Play Canasta – Rules for six players

There are many ways to play canasta rummy for 6 players depending on the variation. This version however are given in most books, following the rules of Classic Game with the following adaptation:

• Three, 52-card deck of cards with six jokers are used.

• Three teams may be available of two players, each partner sitting opposite each other, or two teams of three players, each player sitting between two opponents.

• 13 cards are dealt for each player.

• Four (4) red threes counts as 400 points only; five(5) counts as 1000 points, six(6) count 1200.

• It is required for a team to complete two (2) sets of canasta, before going out.

• In a three teams of two play; the game ends when one or more teams accomplished a score of 7, 500 and above.

• In a two teams of three play; the game ends when one or both teams attains or exceeds 10, 000 points; a team that has 7, 000 or more points requires at least 150 points for their initial meld.

The following variation of the 6-player game between two teams of three has the following Meld Rules (from Shirley Miller):

• Melds of three or more wild cards or any mixture of twos and jokers are permitted;
  • Wild card – 2, 000 bonus points
  • Penalty of 2,000 points is given for a team to start a wild card meld, however, fails to complete a canasta before the game ends

• In going out, a team must have at least three(3) canastas, two of which must not contain any wild cards.