Does anyone remember Rummy? I used to play it with my Grandad and it reminds me of old times gone by, simpler times for sure. Anyway, Romi Rami is a more board-gamery version of rummy with recipe fulfilment and drafting. It’s a small game that will not set anyone’s heart alight but I rather enjoyed it, for what it is.
In Romi Rami, you will draft cards and create sets to earn points. However, whichever contracts you go for, their bonuses and endgame objectives add a little bit of spice to this quite light, easy-going affair.
The Setup
After shuffling both decks, setting up both markets and randomising the trophies, you just need to deal each player 3 cards and a joker token. Romi Rami can be set up in minutes and I always find that pleasing. I also quite like throwing the joker tokens up in the air to randomise them, throwing things also pleases me.
Runs and Sets
In Romi Rami you are trying, on your turn, to complete recipes on display in the shop. These will be various sets and runs of cards in the game. You know, 4 of a kind, 4 cards in a run, that sort of shenanigans. The first thing you do on your turn is take up to 3 cards from the 6-card market; these cards must all be either the same number or the same suit.
After that, if possible, you can turn in cards from your hand to fulfil one of the aforementioned contracts. This will offer points at the end of the gam,e depending on the difficulty but will also offer bonus points for every card you use of the contracts ‘lead’ suit. These contracts also lead into the game’s randomised trophies, making some contracts much more sought after than others.
Everyone also has a joker token, which can be used anytime as any card in a set or run. It’s there to help you eek out some extra points or complete a set you’re finding difficult. Don’t use it by the end of the game, though and get a small amount of points.
This is why the game reminds me of the classic game ‘Rummy’, collecting sets, looking out for needed cards and making runs. It’s a simple premise that Romi Rami has added a bit of modern flair to. Super.
End Game and Trophies
At the end of the game, players add up their completed contracts, add their suit bonus point and unused joker token points. It’s then time to see who won the trophies.
These trophies are awarded to the player who has the most of whatever their condition is. Most hearts, most 3-card sets, that kind of thing. It’s then the player with the most points who wins the game, with ties split by most suit bonus points.
Components
Romi Rami is mainly a few decks of cards and a few cardboard tokens. The cards are thick, even if they are not linen-finish. The tokens are sturdy and everything is presented very nicely. While not containing anything unique, everything is clear, colourful and well-made. Oh, and a special mention for the lovely insert, it looks classy and very clean.
Final Thoughts
Romi Rami will not set anyone’s world on fire, nor will it appear on the top of anyone’s top 10 lists. What you do have is a very light game that is pleasant, well-presented and does have some decent choices to make.
Deciding what cards to take, what contracts to fill and which trophies to go for is fun, as is collecting as many of the contracts ‘lead’ suit to maximise your point output. Romi Rami will be sticking around in my collection, even if it’s just for a few more games. It reminds me of simpler times and simpler games with my grandad.
Right, I am hoping a few more heart cards appear in the shop soon. See you next time gamers.
