Skip to content
CQMELISSA

RULES & PRACTICE

How to Play Gin Score Calculator

Play Gin Score Calculator ↗

Game guide · CQMELISSA

The Gin Score Calculator playbook

Work at your own pace. Calculate a Gin hand score from the knocker’s and defender’s final deadwood totals. Return to the explanation when a decision is unclear. Begin with the objective. Enter the knocker’s deadwood from 0 to 10. Zero means Gin. Take the next action only when the current step is clear.

Fixed house bonuses of 25. It does not include line bonuses or a match-end bonus.

Practice with a purpose

A clear plan starts with the current position. Enter the defender’s deadwood after any legal layoffs; against Gin no layoff is allowed. The same rule applies on a phone and on a computer.

The objective of a round

Calculate a Gin hand score from the knocker’s and defender’s final deadwood totals. Take the next action only when the current step is clear. Take a moment to read the table.

How a round unfolds

  1. Enter the knocker’s deadwood from 0 to 10. Zero means Gin.
  2. Enter the defender’s deadwood after any legal layoffs; against Gin no layoff is allowed.
  3. Calculate the result. Gin scores 25 plus defender deadwood; an undercut scores 25 plus the difference.
  4. For an ordinary successful knock, the knocker scores only the positive difference.

Input guidance

Use the two numeric fields, then Calculate score. This tool uses whole numbers. The same rule applies on a phone and on a computer. Take a moment to read the table.

An example to follow

A knock of 8 against 5 is an undercut: the defender receives 28. Gin against 18 earns the knocker 43. Return to the explanation when a decision is unclear.

An important reminder

Take a moment to read the table. Enter post-layoff values. This arithmetic tool does not choose card groupings from card images. Return to the explanation when a decision is unclear.

Clarifying the way this game works

What is the aim?

Calculate a Gin hand score from the knocker’s and defender’s final deadwood totals. Look at the complete hand before deciding. Take the next action only when the current step is clear.

How do I use the controls?

Use the two numeric fields, then Calculate score. This tool uses whole numbers. Before making a move, check the cards in view. The same rule applies on a phone and on a computer.

Which format is available?

Fixed house bonuses of 25. It does not include line bonuses or a match-end bonus. Treat this as a chance to practise one rule. Return to the explanation when a decision is unclear.

What should I check before a move?

Enter post-layoff values. This arithmetic tool does not choose card groupings from card images. Before making a move, check the cards in view. Use another round to revisit a decision.

Can you give an example?

A knock of 8 against 5 is an undercut: the defender receives 28. Gin against 18 earns the knocker 43. Treat this as a chance to practise one rule. Take the next action only when the current step is clear.

How is a tie scored?

A non-Gin deadwood tie is an undercut, so the defender receives 25 points. Treat this as a chance to practise one rule. Take the next action only when the current step is clear.

Can I use other Gin bonus values?

This calculator uses the same 25/25 values as this site’s Gin table. Before making a move, check the cards in view. Check the relevant controls before continuing.

Does it automatically lay off cards?

No. Enter the defender’s final value after layoffs. The playable Gin table performs card-based layoff analysis. Look at the complete hand before deciding. The same rule applies on a phone and on a computer.

Do I need an account or an app?

No. Open the page in a JavaScript-enabled browser. No player account or APK is needed. For a calm first round, focus on one decision. Check the relevant controls before continuing.

Are these scores cash or prizes?

No. Points are used only for free play and practice. There are no deposits, cash stakes or withdrawals. Work at your own pace. Check the relevant controls before continuing.

Choose a Card Game (opens in a new tab)