It can be harmful, for example, to hold onto high-value cards, such as face cards, if you can't meld them before the round is over. Players must thus continuouslysetaking assess their hands and base their strategic choices on both their own melds and possible attacks from rivals. Learning the Art of Rummy: Making Strategic Choices. Often, winning at rummy requires both strategic decision-making & deft play. Throughout the game, keep track of which cards have been discarded as a useful tip.