The Complete Guide to Rummy: History, Variations, Strategy, & More The card game rummy has been a player favorite for centuries, dating back to the early 1800s. Although the precise origins of the game are still somewhat unknown, it is generally acapk gamcepted that Rummy developed from earlier card games like the Mexican-originated Conquian. Due to its similar card-melding and discarding mechanics, Conquian is frequently considered the forerunner of modern Rummy. The game experienced numerous adaptations as it traveled across borders, giving rise to the wide variety of Rummy variations that exist today. Rummy arrived in the United States by the late 1800s and quickly became very popular there, especially among families and social circles.