Signaling Aces & 7s in Canasta – When Is a Signal Not a Signal?

Even though you signal with Aces and 7s throughout the hand, there are moments when discarding one of these cards doesn’t carry its usual meaning. In fact, a player might legitimately throw an Ace or a 7 in several specific situations:

1. After making an Initial Meld and receiving the Talon.

Sometimes it’s more strategic to discard an Ace or 7 right after receiving the Talon. Doing so can increase your chances of forming a useful pair from the Talon combined with the cards left in your hand—potentially giving you the opportunity to Pick the Pack.

2. When your right-hand opponent has just melded and the pack is large.

If discarding a more dangerous card might allow the melder’s partner to Pick the Pack, it’s ok to get rid of an Ace or 7 instead, as long as it would not be the fifth Ace or 7!

3. When your partnership needs 180 points and you’re aiming for a Special Hand.

In a situation where you’re one card away from completing a Straight but end up drawing a second Ace, discarding that Ace isn’t a signal. Although your partner can’t know for sure that you’re attempting a Special Hand, an Ace discarded before melding (when 180 points are needed) may suggest that intention.

4. When a 7 is the only available 5-point card for signaling Wild Cards

In this case, using the 7 doesn’t function as a signal about Aces or 7s at all.

Want to learn how to signal Aces and Sevens in Canasta? Check out this article!