Objective of the Game

The objective of Canasta is to score as many points as possible by creating sets of cards ("melds"). A unique type of meld is the eponymous "Canasta", which consists of at least seven cards of the same rank.

Setup

Number of Players: Canasta is typically played by four players in two teams, but can also be played by two to six players. In a four-player game, two players form a team.

Cards: Two standard decks of 52 cards plus four jokers are used (a total of 108 cards).

Card Values: - Jokers are Wild Cards (can replace any other card) and are worth 50 points. - Twos are also Wild Cards and count 20 points. - Black Threes count 5 points and have mainly a strategic role. - Fours through Sevens count 5 points each. - Eights through Kings count 10 points each. - Aces and Red Threes count 20 points each.

Gameplay

1. Dealing Cards: Each player receives 11 cards. The deck is placed in the center, and the top card is flipped face-up next to it to start the discard pile.

2. Turn Sequence:

3. Drawing: At the start of your turn, you can either draw the top card from the deck or take the entire discard pile. To take the discard pile, you must either use the top card immediately to make a meld or make it part of a meld with at least two identical cards from your hand.

4. Melding: On your turn, you can lay down cards on the table in front of you if you have a meld of at least three cards of the same rank. Wild Cards can be used to complete a meld but must not exceed the number of natural cards in the meld.

5. Special Canasta Rules: A Canasta consists of at least seven cards of the same rank, with or without Wild Cards. A concealed Canasta (without jokers or twos) scores 500 points, a mixed Canasta scores 300 points.

6. Discarding: At the end of your turn, you must discard one card onto the discard pile. You cannot go out until you've formed a Canasta.

7. Ending the Round: A round ends when a player goes out by discarding all cards and has formed at least one Canasta. The round also ends if the deck is depleted.

8. Scoring:

9. Cards in hand score negatively, while cards in melds score positively.

10. Bonuses are awarded for Canastas, all four red Threes (100 points each, all four for 800 points), and going out.

11. Winning: After a predetermined score over several rounds is reached (commonly 5000 points), the team or player with the highest score wins.

Strategic Tip

It is often wise to focus on Canastas of lower-ranked cards, as these are easier to manage and less likely to be a target of opponents. Crucially, keep an eye on opponents to hinder their access to the discard pile.

Enjoy playing Canasta! Enjoy the strategic depth and try to skillfully form Canastas while blocking your opponent's opening points. Good luck!