Winning consistently requires great patience, keen observation, and smart decision making at all times. Always arrange your cards by matching suit and sequence as soon as they are dealt. Focus heavily on creating your pure sequence first, as this is always mandatory to declare a win in a rummy private game.
Pay very close attention to the specific cards your friends are picking up from the open deck. Discard high value cards like Kings and Queens early if they do not fit your current hand. Do not hold onto a terrible hand for too long; know exactly when to drop and minimize your point penalty.