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Everything you need to know about online Canasta.
The rules of canasta, whether played online or on real gaming tables, are quite similar. Canasta is played in partnership between 2 to 4 players. A total of 108 cards are used, consisting of two decks of 52 cards each, and depending on the game type, an additional four wild cards that can replace any card. There are multiple rounds of play, and the points scored by each pair are added up until a points limit is reached (usually between 3,000 to 5,000 points).
The guidelines differ slightly on each website, but generally speaking, most allow players to choose between a 2-player or 4-player table. Additionally, players can select from different variants: Open, Closed, or STBL (No Triple Clean Win). Each player is dealt 11 cards, while another 11 cards are set aside as dead cards, leaving the remaining cards to be placed in the deck. The objective remains the same - to eliminate the cards in hand and accumulate the highest number of points.
Furthermore, players have the opportunity to engage in online chats while playing canasta, allowing them to interact with fellow players from around the globe.
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Rules of online canasta.
Understanding the rules, card scoring, and strategies to reduce the opponent's chances is crucial as this game has numerous variations depending on where it is being played. Before diving into the world of online canasta, it is essential to comprehend and master all the intricacies of this seemingly straightforward but detail-oriented game.
- The first step is to form two pairs and decide who will start dealing the cards. Deal 11 cards, one by one, clockwise.
- While one player deals the cards, the player to their left should separate the dead cards (also 11 cards), and the remaining cards will become the deck, from which players will draw the face-down cards in the middle of the table.
- Only the first player (to the right of the one who shuffled and dealt the main pile) can buy a card in their first round. If they don't like the card, they can discard it and buy another one. The discarded cards (trash) should be placed next to the pile.
- Whenever it's your turn, you must fish/buy a card and discard another. The latter must be turned face up, and only on your turn can you lay down (place all the sets you have ready) on the table for all players to see. Sets can be laid down with a minimum of three cards, all in sequences and of the same suit.
- The next player will do the same thing, they can either draw a card from the deck or pick up the discard pile from the table, lay down their sets, and so on and so forth.
Main rules of Canasta
- Downloading the game involves placing at least 3 cards face up on the table in sequence of the same suit. Once downloaded, it is possible to add more cards to the already downloaded plays in order to form your canasta. When you have a total of seven cards, the sequence becomes a canasta.
- It is also possible to use wild cards to replace any missing card, but only one per sequence or meld.
- Furthermore, it is worth remembering that card 2 also serves as a wildcard, and in this case, if it is being used in a combination of the same suit, it is possible to move it to its correct position (after the Ace at the beginning) before closing the canasta to clear your canasta.
- When played in pairs, both players on the same team can download the games and enhance their partner's gameplay, but it must be done when it's their respective turn.
- Discard pile or trash is made up of cards that have already been touched by other players and discarded. In other words, instead of drawing from the deck, you have the opportunity to pick up this trash. It is important to note that when you do this, you must collect ALL the cards. You can only pick up the trash if the card on top can be used in one of your own games.
- The dead is another set of cards, also consisting of 11 cards that the player will receive when they finish the first 11 cards from their hand. In doubles games, only the first player of the pair to finish their own hand can pick up the dead.
- Each pair must form at least one "canastra" before knocking (placing all the sets on the table and finishing the game).
Different types of canasta and cocktails
- Canastra Limpa is a combination of seven cards of the same suit in a continuous sequence, without the use of jokers (hence the name). If card number 2 is in its usual place and not being used as a joker, it is also a Canastra Limpa. However, if the number 2 is of the same suit as the Canastra, it can be cleaned during the game before the Canastra reaches the seventh card.
- If the 2 is being used as a wildcard, a Canastra Suja is formed with a Canastra that includes seven sequential cards along with the wildcard.
- Canastra de Quinhentos: Playing with Ks, no wildcards.
- The Canastra Real is a variation of Canastra played without any wild cards. It is also known as "trinca" and the players can form sets called "canastra" using cards of the same rank but different suits. For example, a set of four cards with at least three different suits. The points scored by these sets are not counted as canastra, but they are added to the final score.
Ending the game, or "bater" in Portuguese, occurs when a player successfully gets rid of all their cards, leaving them with none in hand. This can be achieved by either discarding or using their last card strategically. The manner in which one declares "bater" can vary depending on the cards they hold. Furthermore, different methods of "bater" also yield varying scores, so it's essential to take note of the following scoring guidelines:
- Direct Beat: a move where the player finishes the play without discarding any cards, utilizing all the cards in their hand. If they still have the dead pile to pick up, they can keep playing until they discard a card (without drawing/buying new cards).
- Indirect Hit: when the player strikes, but discards a card. If in this case they picked up the dead card after this discard, they can only continue their moves in the next round.
- First Beat: In the first beat, it is not necessary to have melds, and the player must pick up the discard pile, which consists of the 11 cards that were separated at the beginning, and the game will continue as usual.
- Segunda Batida: when you finish with the dead cards you picked up and the game ends right at that moment, even if there are still dead cards from the opponent on the table. To knock this time, you need to have at least one clean canasta.
Game scoring in canasta
In the game of canasta, the first meld that a player lays on the table must meet a minimum point requirement based on the accumulated points of each team throughout the game. When playing canasta online, you may come across varying scoring systems depending on the game variant. Take note of the scoring value assigned to each card, the worth of canastas, and the value of commonly encountered moves in online casinos.
- Coringa in the mix: 50 points
- As: 15 points
- The letter K (rei) is an 8 and acts as a wild card (card number 2), worth 10 points.
- 3 to 7: 5 points
- Canastra Suja: 100 (or 150) points
- Canastra Limpa: 200 (or 300) points
- Meia Canastra Royale (clean, without joker, from As a King): 500 points
- Canastra Real (clean, from Ace to Ace): 1,000 points
- Whoever strikes first (finishes the game): 100 points
- If a player beats using all the cards in their hand (closed beating), they will earn 200 points, and if they beat by making various combinations in different turns, they will earn 100 points.
- Each red number 3 card is worth 100 points. If a pair has all of them, they will earn 800 points. However, if a team has all three red cards on the table and doesn't make any combinations, they will lose 100 points for each card.
- At the end of the count, subtract from the points the value of each card held by the losing pair.
- When the player or the pair hit, 100 points are added to the table, plus an additional 100 for the hit.
- If a player fails to pick up the dead card, they will be penalized with a deduction of 100 points. However, if they buy the dead card through an indirect hit (discarding a card to pick it up) and the opponent finishes the game before their turn comes again, the dead card must be paid for as if it had not been previously picked up, since their turn did not come and they still have 11 cards in hand.
- Losing the dead: 100 negative points. If both pairs or all players fail to pick up the dead card, and it is used as a stack if the current one runs out, no one loses the 100 points.
- Red number 3 cards are considered bonus cards when counted outside of combinations. If a player has a red 3 in their hand, they must discard it as quickly as possible at the beginning of their turn, and that player draws a card from the stockpile to replace it, in addition to the regular card they must buy on their turn. If the player draws the red 3 from the stockpile, they must place it in the discard pile and draw another card.
- It is worth remembering that if you forget to follow the above rules, the pair will lose 500 points.
- Final Score: If a team's total points range from 0 to 1,495, their initial combination must be worth at least 50 points. If it falls between 1,500 and 2,995, this initial combination should also be worth at least 50 points. However, if the total reaches 3,000, it must be worth a minimum of 120 points. If the team has a negative score, the minimum requirement decreases to 15 points.
- It is important to note that if the player picks up the cards from the table, only the top card counts towards reaching the minimum points. Until the pair can make a combination with the minimum value, no player can buy these discarded cards. Additionally, if a player makes an initial combination that does not reach the minimum points, the cards return to their hand and the minimum value increases by 10 points.
- Always check if any pair has reached the minimum points to end the game. If this happens, the game ends and the pair wins; otherwise, a new round begins.
Strategies for online Canasta
Just like other casino games, canasta is a game that is not entirely reliant on luck, and players' decisions can have an impact on the outcome. Take a look at the following tips to boost your earnings: 1. Master the art of observation: Pay close attention to the cards being played and discarded by your opponents. This will allow you to infer their strategies and adjust your own accordingly. 2. Strategic melding: Instead of simply laying down melds as soon as you have enough cards, take a moment to plan your moves. Aim to create high-value melds that can give you a significant advantage over your opponents. 3. Timing is key: Don't rush to declare and go out. Sometimes it's better to hold onto your cards, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Be patient and strategic in your approach. 4. Stay flexible: Canasta is a game of adaptation. Be open to changing your strategies as the game progresses. If a certain approach doesn't seem to be working, don't hesitate to switch gears and try something new. 5. Communication is vital: If you're playing with a partner, effective communication is crucial. Keep each other informed about the cards you have and the potential melds you can form. This will help you coordinate your moves and maximize your chances of winning. Remember, canasta is not only about luck, but also about skill and strategy. By employing these strategies, you can increase your chances of coming out on top. Good luck and happy gaming!
- Always strive to pick up the dead card as quickly as possible, even if it means discarding a wildcard.
- Try not to download the game unless it is absolutely necessary, because with the cards in your hand, you have the advantage of the opponent discarding useful cards to use in your game, and if you haven't made any moves yet, you can make countless alterations.
- Always focus on sequences, which can also be canastras. This is because they have a higher chance of winning the game. Among these sequences, always choose the ones that are open on both sides, leaving the extremes (3, K, and Ace) for possible discards.
- Try to form "trincas" (sets of three identical cards) or "lavadeiras" (sets of seven cards of the same suit) only as a last resort, for instance, if it is necessary to pick up the discard pile in order to win the hand.
- Try incorporating an unusable wildcard into the game; use it strategically to hinder your opponent's gameplay. This is particularly helpful when you have multiple long combinations (4 or more identical cards) and are lacking a sequence.
- Always try to use wild cards of the same suit as the sequence in your runs, as it can help you clear the meld later on.
- It is worth noting that using two wild cards in a sequence is not allowed, but if you have the 2 as a wild card in a sequence of the same suit, you can also use the wild card "joker".
- Avoid holding onto useful cards in your hand if you don't have at least one meld, as without you even realizing it, your opponent may knock and end the game.
- If your opponent plays a game that includes a wildcard and you have the cards, for example: they play the game A, K, Joker, J. And you have the Q and 10 and don't know what to do with them, try using them in any game or wait for a wildcard. Otherwise, you will greatly assist your opponent.
- Never hold only one card in your hand. This is a tip and a strategy widely used in this game. It may seem trivial, but if this happens, you will fall into the hands of your opponents and end up depending on their moves.
Strategies of canastra against the opponent
- Get to know your opponent: pay close attention to their movements and plays, as this will give you insight into the cards they are waiting for, the suits they need, whether they consistently pick up from the discard pile or the draw pile, and if they play aggressively or conservatively.
- Pay attention to the number of cards in your opponent's hand: if one of your opponents has few cards in hand after picking up the discard pile, they have a good chance of going out at any moment. And then you will have to pay for all the cards that remain in your hand. In this case, if you are considering buying a full set and not cards from the deck, count the points you can lay down and the ones that will stay in your hand and analyze whether it is worth it or not.
- Using the wildcard: the wildcard is excellent for your plays, but it is necessary to know the best time to use it. Also, if you have many wildcards in your hand, remain calm. It is worth remembering that a clean straight is much more worthwhile than a dirty one. Also, try using the wildcard from card 2, with the same suit, so that later it is possible to "clean" your game.
- Avoid discarding the "7" and "8" cards: these cards are known as middle cards, and they provide opportunities for both low and high card games, meaning you can give your opponents a great and twice the chance to make a move. Additionally, it is worth remembering that discarding is a great game strategy - if you follow the first rule and pay attention to each player's moves, you will know which card is best to discard.
PROS
- Easy to learn the rules
- Fun game
- Tension generates adrenaline in the game.
- Online version (with robots) and with in-person players.
CONTRAS
- There are not many websites with online canasta.
- There are some ambiguities within the game rules.
Frequently Asked Questions - Canastra Online
Does online canasta have many rules?
The rules of Canasta, whether played online or at real game tables, are very similar. Canasta is played in partnership between 2 to 4 players. A total of 108 cards are used, consisting of two decks of 52 cards each, and depending on the type of game, an additional four jokers that can replace any card. There are multiple rounds of play, and the points scored by each pair are added up until a point limit is reached (usually between 3,000 and 5,000 points). The rules may vary slightly on each website, but in general, most allow players to choose whether the table will have 2 or 4 participants. It is also possible to choose the variant: Open, Closed, or STBL (No Clean Meld). Each player is dealt 11 cards, and 11 cards are set aside as the discard pile, with the remaining cards forming the stockpile. The objective remains the same: to get rid of all the cards in hand and accumulate the highest number of points. Additionally, players can engage in online chats during the Canasta game and get to know players from around the world.
What are the different types of Canasta?
"Clean Canasta: a set of seven cards of the same suit in a continuous sequence without the use of jokers (hence the name). If the number 2 card is in its usual place and not being used as a joker, it is also a clean canasta. However, if the number 2 card is of the same suit as the canasta, it can be cleaned during the game before the canasta reaches the seventh card. Dirty Canasta: a canasta with seven sequential cards that use the joker. In this case, if the number 2 card is being used as a joker, the canasta is also considered dirty. Five Hundred Canasta: From A to K, without any jokers. Royal Canasta: From A to A without any jokers. Washerwomen, also known as triplets, can be referred to as "canasta" when using cards of the same rank with different suits. For example, a washerwoman of number 4 that uses at least three cards with different suits. Its score is not counted as a canasta, but is added to the final count."
What are the different types of melds in the game of Canasta?
- Direct Knock: a play where the player completes their turn without discarding any cards, using all the cards in their hand. If they still have the discard pile to pick from, they can continue playing until they discard a card (without drawing new cards). - Indirect Knock: when the player knocks, but discards a card. If in this case they picked up the discard pile after this discard, they can only continue their plays in the next round. - First Knock: in the first knock, it is not necessary to have melds, and the player must pick up the discard pile, the 11 separate cards that were set aside at the beginning, and the game will continue as normal. - Second Knock: when you finish with the cards from the discard pile that you picked up, and the game ends at that moment, even if there is still the opponent's discard pile on the table. To knock this time, it is necessary to have at least one clean meld.