Knowing When to Make a Statement. However, timing your declarations is just as important. Predicting when to declare can help you win the game before your opponents have a chance, especially if you are able to form sets arummy game ki listnd runs with all the cards in your hand. It's crucial to consider how making your declaration too soon or too late could affect your chances of winning, though. The Repercussions of Making a Too-Late or Early Declaration. If you declare too soon, you might allow your opponents to form sets & runs with the cards they still have, reducing the amount of points they lose; if you declare too late, you might allow them to declare before you do.