Rummy's Development: From Classic Origins to Contemporary Play The card game rummy, which has enthralled players for centuries, has a lengthy history dating back to the early 1800s. Its beginnings are a little unclear, but some theories contend that it might have developed from earlier games like the Mepaisa appxican game "Concentration" or the Chinese game "Dominoes.". Most people agree that Rummy originated in the United States and was inspired by the Spanish game "Conquian," which is frequently considered to be the forerunner of modern Rummy. The game saw multiple adaptations as it traveled across borders, giving rise to the wide range of variations that exist today. Forming sets and runs—card combinations that players try to make in order to win—are the core mechanics of the game. Although the fundamental idea has not changed over time, play's regulations and forms have greatly differed among cultures.