Gin's name came from the fact that Rum was its progenitor. Magician John Scarne thinks Gin Rummy developed from Whiskey poker and was designed to be quicker than the standard Rummy game.

It is an addictive card game that was originally created in 1909 by Elwood T. The two-player Gin Rummy tash game is quite similar to the Rummy game that has been played since the 20th century.