Also, keeping an eye on the cards your opponents are picking up can reveal important details about their game plans. An opponent may be trying to form a set or sequencteen patte if they keep picking up cards from the discard pile that are similar to yours in rank or suit. You can increase your chances of winning by using these patterns to help you decide which cards to keep & which to discard. When used properly, the discard pile in rummy can be a very effective tool, but it is frequently underutilized.