About Red Threes

Red Threes is a small, independent guide to canasta and Hand and Foot. We teach the rules one step at a time, show the cards as we go, and offer free score sheets you can print for your table.

Who we are

Our rules pages are by Ali, who plays canasta. Matt runs the site. The two of us also run Mahjong Tilework, a guide to mahjong, written and checked the same way.

Why red threes?

In canasta, a red three is a card you lay face up on the table the moment you get it. We liked the idea of a site that puts its cards on the table the same way: clear rules, and a plain account of where they come from.

How we write the rules

• We write every page in our own words.
• We check each rule against at least two published sources, such as canasta leagues, teachers, card makers and rules sites, and we list them at the end of the page. When a rule rests on a single source, the page says so.
• Canasta is played many ways. Where tables often differ, we say so, and your group can settle it before the first deal.
• Our pages are a guide, not a rulebook. If your club follows a particular rulebook, that rulebook wins at your table.

Corrections

Spotted a mistake, or play a rule we haven't covered? Please get in touch. Corrections are always welcome.

Independence

Red Threes isn't affiliated with the Canasta League of America, any card maker or any online canasta game.