AN ORGANIZATION FOR THE GAY, LESBIAN, BISEXUAL & TRANSGENDER COMMUNITIES OF SOUTHEASTERN WISCONSIN SINCE 1978

So Glad You Asked . . .

by David H.

Last spring, I hosted a few Canasta nights that were well-attended and generated several inquiries, as well.  I was asked to present a short article on the game which is unfamiliar to many of us.

The game of Canasta is thought to have originated in Montevideo, Uruguay in 1939.  From there it spread to Argentina, the United States and throughout the world.  It was extremely fashionable in the 1950's, threatening for a while to displace Contract Bridge as the premier card game of the time.

The rules were standardized in North America during this period, and it was this version of the game which is called Classic Canasta.  This is the form that gained worldwide popularity.  In many countries, Classic Canasta is still played in more or less its original form, sometimes alongside a number of variations.  In North America, however, the game of Canasta has continued to develop, and the version now favored by many American players is very different from the classic game.

Canasta is generally agreed to be best for four players, playing in partnerships.  However, there are playable versions for two, three and six players.

My simplified explanation of the game is this:

The game requires a double deck, including the four jokers.  All cards have a point value on their own as well as additional value when combined in groups.  The twos (deuces) and jokers are wild cards.  The object of the game is for you and your partner to fulfill certain requirements before the game ends.  These requirements vary, depending on the variety of Canasta being played.  All forms, though, require that you amass at least one seven-card meld, or "canasta".  If you can do this without the use of any wild cards, the value of the "canasta" increases.  Melds of fewer than seven cards are also permitted and these add to your score as well. 

The game utilizes a draw pile and a discard pile, with players being permitted to draw from either pile at different times during the game.  One strategy suggested for Canasta is for your team to gather as many cards as possible in the early rounds of the game because the more cards you have at your disposal, the greater the likelihood that your team can produce multiple "canastas".  This is desirable because this is where the points are!  But don't get caught with a fistful of cards if the other team finishes first; the point value of the cards in your hand counts against you at the end of the game.  Some may quibble over whether or not to hold onto cards and only meld (lay your cards on the table) when you hold all seven required, but  starting small, you allow your partner to add to it and increase the odds of completing the canasta sooner (than your opponents).

Many who have shown up to play Canasta either have not played in many years or are completely new to the game.  I invite you try it; Gamma Canasta players are a patient lot and, the more the merrier.  Don't worry about the details of the rules; 'cheat sheets' are provided and everyone is willing to share the parts of the game they understand and together, we have many good rounds of Canasta.

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Updated: 04/29/2008

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