What is a meld? A meld is a scoring combination of cards — sets, runs, or special combos — central to many of the best card games.

If you’ve ever played a card game where you group cards together — congratulations, you’ve melded. Here’s exactly what that means and how it works across different games.

The Two Types of Melds

Sets (Groups / Books)

Three or more cards of the same rank, regardless of suit.

Examples:

  • 7♠ 7♥ 7♦ — a set of three 7s ✅
  • K♣ K♠ K♥ K♦ — a set of four Kings ✅
  • 7♠ 7♥ 8♦ — NOT a set (mixed ranks) ❌

Runs (Sequences)

Three or more cards in sequential order of the same suit.

Examples:

  • 5♥ 6♥ 7♥ — a run of three in hearts ✅
  • 10♣ J♣ Q♣ K♣ — a run of four in clubs ✅
  • 5♥ 6♣ 7♥ — NOT a run (mixed suits) ❌
  • 5♥ 7♥ 8♥ — NOT a run (gap in sequence) ❌

Gin Rummy

Rule Detail
Meld types Sets and runs
Minimum meld size 3 cards
When to meld At the end (when you knock or gin)
Wild cards None (standard rules)
Unmelded cards Called “deadwood” — count against you

In Gin Rummy, you collect cards to form melds in your hand. When your unmatched cards (deadwood) total 10 or less, you can knock. If ALL cards are melded, that’s gin.

Play at Gin Rummy →.

Canasta

Rule Detail
Meld types Sets only (no runs)
Minimum meld size 3 cards
Wild cards Jokers and 2s (max 3 per meld)
Canasta 7 cards of the same rank = bonus
Minimum points to meld Depends on team score (50-120 points)

Canasta adds wild cards and the famous canasta bonus (7-card meld). The min-point requirement makes timing crucial.

Play at Canasta →.

Pinochle — A Unique Melding System

Pinochle melds are completely different from rummy melds:

Meld Cards Points
Pinochle J♦ + Q♠ 40
Double Pinochle Both J♦s + both Q♠s 300
Marriage K + Q same suit 20 (40 in trump)
Aces Around One Ace of each suit 100
Kings Around One King of each suit 80
Run A-10-K-Q-J of trump suit 150

Pinochle melds are based on specific card combinations, not just sets and runs. See the full list at Pinochle Melds Cheat Sheet →.

Tonk

Rule Detail
Meld types Sets and runs
Minimum meld size 3 cards
When to meld Lay melds down during play
Goal Get rid of all cards or knock with lowest deadwood

Tonk is like a fast, simplified version of Gin Rummy where you lay melds down as you go.

Play at Tonk →.

Melding Terms Glossary

Term Meaning
Meld Any valid card combination
Set 3+ cards of the same rank
Run 3+ sequential cards of the same suit
Deadwood Cards not in any meld
Lay off Adding a card to an existing meld
Canasta A 7-card meld (in Canasta)
Wild card A card that substitutes for another (Jokers, 2s)
Natural meld A meld with no wild cards
Marriage K + Q of same suit (Pinochle)

Games That Use Melding

Game Meld Types Complexity
Gin Rummy Sets, runs ★★☆☆☆
Tonk Sets, runs ★★☆☆☆
Canasta Sets only ★★★★☆
Hand and Foot Sets only ★★★★☆
Pinochle Special combos ★★★★☆
Phase Ten Sets, runs (specific phases) ★★★☆☆

Games That Do NOT Use Melding

Game Main Mechanic Instead
Hearts Trick-taking (avoid points)
Spades Trick-taking (bid and win)
Bridge Trick-taking (bidding + partnerships)
Poker Hand ranking (best 5-card hand)
Blackjack Point total (get to 21)
Chess Board strategy

Browse all games at Rare Pike →.