The key differences
- From 3 players on, only Rummy works: it goes up to 6 players, Chess only up to 2.
- Chess rewards skill more than Rummy (pure skill vs. skill and luck).
- Rummy is quicker to learn than Chess (clear after one round vs. takes experience).
- Rummy is louder than Chess (calm vs. silent).
- Chess works from age 6, we recommend Rummy from 9.
- Chess has more interaction than Rummy (you react to each other vs. little contact).
- In Rummy everyone has secret information on their phone; in Chess more is out in the open.
- Chess is one of the Board and dice games, Rummy one of the Card games.
At a glance
| At a glance | Chess | Rummy |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Board and dice games | Card games |
| Players | 2 players | 2–6 players |
| Length of a game | 10–40 min | 15–40 min |
| Age | ages 6+ | ages 9+ |
| Luck or skill | pure skill | skill and luck |
| Noise level | silent | calm |
| Learning curve | takes experience | 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?
Chess
Two players, one board, no luck: whoever plans better wins. With a clock it turns into a race against time; without one there’s room to think things through.
Pick Chess when two people want a calm, focused game.
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.