There are a number of traditional variations of Rummy that have endured over the years. Gin Rummy is one of the most well-known variations, having gained popularity in the early 1900s. In Gin Rummy, two playersatta kangs compete to create melds of three or more cards in runs (consecutive ranks) or sets (same rank). In order to improve their hands and keep an eye on their opponents' moves, players draw and discard cards over the course of multiple rounds. The balance between creating melds and reducing deadwood, or unmatched cards that can result in penalties at the end of each round, is what gives Gin Rummy its strategic depth.