The primary goal of the game is to use the cards that are dealt to you to create legitimate sets and sequences. Beginning with a predetermined number of cards—13 in most forfree ultimate rummymats—each player alternates between drawing from the discard pile and the deck. As players attempt to predict the moves of their opponents, they must choose which cards to keep & discard, introducing a strategic element. Players must try to merge their cards into legitimate combinations before their rivals do as they advance through the game.