Learning to Play & Love Canasta (In-Person Only)

Course Description: Students will learn to play Canasta in accordance with the rules and standards of the Canasta League of America. Instruction includes introduction of the materials (required and optional) used for play; developing a familiarity with the nuances of the playing cards used for Canasta; learning the sequence of play/strategies/scoring and repetitive play practice.

Week 1: Presentation of playing cards used for American Canasta, tray, racks and scoring materials. Students will "play" an open-hand to become familiar with the procedures and requirements of this game. Hand-outs will be distributed.

Week 2: Review of Week 1 lesson. Students will again play an open-handed game with instructor coaching of the mechanics.

Week 3: "How to Win": strategies such as partner "signaling" and timing of melds; "picking the pack" and evaluating opponents' play strategies will be introduced and practiced. Depending on player readiness, a game with "closed" hands will be played.

Week 4: REVIEW! REVIEW!! REVIEW!! Introduction to scoring procedures when game ends. Play will be geared to developing confidence and maintaining the pace of the game.

Week 5: REVIEW! REVIEW! PRACTICE!! PRACTICE!! Players will play closed hands and practice scoring.

Week 6: Players will play at least 3 complete hands and tabulate the scores.

Instructor:  Ms. Judy Schwartz

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