Canasta

Score points by melding sets of cards, especially canastas (7 cards of a kind). First team to 5,000 points wins. Score points for melds (card values), canastas (300-500 each), and going out (100). Deduct points for cards left in hand. First to 5,000 points wins.

Use two standard decks plus four jokers (108 cards). 4 players in partnerships. Deal 11 cards each. Place the deck face-down and turn one card up to start the discard pile.

The discard pile is crucial - build hands that can capture it. Freezing the pile (with a wild card or black three) limits opponents' options. Natural canastas are worth more - avoid overusing wild cards.

Canasta originated in Uruguay around 1939 and spread rapidly through South America. It reached the United States in 1949 and became an enormous fad, rivaling Bridge in popularity during the early 1950s.