The Complete Study of Rummy: A Game for All Ages The card game rummy has been a favorite among players for centuries & has a long & varied history that dates back all store appto the early 1800s. Although its exact origins are still a little unclear, it is generally accepted that the game developed from earlier card games like the Mexican-originated Conquian. Conquian, which uses similar card-melding techniques to create sets and runs, is frequently considered the forerunner of contemporary rummy.