What is Gin?
Gin happens when a player discards and the remaining 10-card hand has zero deadwood. The opponent does not lay off after Gin. The Gin player scores the opponent’s deadwood plus the Gin bonus.
What is Big Gin?
Big Gin happens immediately after a draw when all 11 cards are part of melds. Because the hand is already complete, no discard is needed.
Side-by-side comparison
| Rule | Gin | Big Gin |
|---|---|---|
| When it happens | After discarding | Immediately after drawing |
| Cards melded | 10 cards | 11 cards |
| Deadwood | 0 | 0 |
| Opponent layoff | No | No |
| Bonus | Gin bonus | Big Gin bonus |
Scoring
Regular Gin is scored as opponent deadwood plus the Gin bonus. Big Gin is scored as opponent deadwood plus the Big Gin bonus.
Game UI behavior
When your hand has zero deadwood, the game should make the action clear. A normal Knock button can become GIN!. If Big Gin is available with 11 cards immediately after drawing, the game can show BIG GIN! or resolve Big Gin automatically.
Next steps
After comparing Gin and Big Gin, review normal knock timing and scoring so you can choose when to end a hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Big Gin better than Gin?
Usually yes, because Big Gin normally awards a larger bonus than regular Gin.
Do you discard for Big Gin?
No. Big Gin occurs when all 11 cards are melded immediately after drawing.
Can the opponent lay off after Big Gin?
No. The opponent does not lay off after Gin or Big Gin.