Everyone loves a good card game -If you're tired of the old classics, now's a good time to learn Canasta.  Easier to learn than bridge and much more social, Canasta is a rummy-style card game, played with two card decks plus extra jokers. The most common version played in America is played with four players.

The goal of the game is for you and your partner to work together to build melds (sets of three or more cards of the same rank) and earn points. Wild cards and special cards add to the complexity of the game and challenge you to strategize against your opponents. 

Still deciding:  Consider this: Games like Canasta keep the brain active, challenged, and social—a powerful trio for longevity.  The game's play requires constant recall which strengthens short-term and working memory. And, social games, like Canasta, are linked to better emotional health and cognitive resilience, sharpening concentration and keeping mental agility strong.

While this game gained its initial popularity in the U.S. during the 1950's, like Mah Jongg, it is enjoying a popularity resurgence.  Don't miss out!  Find some friends or come on your own and make new ones as you learn to play Canasta.

Christine Maccarella is an experienced player and has taught in several Adult Continuing Education programs.  She currently also teaches Mah Jongg.  Now, she is branching out and bringing Canasta to the community.