The history of most classic card games is fragmented and full of holes. They typically developed over a span of several decades or even centuries, going through many changes and branching in lots of different variants. However, the history of Canasta is young and well documented.
Canasta was only developed in 1939 in Montevideo, Uruguay. Segundo Santos, a lawyer and Alberto Serrato, an architect, were bridge partners. They wanted to develop a card game which was less complicated and less time consuming than bridge.
Interesting fact: The game was originally called Canastillo (little basket in Spanish) after the basket the two friends used to hold their cards. It was quickly shortened to Canasta.
They considered the games’ elements of team play, forming melds, adding to melds, and the option to buy the whole discard pile to be the most interesting. For weeks, they experimented with different variations of these elements.
The result was Canasta, a game played with alliances of two players and thus a more tactical and interesting variety of Rummy. Following their own tests, they introduced friends to the game.
The game proved hugely popular and quickly spread across the globe. By the Fifties, Canasta had become one of the most popular card games in the world.
However, as Canasta spread, lots of new variants were invented and it became normal that players had to agree which set of rules applied before they could start a game!
But did the two friends benefit from their invention? The simple truth is that, never anticipating its success, they failed to copyright the rules to their game and, as a consequence, were never able to commercialise the huge popularity of the game they had invented.
Today there are many variants of Canasta played around the world. The variant we play is called Hybrid Canasta.
The objective is to be the first team to reach 10,000 points but it is not a game of speed! It is more akin to a marathon and good timing plays a huge part as does deciding what to discard, play, and more importantly when to go out. Patience is key!
It is a game that combines both luck and skill. While luck plays a role in the cards you’re dealt: tactics, skill, decision-making, melding, and going for high scores are necessary to beat your opponents.
Our group plays for the fun and camaraderie of Hybrid Canasta. Normally we play in fours but playing in a two or three can also be challenging and fun.
Our venue overlooks the Mediterranean Sea and we are warmly welcomed by the Parador Hotel Bar on Thursday afternoons. Parking just opposite is very handy.
At the moment, we don’t have enough time to coach complete beginners. However, if you’re a regular or keen card player, you will be able to learn this game quickly and we’ll be happy to show you the ropes along with some cheeky and fun tactics.
If you are a regular or keen card player then please get in touch to register your interest, places are limited and we’ll do our best to accommodate you and get you up and running.
Group Leaders: Mike and Val Cox
Venue : Parador Hotel BarDay: Thursday Afternoon
Time: 2:30pm for 2:45pm start
Email: hybrid.canasta@u3ajavea.com
