SCORING

The object of the game is to be the first to 5,000 points. In order to score, a combination of cards must be laid face up on the table. The only combinations allowed are sets of cards of the same poker ranking hands there are no sequences in Canasta.

A combination must contain at least three cards. Jokers may be used to substitute for ‘plain’ cards and 2s may also be used like Jokers in this way. We refer to 2s and Jokers collectively as ‘wild cards’.

However, a set may never contain more than three wild cards, and the plain cards must always out-number the wild cards in one set. A set of seven or more cards is called a canasta, and scores a large bonus. ‘Natural’ canastas (containing no wild cards) score more than ‘mixed’ ones. Examples are illustrated overleaf.

The 3s are covered by special poker rles. Black 3s may No-Trumps normally be used for anything constructive but are nevertheless good cards to hold they are discussed later. Red 3s are bonus cards a player holding one should immediately lay it face up in front of him and draw another card to replace it.

The first time a player puts scoring cards on the table, they must add up to at least a minimum value, which depends on how close that player’s side is to the target of 5,000 points.

This total may be achieved using several combinations, for example a total of 50 can be achieved with a set of three 5s (15) and a set of two Kings with a 2 (40). If (as usually happens ) the first scoring cards are played while capturing the discard pile, this total must be achieved using only the last discard and cards in the player’s hand.

The requirements depend on the side’s score as follows:

This requirement is quite independent of any red 3s laid down. Examples of sets giving the points required are shown in the illustration.

When the poker game ends, each side adds up the value of their cards face up on the table, then subtracts the value of any cards remaining in their hand. Scores are as follows:

FOUR PLAYERS

With two or three players, each plays individually, but four players play as two pairs of partners. Partners sit opposite each other. In this case partners keep their scoring cards separately, and they must meet the requirement to score a certain number of points with their first combined combinations and to make one canasta before going out separately, but they can add cards to each other’s combinations.

The end of the game comes when both partners on one side have gone out (or when the pack runs out). It is normally god play for the two partners to go out in immediate succession, and in order to be able to achieve this is legal to say ‘Shall I go out, partner?’ before discarding. If your partner says ‘Yes’ then you are obliged to go out.