How do I "pick the pack"?

"Picking the pack" is a powerful move where you take the entire discard pile. In Canasta Junction, this action is available on your turn if you meet the right conditions, which is usually after your team has made its initial meld.

Condition to Pick the Pack: You must have a matching pair of natural cards in your hand that has the same rank as the top card of the discard pile.

How to Pick the Pack in the App: The app provides a specific sequence for this action:

1. First, take the top card from the discard pile and place it on the appropriate blue meld area on the right side of the screen.
2. Then, add your matching pair from your hand to that same meld to complete the triple.
3. The rest of the discard pile will then be added to your hand, and you can continue your turn by making other melds.

Important Rules to Remember:

• You must have a legal card to discard to end your turn after picking the pack.
• Picking the pack leaves an "empty tray," so your discard cannot be a Seven, Wild card, Ace, or Dead card (a card from a completed canasta).
• You cannot pick the pack if the top card would become the eighth card in an existing meld.