Canasta Rules & How to Play: Strategy and Tips for Beginners

Heard of Canasta but never quite figured out how it works? You’re not alone. Canasta is one of those classic card games that’s been around forever — and once you learn the ropes, it’s surprisingly addictive. It’s a game of sets, strategy, and sometimes sabotage, played with two decks and plenty of table talk.

Whether you’re looking to learn the basics or just want to sharpen your game, this beginner-friendly guide will walk you through how to play Canasta step-by-step, the rules you need to know, and simple strategies to help you win more often.

What Is Canasta?

Canasta is a rummy-style card game typically played by four players in two partnerships, though there are two-player and three-player versions as well. The goal is to form “melds” — groups of cards of the same rank — and be the first team to go out while scoring as many points as possible.

The game was hugely popular in the 1950s and still has a loyal following today. It combines skill, memory, teamwork, and a bit of luck, making it a perfect game for social nights or competitive card sessions.

What You Need to Play

• Two standard 52-card decks (including four jokers)

• Four players (ideally in two teams of two)

• A scorepad and pen

Jokers and twos are wild, and the rest of the cards have different point values based on rank.

Card Values in Canasta

• Jokers: 50 points

• Twos and Aces: 20 points

• 8s through Kings: 10 points

• 4s through 7s: 5 points

• Black 3s: 5 points (special use)

• Red 3s: 100 points each — but only if you meet meld conditions

Objective of the Game

Your goal is to form melds (sets of 3 or more cards of the same rank) and score points. A “canasta” is a meld of seven or more cards — and that’s where the big points come in. The first team to reach a set score (typically 5,000 points) wins the game.

Game Setup

1. Sit with your partner across from you.

2. Shuffle both decks together.

3. Deal 11 cards to each player.

4. Place the remaining cards face-down in a draw pile. Flip one card face-up to start the discard pile.

If the first discard is a red 3 or wild card, flip another card until it’s a natural one (non-wild, non-red 3).

How to Play Canasta: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Draw a Card

Each turn starts with a player drawing a card from the draw pile. Later in the game, you may be able to draw the entire discard pile — but only under certain rules (we’ll get to that in a second).

Step 2: Make a Meld (Optional)

If you have at least three cards of the same rank (like three 9s), you can lay them down as a meld. You can also add to existing melds — your own or your partner’s. Wild cards (2s or Jokers) can be used, but there are limits:

• You can’t have more wild cards than natural cards in a meld.

Initial Meld Rule: Your first meld must reach a minimum point total based on your team’s score:

• 0–1495 points: 50-point meld

• 1500–2995: 90 points

• 3000–4995: 120 points

• 5000+: 150 points

Step 3: Discard a Card

Each turn ends with a discard. If you discard a card that your opponent can use — watch out! You may be giving them a massive advantage.

Drawing the Discard Pile

Want to grab the whole discard pile instead of just one card? You can — but only if you meet the following:

• You must be able to immediately use the top card in a valid meld (with two matching cards in your hand).

• If your team hasn’t made the initial meld yet, the total must meet the required point threshold.