The Canasta group meets once a month in a local public house 'The Rose & Crown' (members don't pay any entrance fee but it is expected that they purchase refreshments), for an enjoyable game of Canasta.

Canasta is a popular card game that originated in Uruguay in the 1940s and has since become a favorite for groups of friends and families worldwide. The game is typically played with four players divided into two teams, but there are variations for two, three, or six players. Using two standard 52-card decks along with four jokers (108 cards in total), the goal in Canasta is for each team to create “melds,” which are sets of cards of the same rank. Jokers and 2s serve as wild cards, adding an element of strategy and surprise to the game as they can substitute for any other card in a meld. One of the game’s unique features is the creation of “canastas”—melds of seven or more cards of the same rank—which score significantly higher than smaller sets. The game’s scoring system and the requirement to meet a point threshold to win make each hand a blend of tactical decision-making and luck.

Part of the excitement in Canasta lies in the way players manage their hands, as well as their decisions around drawing from the discard pile or the stockpile. Drawing from the discard pile allows players to potentially pick up multiple cards, which can help them complete or extend valuable melds, but it also comes with risks, especially if the opponent is close to forming their own canasta. The gameplay encourages teamwork, as partners need to coordinate their melds and support each other’s strategies while blocking their opponents. Players find Canasta engaging due to its balance between strategy and unpredictability, and the game is social and conversational, making it an enjoyable way to spend time with others. Whether aiming for a high-scoring canasta or blocking an opponent’s next move, Canasta is a lively and dynamic game that has maintained its popularity for decades.