Try Your Hand At Turkish Rummy With Okey 51

Okey is a Turkish Rummy-style game played with 106 tiles numbered one to 13, represented with four different colors and two sets for each. Basically, every number will show up eight times in a game. The object of the game is to create runs of numbers that can be laid down so you can be the first to run out of tiles.

The rules are trickier than basic rummy. For example, in order to lay down your first run of tiles, either consecutive or matching in number but different in color, the total point score must meet a minimum amount. Even if you have a six-tile run, if it amounts to less than, say 51 points, it can’t be played.

Strategically, it is better to save up tiles to create large runs and later add to existing tiles on the board once you’ve exhausted most of your hand.

Okey 51 lets players compete against three other computer opponents. There are five rounds for each game and the player with the highest score wins.

There is a sharp learning curve, but after reading and rereading the instruction guide and restarting games over and over, players unfamiliar with the Okey rules will pick it up. Don’t give up or think that there is something wrong with the app. The rules are just a lot different than regular rummy.

There are a couple of rules that aren’t clarified in the help guide that players will need to know. First, you can’t play any tiles at all until you have first picked up a new one. Second, you can’t lay down a tile on someone else’s run until you have laid down your first run. Keep this in mind and the game will seem a lot easier.

Overall, this app is a great way to learn the Turkish game of Okey. There is no need to find three other people to join the fun. The $1.99 price tag seems high, but it really is worth it for such an entertaining and complex twist on the rummy tradition.