The Allure of Rummy: An in-depth look at its Eastern Origins and Cultural Significance Rummy is a card game that has captured the attention of players all over the world. It is thought to have originated in the Erummy bonasast, where it developed from ancient games that were played in many different cultures. The Chinese game "Dominoes," which originated in the 12th century, is known to have been the ancestor of rummy. The card games that would later become popular in the area were based on this game. The game started to take on new forms as trade routes grew & cultures converged, ultimately resulting in the creation of modern-day rummy.