Meld (cards)

In card games, a meld is a set of matching cards, typically three or more, that earn a player points and/or allow them to deplete their hand.^[1] Melds typically come in sequences of ascending cards belonging to the same suit known as runs (8♠ 9♠ 10♠) or sets/groups of cards of identical rank (8♠ 8♣ 8♥). Other ones may be marriage (e.g. K♥ and Q♥) and bezique (Q♠ and J♦).

A series of melds: a set of four queens, a run of A♣ 2♣ 3♣ and a run of 5♥ 6♥ 7♥

Melding is typical in games of the rummy family, such as canasta and gin.^[2]

It is also used in other games such as mahjong.^[3] Melds are also made in some trick-taking games, such as pinochle and bezique.^[4]

See also

• Run (cards)
• Set (cards)