Rummikub Setup – How to Set Up the Game Correctly

Rummikub is quick and easy to prepare. In less than two minutes, you can have everything ready to begin playing.

If you’re completely new to the game, you may want to start with the full Rummikub Rules Overview before setting up your first round.

This guide explains exactly how to set up Rummikub step by step, including tile distribution, rack arrangement, and how to choose the starting player.

Quick Setup Summary

• 2–4 players
• 106 numbered tiles + 2 Jokers
• Each player draws 14 tiles
• Tiles placed face down before drawing
• Choose starting player

Now let’s go step by step.

Step 1: Prepare the Tiles

Rummikub tiles placed face down and mixed on the table before setup

Place all tiles face down on the table.

Make sure:

  • Every tile is flipped face down.
  • The tiles are thoroughly mixed.
  • No numbers are visible.

This pile of face-down tiles is sometimes called the “tile pool.”

Mixing thoroughly ensures fairness before the game begins.

Step 2: Distribute Tiles to Each Player

Each player draws 14 tiles from the pool.

Place your tiles on your rack so only you can see them.

Important:

  • Do not reveal your tiles to other players.
  • Do not sort tiles until everyone has drawn 14.

If you accidentally draw 15 or fewer than 14, return or draw tiles before continuing.

Step 3: Organize Your Rack

After drawing your 14 tiles, organize them in a way that helps you spot combinations.

Rummikub tiles organized on rack by number and color after drawing 14 tiles

Common methods:

  • Sort by number (1–13)
  • Sort by color
  • Group possible runs together
  • Separate potential sets

Organizing your rack properly makes it much easier to find a 30-point opening combination.

If you’re unsure how runs and groups work, review the complete step-by-step guide to how to play Rummikub.

Step 4: Choose the Starting Player

There are two common methods:

Method 1 (Official Style)

Each player draws one tile from the pool.
The player with the highest number goes first.

Return those tiles to the pool and reshuffle before the game begins.

Method 2 (Casual Play)

Choose randomly:

  • Youngest player
  • Last game winner
  • Random selection

Both methods are acceptable for casual games.

Step 5: Leave the Remaining Tiles in the Center

After everyone has drawn 14 tiles:

  • Keep the remaining tiles face down in the center.
  • These will be used for drawing when players cannot make a move.

Make sure the tile pool is easily reachable by all players.

Common Setup Mistakes

• Forgetting to mix tiles thoroughly
• Drawing the wrong number of tiles
• Revealing tiles accidentally
• Not reshuffling after determining first player

Fixing these small errors keeps the game fair and smooth.

How Long Does Rummikub Setup Take?

For experienced players:

Under 1 minute.

For beginners:

1–2 minutes.

Rummikub is designed to start quickly, making it ideal for casual family play.

Setup for Different Numbers of Players

Rummikub works best with 2–4 players.

2 Players

Each player still draws 14 tiles.
Gameplay may feel more strategic and less chaotic.

See how strategy changes in the detailed guide to Rummikub for 2 Players.

3 Players

Standard setup applies.
Tile pool will remain larger during the game.

Explore the differences in the 3-player Variation Guide.

4 Players

Most common format.
Higher interaction and more table manipulation.

Learn more about pacing and strategy in Rummikub for 4 Players.

The setup process remains exactly the same regardless of player count.

For a full overview of all formats, visit the Rummikub Variations Page.

What Happens After Setup?

Once setup is complete:

  1. The starting player attempts their 30-point opening move.
  2. If they cannot reach 30 points, they draw one tile.
  3. Play continues clockwise.

If you’re unsure how the opening rule works, see our full How to Play Rummikub guide.

To understand how a round officially ends, review the explanation of the Rummikub Ending Rules.

And for a complete breakdown of how points are calculated at the end of a round, read the detailed Rummikub Scoring guide.

Beginner Tip: Plan Before the First Move

Before the first turn:

  • Look for runs of 3 or more.
  • Check if you have a 30-point combination.
  • Don’t rush your opening if it weakens your rack too much.

A strong opening setup can influence the entire game.

If you want to improve quickly, explore our collection of practical Rummikub Beginner Tips.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rummikub Setup

How many tiles does each player get in Rummikub?
Each player draws 14 tiles at the beginning of the game.

Do you reshuffle after choosing the starting player?
Yes, return drawn tiles to the pool and reshuffle.

Can you start with fewer than 14 tiles?
No. Each player must begin with exactly 14.

What if someone sees another player’s tiles?
Reshuffle and redraw to maintain fairness.

Final Thoughts

Rummikub setup is simple and quick:

  • Mix tiles face down
  • Each player draws 14
  • Organize your rack
  • Choose a starting player

Once setup is complete, the real strategy begins.

To continue learning, explore:

— Daniel Mercer