Depending on the variation being played, the game usually starts with a certain number of cards dealt to each player. One card is positioned face-up to begin the discard pile, and the other cards form a draw pile. Irummy homen order to strengthen their hands by creating legitimate combinations, players alternately draw from the draw pile or the discard pile. The round is over when one player successfully melds all of their cards, at which point the game is over. Although there are some variations in scoring, players typically receive points according to the cards that remain in their opponents' hands, which adds a competitive & strategic element.