must go out with all 11 cards at once - no cards left over!

When a player goes out, all other players count the points for cards remaining in their hands:

• Jokers = 50 points
• Aces = 20 points
• Face cards = 10 points
• Number cards = face value

Points are recorded and totaled through all seven rounds. The player with the lowest total score wins!

Bonus rule: If a player cuts exactly the right number of cards before dealing (leaving one card as the upcard), that player gets -50 points bonus!

Here are some tips for success in United:

• Watch opponents: Pay attention to what they buy and discard
• Dump high cards: Prioritize getting rid of jokers and aces early
• Be careful with buys: Each buy gives you two extra cards
• Block others: Hold cards you think others need
• Plan ahead: Think about the next round's contract
• In round 7: Remember you must go out all at once
• Use jokers wisely: Save them for difficult combinations

There are several popular variations of United:

• Fewer jokers: Some play with only 4-6 jokers total
• Different contracts: The order of rounds can vary
• 12 cards: Some deal 12 cards instead of 10
• "Liverpool" rule: If you discard a card that could have been played, others can call "Liverpool!" forcing you to take it back plus a penalty card
• Deuces wild: All twos function as jokers