Advice From Pro’s And Experts - Canasta

Anyone who has played this game will tell you that it is an easy game to play and very enjoyable. Though this game is not much of a family game, it still continues to be a game that is played a lot and also for gambling. The best way to start playing this game is by playing the Hand and foot version of the game, since it is an easy way to play as compared to the other versions.
The American version is more a less a difficult version of the game. Here there are very serious penalties for melds, which will be much better in other versions of the game. But the real fun and interesting version is that of the Classic Canasta and Foot Canasta. Always keep an account of what cards are there in the discard pile. You should also keep track of the cards that have been discarded. We suggest you write it down on a pad. The game is fast flowing and difficult to remember, so the best way is by noting down every point.
Always keep a track of the number of points that an opponent needs for a meld. You should not bother much about the discarding in the early stages, but rather keep note of the other cards that the opponent is discarding later. It is advisable when you are playing to try and not be lured into putting wild cards on a deck that is discarded. You are only missing your chance of getting a wild card.
It is a wise decision to hold on to the 2’s, for however long. The problem is that you could be penalized if you have the same cards for a long time. Tricking also will be a good move for the players. You keep lying about the card you have but basically you are persuading the other player to remove his cards. This happens when the pack is mostly locked.
If you are quite adept at playing the game but feel that you are losing the game, you should choose the cards that you can throw away so as to get back into the game. You should also be aware of the different kind of players you can come across. There are some players who always try to lock the pack. Others are those who make the melds possible. It is important not to give away the wild cards because later he is bound to pick up the wilds and he may use the wilds mostly to meld out. Keep the 3’s as far as possible. Try to trick him into the “Follow me” trick and then make him throw something that you might pick up in your turn. Always melt the Canasta’s because if you waste time, it is possible that the opponent will meld on his turn when you have all the bigger cards.