What are the Special Hands accepted in Modern American Canasta

Understanding the function of Special Hands in Canasta

Special Hands in Canasta have 14 cards and are difficult to achieve but are worth significant points : from 2000 to 8500. You may not pick the pack to declare a Special Hand, but using dead cards is allowed. The last card to complete a Special Hand (so the 14th card) must come from the draw pile. Indeed until the player is able to meld, with each draw check hand to determine if you are closer to a Special Hand or to melding.

There are a few different kinds of special hands. Basically Some allow for wild cards, some do not. Be careful and avoid pursuing a special hand that you can’t achieve. For example, a Garbage Hand cannot contain wild cards, and since you are not allowed to discard them, drawing a wild card at any time prevents you from declaring it.

You may only declare a Special Hand before your partnership’s initial meld or on the turn immediately after your partner opens, its a courtesy rule. If you are not able to declare it in time, you must revert to regular play. If you declare a Special Hand, the hand is over and you can count the score.

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Here is the list of the different Special Hands you can declare in Canasta Junction :

2,000 Points – Wild pairs (Aces + 7s + 2s OR Jokers – Example: 55 88 99 QQ AA 77 22)
2,500 Points – Miami Pairs ( Aces + 7s + 2s AND Jokers – Example: 55 88 99 AA 77 22 Jo Jo)
// – Pairs ( NO 2s, NO Jokers – Example: 44 55 88 99 QQ KK AA)
// – ZipCode ( 4-3-3-2-2, Wilds optional – Example: 5555 888 999 QQ KK)
3,000 Points – Garbage (4-4-3-3, NO Wilds – Example: 5555 101010 KKKK AAA)
3,000 Points – Blast Off (5-4-3-2, Wilds optional – Example: 88888 9999 QQQ KK)
3,500 Points – Triples (3-3-3-3+2, one unmixed Wilds pair, Example: 555 888 999 QQQ 22)
3,500 Points – Quads (4-4-4+2, one unmixed Wilds pair – Example: 5555 8888 9999 Jo Jo)
8,500 Points – Dream +4 (5-5+4, one unmixed Wilds quad – Example: 88888 99999 2222)
8,500 Points – Dream +5 (5-4+5, one set of any five Wilds – Example: 88888 9999 22222)

When someone declare a Special Hand, that team only gets the score of that hand. Nothing in partner’s hand or on the table counts. Opponents get their regular score as if the declarer of hand had gone out.

Building knowledge and accumulating victories!

The goal of those Special Hands

Special Hands in Canasta are a unique and exciting aspect of the game that offer players the opportunity to score substantial points through strategic play. Although these hands are challenging to achieve, the rewards range from 2000 to an impressive 8500 points, making them a significant factor in the outcome of the game. Understanding the rules and types of Special Hands is crucial for players aiming to maximize their scores and enhance their gameplay but it not only boosts a player’s scoring potential but also enhances their overall enjoyment and proficiency in the game.

If you want to know more about the rules of Canasta Junction, we invite you to check the “Special Hands” section in the “CJ Rules” part of the game or in CLA’s website.

By the way, you can find Special Hands rules on page 71!

All the Rules concerning Modern American Canasta can be found in our book : Ultimate Guide to Modern Canasta which is available just by clicking here!