The Intricacies of Rummy: A Complete Guide The card game rummy has been a favorite for centuries and has a long history dating back to the early 1800s. Its welcome rummygenesis is frequently disputed; some historians contend that it originated in the Chinese game of Mahjong, while others contend that it developed from the Mexican game of Conquian. Whatever its exact origins, rummy has crossed cultural boundaries and established itself as a mainstay in homes all over the world.