If a player has placed a set on the table, he/she may add cards of the same rank or jokers to the meld but cannot do so to the opponent's melds. It must have at least two non-wild cards and a maximum of three wild cards. A meld comprising totally of wild cards-jokers and deuce is also not allowed. One partnership cannot have more than one meld of the same rank. All melds must be placed on the table during the game. You are only allowed to make a set (meld consisting of cards of the same rank) and not runs (sequences such as a 2, 3, 4) that are considered invalid in Canasta. Combination of three or more cards can be formed. Melding is much the same as in standard Rummy. However, this drawing action is subject to certain rules that determine whether a player is allowed to draw or not. After forming a meld if possible, he/she has to then toss a card and the next player takes his/her turn. The player sitting on the dealer's left begins the game by drawing a card from either the discard pile or the stockpile.

This is where the game differs from most other rummy games wherein going out early or discarding the end card is of higher importance.

The basic goal of winning for this card game is simple you have to achieve the highest number of points by melding your cards.