How do I make my first meld (Initial Meld)?

The "Initial Meld" is your team's very first play of cards onto the table. To do this in Canasta Junction, you must meet three specific requirements during your turn, after you have drawn a card.

1. Meet the Minimum Point Value The total value of the cards you play must meet a minimum based on your team's current total score. The app will display the required points you need to meld.

• If your team score is below 3000 points, you need

  125 points to meld.

• If your score is between 3000 and 4995, you need

  155 points.

• If your score is 5000 or more, you need

  180 points.

2. Have at Least One "Clean Triple" Your initial meld must include at least one "clean triple". This is a set of three identical cards of the same rank, with no wild cards (Jokers or 2s). For example, three Kings or three 5s.

3. Have a Card to Discard After playing your meld, you must still have at least one card left in your hand to discard and end your turn.

How the App Helps Canasta Junction makes melding easier by automatically calculating the point value of the cards you select from your hand. If your selected meld doesn't meet the point requirement or is missing a clean triple, the app will not allow the play, preventing a "mis-meld" and the associated 10-point penalty.