Beginner Canasta
Introduces the basic rules and strategies of Modern American Canasta. No prior experience needed! This class will get you launched and ready to play with others.
Beyond Beginner Canasta
Pre-req: Beginner canasta or know the basic rules of Modern American Canasta. This class covers forgotten rules and dives deeper into strategies and special hands.
Guided Play
Play canasta with an instructor present to answer in the moment questions. We’ll organize the logistics and supplies, you show up!
We are forming more canasta classes based on interest. Please fill out the Canasta Interest form if you would like to be matched with others to learn canasta and we will reach out to you. If you have a group and would like to set up a private lesson at your home, fill out the private lesson inquiry form.
Canasta Connection:
Beginner classes and beyond beginner/strategy classes are forming in Falmouth, MA and near Orleans, MA starting in August. We will group you with others interested and rotate hosting. It’s a great way to find a group on the cape! To inquire, email: thecanastaconnection@gmail.com
Open Play
We’ll handle the logistics and setup, all you need to do is show up. The best way to get better at Canasta is to practice and play as much as possible!
Beginner Canasta: Orleans, Ma
Learn the basics of Modern American Canasta in Orleans, Ma. This series will be an intensive, giving you all the basics in three, 3 hour sessions.
Please fill out this form to register. Once we reach the minimum number to run, we will send out information regarding payment and next steps.
Beginner Canasta: Falmouth/Mashpee/Cotuit
Learn the basics of Modern American Canasta. This series will be an intensive, giving you all the basics in three, 3 hour sessions.
Please fill out this form to register. Once we reach the minimum number to run, we will send out information regarding payment and next steps.
Beginner Canasta, Marriott Newton
Dates:
Tuesday June 16th, June 23rd, July 7th and July 14th from 2-4:30pm (no class June 30th)
Location: Boston Marriott Newton
Do you like to play games? Would you like to learn a new one? More popular than ever with adults of all ages, the game of Canasta is a fun, complex, and addictive game. We will cover all aspects of the game, using Modern American Canasta rules. Participants will learn the rules and strategies needed to play. Each session will include instruction and supervised play. Meet new friends or gather your crew. Either way this game offers you great brain exercise, fun and a social experience.
Canasta Strategies Pop-Up
Date: Tuesday June 9th 2:30-4:30pm
Location: Marriott Hotel Newton
Cost: $60 includes strategy handouts to level up your game
Join Emily of The Canasta Connection for a Modern Canasta Strategy Pop-Up. We’ll discuss seven, ace, wild card and discard strategies with specific exercises to help level up your game, as well as discuss in the moment strategies through play.
6/3 Canasta Strategies: Special Hands (VIRTUAL)
11am-12pm Virtual Class with Emily
Optional 12-1pm: Virtual social play at the end of class. *Must subscribe to either canastajunction.com or realcanasta.com and will be matched with others on the same platform. This will not be supervised, but will be organized for you.
Discuss special hand rules, special hands valid on realcanasta.com and canastajunction.com, strategies around special hands, and common table rules. Please bring two decks of playing cards. Will have exercises for recognizing special hands and “what would you do” situations to discuss. There will also be an opportunity to meet other canasta players around the country who sign up for the class.
$35 per person
6/2 Canasta Guided Play (Waban Library)
May 26th, 2026 from 2-4pm
Waban Library Center, Newton
Canasta Open and Guided Play
Guided Play: $35 pp Topic of focus: Gaining confidence with canasta game play, rule and strategic decision making
Open Play: Free. Bring your own supplies, independent play. Must be an independent player. If you want support while playing, sign up for guided play. Please note, guided play will happen at the same time so you must be okay with this happening at nearby tables.
Canasta supplies provided only for guided play. Must reserve a space in advance-limited seats. NO WALK-INS, must register in advance.
Register Here, pay in person
6/2 Canasta Strategies: Special Hands (Virtual)
11am-12pm Virtual Class
Optional 12-1pm: Virtual social play at the end of class. *Must subscribe to either canastajunction.com or realcanasta.com and will be matched with others on the same platform.
Discuss special hand rules, special hands valid on realcanasta.com and canastajunction.com, strategies around special hands, and common table rules. Please bring two decks of playing cards. Will have exercises for recognizing special hands and “what would you do” situations to discuss. There will also be an opportunity to meet other canasta players around the country who sign up for the class.
$35 per person
Canasta Guided Play (Waban Library)
May 26th, 2026 from 2-4pm
Waban Library Center, Newton
Canasta Open and Guided Play
Guided Play: $35 pp Topic of focus: Gaining confidence with canasta game play, rule and strategic decision making
Open Play: Free. Bring your own supplies, independent play. Must be an independent player. If you want support while playing, sign up for guided play. Please note, guided play will happen at the same time so you must be okay with this happening at nearby tables.
Canasta supplies provided only for guided play. Must reserve a space in advance-limited seats. NO WALK-INS, must register in advance.
Register Here, pay in person
Beginner Canasta at Arlington
Dates: Thursday April 30th-May 28th 6:30-8:30pm
Location: Gibbs School
Do you like to play games? Would you like to learn a new one? More popular than ever with adults of all ages, the game of Canasta is a fun, complex, and addictive game. We will cover all aspects of the game, using Modern American Canasta rules. Participants will learn the rules and strategies needed to play. Each session will include instruction and supervised play. Meet new friends or gather your crew. Either way this game offers you great brain exercise, fun and a social experience.
Register here through Arlington Community Education
Beginner Canasta: JCC of Greater Boston
Dates: April 30th-May 21st 10am-12:30pm
Location: JCC of Greater Boston
Do you like to play games? Would you like to learn a new one? More popular than ever with adults of all ages, the game of Canasta is a fun, complex, and addictive card game. We will cover all aspects of the game, using Modern American Canasta rules. Participants will learn the rules and strategies needed to play. Each session will include instruction and supervised play. Meet new friends or learn with your group. Either way this game provides an excellent workout for your brain, plenty of fun, and a great social experience.
Register Here through JCC of Greater Boston
Canasta Level 2: Needham
Dates: Wednesday April 29th-May 20th
Location: High Rock School, Needham
Pre-requisite: Beginner Canasta or equivalent experience with the foundations of canasta.
This class logically follows our beginner canasta class. It is intended for those with basic knowledge of Canasta rules and game play. Using guided play and strategic exercises, we will re-enforce rules and discuss strategies and special hands in more depth.
Register Here through Needham Community Education
Beginner Canasta 4/28, 5/5, 5/12, 5/19
Beginner Canasta 5/5, 5/12, 5/19, 5/26 from 2-4pm
Waban Library Center
Email: thecanastaconnection@gmail.com to sign up