Every 3 players canasta game that is played has the exact same basic rules that are used in all canasta games but there are some highly important differences that will change the game and the approach that is needed in order to be successful. Let us analyze the differences that appear and see what we can do in order to also achieve success in three players canasta games, which is completely different from the 6 players canasta version.

There are 2 highly important differences that are obvious when we are comparing 3 players canasta with 4 players canasta. In three players canasta every single player starts the game as an individual and he is not a part of the team. The second main difference stands in the fact that each player receives 13 cards at the deal and not only 11. Now the interesting aspect of this variation appears when we use Cutthroat Canasta (or just cutthroat) rules. Most of the players are to find this added set of rules to be an improvement to three players canasta.

Three players Cutthroat Canasta forces you to draw 2 cards instead of just one from a stock. Also, if one player will take one card from a discard pile then we consider him to become the lone hand. This basically means that the 2 players that are not lone hands will join forces and are to become a team. They will be allowed to combine melds and do all the moves that they would be able to do as a team in 4 players canasta. Then, the initial melds that are needed will be different based on each player’s score. The lone hand will only get points for what he makes and the other two players are to get exactly the same points as the total of their melds, except when we are in front of a player having a red three, which is always scored individually. Most 3 players canasta games will feature a target score of 7500 points. When there is no lone hand then each player will score for himself.

Three players canasta is highly entertaining and can be a nice twist in the event that you are looking for new flavors to your canasta game nights. Make sure that you learn all the extra rules mentioned above and we are sure that you will really enjoy the game.