How do I play my first turn? (The role of the 3s)

Canasta Junction guides you through each step of your turn. The app will highlight when it's your turn to play.

Before Your First Turn: The 3s If you are dealt any 3s in your initial hand, you must play them before you begin your first turn. The app simplifies this process: it will automatically move all the 3s from your hand to your team's meld area and deal you an equal number of replacement cards.

The Sequence of a Turn Once your 3s are handled, a standard turn in the app consists of three steps:

1. Draw: You must start your turn by drawing a card. You will be prompted to either draw from the face-down draw pile or, if eligible, "pick the pack".
2. Meld (Optional): After drawing, you may play cards from your hand to the table by creating new melds or adding to your team's existing melds.
3. Discard: To end your turn, you must select one card from your hand to place on the discard pile. A turn is not complete until you discard.

Important Rules for 3s:

• If you draw a 3 from the draw pile during the game, the app will automatically meld it for you and you will immediately draw another replacement card.
• You can never discard a 3.