Rummy or Cover Word?
Both games come with Gather. Here’s how they differ and when each one fits better.
The key differences
- From 7 players on, only Cover Word works: it goes up to 12 players, Rummy only up to 6.
- Cover Word needs a TV, or an iPad or Mac as the table; Rummy also runs on phones alone.
- Cover Word needs at least 4 players – with fewer people, only Rummy works.
- Cover Word has more interaction than Rummy (constant debate vs. little contact).
- Cover Word is louder than Rummy (loud vs. calm).
- Only Rummy can be played against the computer – Cover Word needs real players.
- Cover Word is played in teams; in Rummy everyone plays for themselves.
- Cover Word rewards skill more than Rummy (mostly skill vs. skill and luck).
At a glance
| At a glance | Rummy | Cover Word |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Card games | Party games |
| Players | 2–6 players | 4–12 players |
| Length of a game | 15–40 min | 15–30 min |
| Age | ages 9+ | ages 10+ |
| Luck or skill | skill and luck | mostly skill |
| Noise level | calm | loud |
| Learning curve | clear after one round | quick to learn |
| Interaction | little contact | constant debate |
| TV | not needed | needed |
| Against the computer | yes | no |
| Teams | no | yes |
| Bluffing | no | no |
| Reading needed | no | yes |
Which one suits you?
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.
Cover Word
Two teams, 25 words on the TV, and only the clue givers know which belong to whom. One word and one number have to steer their team to several cards – and away from the trap.
Pick Cover Word when there are at least four of you and you enjoy lateral thinking.
What they have in common
- Both work for 4–6 players.
- In both, everyone has secret information on their own phone.
- Both work from age 10.
- Both come free with Gather and need no account.