Telefunken

A contract rummy game, resembling Continental Rummy, where players must complete specific melds (sets and runs) in each of seven rounds—or “deals”—to go out and score zero points

Sample GUI

Cards and Players

• Uses two standard decks plus jokers, totaling 108 cards
• For 3–4 players, that stack is standard; larger games may require three decks
• Players also start with a limited number of buying chips (usually 7) that allow them to “buy” discards

Typical Contracts (Dealing Rules)

• Each deal has a specific contract that must be met before melding:
  • Deal 1: One pure trio (three-of-a-kind, no joker)
  • Deal 2: Two trios
  • Deal 3: One quartet (four-of-a-kind)
  • Deal 4: Two quartets
  • Deal 5: One quintet (five-of-a-kind)
  • Deal 6: Two quintets
  • Deal 7: A trio + a run of 7+ cards

A pure trio in Deal 1 must consist of three cards of the same rank but different suits, with no jokers allowed.

Gameplay Flow

• Dealer shuffles and deals (each gets 11 cards, and one card starts the discard pile)
• The player to the dealer’s right starts and turns continue counterclockwise
• On your turn:
  • Draw from the stock, or (if it’s your first turn) take the face-up discard for free.
  • Optionally buy the discard (before your first meld) using a chip; if multiple players want it, priority is given based on turn order
  • Once able to meet the contract, you meld your contract, then you may add to your own or others’ melds and extend runs/sets (jokers can be swapped in and out under certain rules)
• Finally, discard one card to end your turn.
• Play continues until someone discards their last card (having completed their melds). Other players score penalty points based on remaining cards
• Typically played over seven deals, and the lowest total penalty wins

Sequence Diagram

Model

State Diagram