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Gin Score Calculator: what to know before playing

An idea for your next attempt

Take a moment to read the table. Enter the defender’s deadwood after any legal layoffs; against Gin no layoff is allowed. Return to the explanation when a decision is unclear.

The challenge in front of you

Calculate a Gin hand score from the knocker’s and defender’s final deadwood totals. Check the relevant controls before continuing. Begin with the objective.

From the start of a round

  1. Enter the knocker’s deadwood from 0 to 10. Zero means Gin.
  2. Enter the defender’s deadwood after any legal layoffs; against Gin no layoff is allowed.
  3. Calculate the result. Gin scores 25 plus defender deadwood; an undercut scores 25 plus the difference.
  4. For an ordinary successful knock, the knocker scores only the positive difference.

Controls

Use the two numeric fields, then Calculate score. This tool uses whole numbers. Take the next action only when the current step is clear. Treat this as a chance to practise one rule.

Try this example

A knock of 8 against 5 is an undercut: the defender receives 28. Gin against 18 earns the knocker 43. Use another round to revisit a decision.

Watch out for this

Keep the active rule in mind. Enter post-layoff values. This arithmetic tool does not choose card groupings from card images. Check the relevant controls before continuing.

Helpful answers for players

What is the aim?

Calculate a Gin hand score from the knocker’s and defender’s final deadwood totals. Look at the complete hand before deciding. Use another round to revisit a decision.

How do I use the controls?

Use the two numeric fields, then Calculate score. This tool uses whole numbers. Work at your own pace. The same rule applies on a phone and on a computer.

Which format is available?

Fixed house bonuses of 25. It does not include line bonuses or a match-end bonus. Take a moment to read the table. Take the next action only when the current step is clear.

What should I check before a move?

Enter post-layoff values. This arithmetic tool does not choose card groupings from card images. Work at your own pace. The same rule applies on a phone and on a computer.

Can you give an example?

A knock of 8 against 5 is an undercut: the defender receives 28. Gin against 18 earns the knocker 43. A clear plan starts with the current position. Take the next action only when the current step is clear.

How is a tie scored?

A non-Gin deadwood tie is an undercut, so the defender receives 25 points. Before making a move, check the cards in view. The same rule applies on a phone and on a computer.

Can I use other Gin bonus values?

This calculator uses the same 25/25 values as this site’s Gin table. Before making a move, check the cards in view. Return to the explanation when a decision is unclear.

Does it automatically lay off cards?

No. Enter the defender’s final value after layoffs. The playable Gin table performs card-based layoff analysis. Use the rule sheet as a reference. Use another round to revisit a decision.

Do I need an account or an app?

No. Open the page in a JavaScript-enabled browser. No player account or APK is needed. A clear plan starts with the current position. The same rule applies on a phone and on a computer.

Are these scores cash or prizes?

No. Points are used only for free play and practice. There are no deposits, cash stakes or withdrawals. Keep the active rule in mind. Use another round to revisit a decision.