In short, the game has a lot of variety to it without any changes in the rules. The progression between the two is very slow, allowing for a gradual change in style. Later on, it becomes much more of a tactical game where you have to plan carefully your choices of drawing, picking up the discards of others, and your own discards. Early on, it's very much a speed race where the goal is to empty your hand quickly. The game has a nice mix of elements and changes greatly as the game progresses. Shanghai's distinguishing factor is the concept of goals that each player has to achieve with each hand. Shanghai rummy is a very interesting rummy game that combines elements of gin rummy and other card games.
