The key differences
- From 3 players on, only Rummy works: it goes up to 6 players, Checkers only up to 2.
- Checkers rewards skill more than Rummy (pure skill vs. skill and luck).
- Checkers is over sooner: usually 10–25 minutes, while Rummy takes 15–40 minutes.
- Rummy is louder than Checkers (calm vs. silent).
- Checkers works from age 6, we recommend Rummy from 9.
- Checkers has more interaction than Rummy (you react to each other vs. little contact).
- In Rummy everyone has secret information on their phone; in Checkers more is out in the open.
- Checkers is one of the Board and dice games, Rummy one of the Card games.
At a glance
| At a glance | Checkers | Rummy |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Board and dice games | Card games |
| Players | 2 players | 2–6 players |
| Length of a game | 10–25 min | 15–40 min |
| Age | ages 6+ | ages 9+ |
| Luck or skill | pure skill | skill and luck |
| Noise level | silent | calm |
| Learning curve | clear after one round | clear after one round |
| Interaction | you react to each other | little contact |
| TV | not needed | not needed |
| Against the computer | yes | yes |
| Teams | no | no |
| Bluffing | no | no |
| Reading needed | no | no |
Which one suits you?
Checkers
Pieces move diagonally, captures are made by jumping, and capturing is compulsory. That rule is what makes it sneaky: use it well and you can lure your opponent into traps.
Pick Checkers when two people want a board duel with more traps than Nine Men’s Morris.
Rummy
Collect sets and runs, lay down at least 30 points to open, then add to the table until your hand is empty. Whoever is still holding cards counts penalty points – and after each round you decide whether to play on or tally up.
Pick Rummy when you want a laid-back card game with some thinking that can fill an evening.
What they have in common
- Both only work with exactly 2 players.
- Both also work without a TV, right on iPhone, iPad or Mac.
- You can play both against the computer.
- Both come free with Gather and need no account.