Canasta
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- 1.00MB DOWNLOADS
- 4+ AGE
About this app
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Name Canasta
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Category OTHER
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Price Free
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Safety 100% Safe
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Version 2024.3.0
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Update Jul 09,2024
Canasta is a popular card game that originated in Uruguay in the 1930s and quickly gained worldwide popularity. The name "Canasta" means "basket" in Spanish, referring to the traditional way of scoring in the game where players collect "melds" of cards into baskets or sets. This game is played with two decks of standard playing cards, plus two jokers, totaling 108 cards.
The objective of Canasta is to create melds of at least three cards of the same rank or sequence. Melds can be of either natural cards (without jokers) or mixed melds (with the addition of jokers). Players score points by forming these melds and laying them on the table. The first player to reach a predetermined score, usually 5,000 points, wins the game.
The game begins with each player receiving 15 cards. The remaining cards are placed face-down in a stockpile, and the top card is turned face-up to start a discard pile. Players take turns drawing a card from either the stockpile or the discard pile and discarding a card. On each turn, players can also form melds, either by picking up cards from the discard pile or by using cards in their hand.
A natural meld consists of at least three cards of the same rank, while a mixed meld requires at least two natural cards of the same rank and one or more jokers. As melds are formed, they are placed on the table in front of the player. The player who lays down the first meld of seven or more cards becomes the "starter" and gets an initial bonus of 100 points.
There are also several special combinations that can be formed in Canasta, such as "red threes" (three red threes) and "canastas" (melds of seven or more cards). Red threes are worth 500 points, and canastas are worth additional points depending on the number of cards in the meld. Additionally, players can score by "going out," which means discarding their last card and ending their turn.
Canasta is a game that requires strategy, luck, and the ability to read your opponent's moves. It is enjoyed by both casual players and competitive card enthusiasts. Whether played for fun or as a competitive challenge, Canasta offers a unique and exciting card game experience.