500 rum, also called pinochle rummy, Michigan rummy, rummy 500 or 500 rummy, is a popular variant of rummy. The game of canasta and several other games are believed to have developed from this popular form of rummy. The distinctive feature of 500 Rum is that each player scores the value of the sets he melds. It may be played by 2 to 8 players, but it is best for 3 to 5. The term "Michigan Rummy" may also refer to an unrelated game involving a playing board, chips, and accumulated pots that are awarded to players who play certain cards.