Forming melds, or combinations of cards that could be sets or runs, was the object of the game when it was first played using a standard deck of cards. Rummy started to take on different forms as it spread throughout different cultures and geographical areas, each with its own customs ahow to play matkand methods of play. The popularity of rummy only increased throughout the 20th century, giving rise to a wide variety of variants. During the Great Depression, the game became a mainstay in American homes, offering a reasonably priced source of entertainment during lean financial times. By the middle of the 20th century, rummy had become a popular game in America and many other nations. Rummy entered the digital era with the advent of online gaming platforms in the late 1990s and early 2000s, which enabled players to interact & compete with people all over the world.