Rummy or Little Max?
Both games come with Gather. Here’s how they differ and when each one fits better.
The key differences
- From 7 players on, only Little Max works: it goes up to 8 players, Rummy only up to 6.
- Little Max has more interaction than Rummy (constant debate vs. little contact).
- Little Max is louder than Rummy (loud vs. calm).
- Little Max is over sooner: usually 10–20 minutes, while Rummy takes 15–40 minutes.
- Little Max involves bluffing, Rummy doesn’t.
- Little Max is quicker to learn than Rummy (quick to learn vs. clear after one round).
- Rummy is one of the Card games, Little Max one of the Board and dice games.
At a glance
| At a glance | Rummy | Little Max |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Card games | Board and dice games |
| Players | 2–6 players | 2–8 players |
| Length of a game | 15–40 min | 10–20 min |
| Age | ages 9+ | ages 10+ |
| Luck or skill | skill and luck | skill and luck |
| Noise level | calm | loud |
| Learning curve | clear after one round | quick to learn |
| Interaction | little contact | constant debate |
| TV | not needed | not needed |
| Against the computer | yes | yes |
| Teams | no | no |
| Bluffing | no | yes |
| Reading needed | no | no |
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.
Little Max
Roll, peek, announce – and feel free to lie. The next player believes you or calls your bluff, and whoever’s wrong loses a life. The dice live on your phone, so no cup and no cheating.
Pick Little Max when you’re a sociable bunch who likes putting on a poker face.
What they have in common
- Both work for 2–6 players.
- Both also work without a TV, right on iPhone, iPad or Mac.
- You can play both against the computer.
- In both, everyone has secret information on their own phone.
- Both work from age 10.
- Both come free with Gather and need no account.