The Origins of Rummy and Its Current Variations Rummy is a card game that has been a favorite among players for centuries. Its inception dates back to the early 1800s. Although the precise origins of Rummy are unknown, it is generally accepted that it developed from a numbersta kig of earlier card games, such as the Chinese game "Kong," which involved combining cards to form runs and sets. During the 1900s, the game became well-liked in the US and was frequently played in family and social settings. Many card games involving matching and melding were referred to by the word "rum," which is believed to be the origin of the term "rummy.". Rummy experienced many modifications and variations as it expanded around the world, each of which reflected the subtle cultural differences of the various locales in which it was played.