The Complete Guide to Rummy: History, Strategy, and Community The card game rummy has been a favorite among players for centuries, dating back to the early 1800s. Although the game's exact origins are still somewhat unwink slotsknown, it is generally accepted that Rummy developed from a number of earlier card games, such as the Spanish game "Conquian," which is frequently mentioned as a forerunner. Played with a 40-card deck, Conquian established the foundation for many of the features present in contemporary Rummy. The game saw several adaptations as it traveled through various cultures and geographical areas, giving rise to a large number of variations.