Our verdict: the place to play Modern American Canasta online. Canasta Junction is the only Modern Canasta app officially endorsed by the Canasta League of America, with live games, private tables and daily Duplicate tournaments. You can try it free against the computer; full access is by paid membership.
Best for: Modern American Canasta players, club players and anyone who wants to compete.
What Is Canasta Junction?
Canasta Junction is a dedicated Canasta platform from Canasta Junction, LLC, running since 2015. You can play in a web browser on any computer, or with the apps for iPhone, iPad and Android.
Unlike general card-game sites, it does one thing: Modern American Canasta, played under the rules of the Canasta League of America (CLA), its official partner.
Modern American Canasta
Modern American Canasta is the version governed by the Canasta League of America. It’s a four-player partnership game with 108 cards (two decks plus four jokers), 13 cards dealt to each player, and a target of 8,500 points, well above classic Canasta’s 5,000.
If you’ve only played classic Canasta, read our Modern American Canasta Rules before you sit down: the requirements are different enough to catch you out.
Duplicate Tournaments
Canasta Junction runs daily Duplicate Canasta tournaments sanctioned by the CLA. In a duplicate tournament, every competitor plays the same cards, so the results come down to skill rather than the luck of the deal. There are special tournaments for beginners, and part of each game fee goes to a monthly charity.
Live Play and Private Tables
Live Play needs a subscription. With one, you can play live against players from around the world, create your own table, choose the rules, and add robots to fill empty seats. Live Play includes chat and audio chat.
To play with your regular group, create a private table for two or four players and chat while you play.
Practicing Against the Computer
Canasta Junction’s computer players are built to mimic real players’ strategies. You can play a free game against them, and Solitaire mode lets you play against robots, even offline, which the site recommends for developing your game. There are also a getting-started guide and video tutorials.
Free vs Membership
You can create a profile, play a free game against the computer and play Solitaire mode against three robots. Live Play needs a subscription, and Duplicate tournaments are entered with CJ tokens, sold in the app from $0.99 for 50. Free players see ads; the app sells an Ad Free plan for $4.90 a month or $49 a year. Live Play subscription prices:
| Plan | On the web | In the App Store or Google Play |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $6.99 | $7.99 |
| Annual | $69.90 | $79.90 |
Tip: subscribing on the website is cheaper than subscribing inside the app. Prices may vary outside the USA, and tournament tokens are extra.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- The only Modern Canasta app officially endorsed by the CLA
- Daily CLA-sanctioned Duplicate tournaments, including beginner events
- Live play worldwide, with chat and audio chat
- Private tables for 2 or 4 players
- Web, iPhone, iPad and Android
- Free games against the computer, and offline Solitaire mode
Cons
- Live Play needs a subscription, and free players see ads
- Modern American Canasta only (no classic Canasta or Hand and Foot)
- Cheaper on the web than in the app, which isn’t obvious
- Tournaments cost tokens on top of the subscription
Who Should Play on Canasta Junction?
It’s the best pick if you play Modern American Canasta, belong to a club, or want to compete in proper tournaments. Serious players will find the membership worth it.
If you play classic Canasta or Hand and Foot, or just want a free casual game, choose Tableza or World of Card Games instead.
Where to Play
- Canasta Junction website
- Canasta Junction on the App Store (iPhone and iPad), and on Google Play for Android
Alternatives to Canasta Junction
- Tableza: free classic Canasta and Hand and Foot, with three computer levels and private tables. Read our Tableza Review.
- World of Card Games: free classic Canasta to 5,000, with no signup. Read our World of Card Games Review.
- Canasta by LITE Games: a classic Canasta app with partners and customizable rules. Read our Canasta by LITE Games Review.
See every option compared in our Play Canasta Online guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Canasta Junction free?
You can play free against the computer and in Solitaire mode. Live Play needs a subscription, from $6.99 a month on the web.
Which Canasta does Canasta Junction play?
Modern American Canasta, under Canasta League of America rules, to 8,500 points.
Can I play Canasta Junction with my friends?
Yes. Create a private table for 2 or 4 players and chat while you play.
What is Duplicate Canasta?
A tournament format where every competitor plays the same cards, so skill decides the result. Canasta Junction runs daily Duplicate tournaments sanctioned by the CLA.
Is it cheaper to subscribe on the website or in the app?
On the website: $6.99 a month or $69.90 a year, against $7.99 and $79.90 in the app stores.
