Card Game

Canasta

The classic rummy-style card game - create melds and canastas to win!

You: 0
CPU: 0

Draw a card to start your turn

Draw: 0 | Discard: 0

CPU (0 cards)
Draw
Discard
Your Hand (0 cards)

About Canasta

Canasta is a classic rummy-style card game that originated in Uruguay and became hugely popular worldwide in the 1950s. The game uses two standard decks including jokers and is known for its strategic depth and exciting gameplay.

The goal is to create melds (groups of 3+ cards of the same rank) and score 5000 points to win. The highlight of the game is forming "canastas" - melds of 7 or more cards that earn bonus points. A natural canasta (no wild cards) scores 500 points, while a mixed canasta scores 300.

This browser version lets you enjoy Canasta against a computer opponent anytime, anywhere. Perfect for practicing your strategy or just having fun with this timeless card game.

How to Play Canasta

1

Draw a Card

Start your turn by drawing from the deck or picking up the entire discard pile (if you can meld the top card).

2

Create Melds

Group 3+ cards of the same rank. Wild cards (2s and Jokers) can substitute but can't outnumber naturals.

3

Build Canastas

Extend melds to 7+ cards for canasta bonuses. Natural canastas (no wilds) are worth 500 points!

4

Discard to End Turn

End your turn by discarding one card. Go out when you have at least one canasta and can discard your last card.

Canasta Tips & Strategies

  • Aim for natural canastas when possible - they're worth 200 more points than mixed ones
  • Save wild cards for completing canastas rather than starting new melds
  • Pick up the discard pile when it's large to gain a significant card advantage
  • Don't go out too early - building more canastas often scores more points
  • Keep track of what your opponent discards to predict their melds

Why Play Canasta on YaliKit?

Classic Gameplay

Authentic Canasta rules

Smart AI

Challenging opponent

Free Forever

No payment required

Play Anywhere

Desktop & mobile

Yes! Canasta is completely free to play online. No downloads, no subscriptions, no hidden costs. Start playing instantly against AI.
The goal is to score 5000 points by creating melds (groups of 3+ cards of the same rank) and canastas (melds of 7+ cards). Natural canastas (no wilds) score 500 points, mixed canastas score 300.
2s and Jokers are wild cards. They can substitute for any card in a meld, but a meld must have more natural cards than wild cards.
Absolutely! Canasta is fully optimized for mobile devices, tablets, and desktop computers with responsive design.
A Canasta is a meld of 7 or more cards. A 'natural' canasta has no wild cards and scores 500 points. A 'mixed' canasta contains wild cards and scores 300 points.
You can pick up the discard pile if you can immediately meld the top card with 2 cards from your hand of the same rank. The pile is 'frozen' if it contains a wild card or red 3.
Red 3s are bonus cards worth 100 points each (or 800 if you collect all four). They must be placed face-up immediately and replaced from the deck.
Yes! Your game statistics are automatically saved in your browser's local storage.

Related Games

Enjoy Canasta? Try these other card games:

Need a tool? Ask us!