Our verdict: Extreme Hand and Foot is a paid iPhone and iPad app that does one thing: Hand and Foot. You pay $3.99 once, with no in-app purchases and no ads listed. You can play a computer opponent, play friends online in turn-based games, or play locally without internet. The rules are customizable, and an Extreme mode adds a second foot. It’s iPhone and iPad only (no Android), and some reviewers report bugs in online games.
Hand and Foot is the Canasta variant many American families play at the kitchen table, but good apps for it are hard to find. Extreme Hand and Foot has been on the App Store since 2013. It has a 4.6-star average from about 4,000 ratings.
Here’s what it offers, what it costs, and who it suits.
What is Extreme Hand and Foot?
Extreme Hand and Foot is made by James Swiney, an independent developer in Australia. It’s a Hand and Foot app: each player gets two sets of cards, a hand and a foot, and has to play through both.
It runs on iPhone, iPad and Apple Vision Pro. There is no Android or web version. Download it from the App Store.
The app was last updated in July 2026, with a fix for local multiplayer. It’s still being maintained.
Rules and options
The app includes basic and detailed rules, so you can learn the game inside the app.
You can customize the rules, and since version 8.0 you can choose how many decks to play with. That matters because Hand and Foot house rules vary a lot from table to table.
The app offers two ways to score: play for points, or play to catch your opponent out.
Extreme mode gives you two feet instead of one and raises the score targets, for longer games.
The listing doesn’t say exactly which rules you can change, so check that your house rules are covered before you rely on them.
Playing against the computer
You can play solo against a computer opponent that the developer calls “challenging”. Your progress is saved, so you can stop and pick a game back up later.
The listing describes a single computer opponent. It doesn’t mention four-player partnership games, which is how many families play Hand and Foot. If partnership play matters to you, check this before you buy.
Playing with friends
There are two multiplayer modes:
- Online: turn-based games with friends through Apple’s Game Center. You take your turn when it suits you, and the app badge counts the games waiting for you.
- Local: play with people nearby, with no internet connection needed.
Game Center also gives you leaderboards and achievements.
Some reviewers report online games getting stuck between players, and invalid-meld errors when laying down several melds at once.
Design and ease of use
The app has a simple design with detailed card graphics, card sounds and animations. There’s also a Home Screen widget.
A few reviewers find the numbers on the cards small on iPhone, and some find the yes/no turn confirmation buttons too close together.
The app is in English only.
Price
Extreme Hand and Foot costs $3.99 on the US App Store. There are no in-app purchases listed, and the listing doesn’t mention ads. With Family Sharing, up to six family members can use one purchase.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Dedicated Hand and Foot app, not a Canasta app with a variant tacked on
- One-time $3.99, with no in-app purchases or ads listed
- Customizable rules and number of decks
- Extreme mode with two feet
- Online turn-based games with friends, plus local play without internet
- Still updated (latest version July 2026)
- 4.6 stars from about 4,000 App Store ratings
Cons
- iPhone and iPad only, no Android or web
- No free version to try first
- Partnership (four-player team) play isn’t mentioned in the listing
- Some reviewers report bugs in online games
- Small text on iPhone, according to some reviewers
- English only
Who is it for?
Extreme Hand and Foot suits you if:
- You play Hand and Foot and have an iPhone or iPad
- You want to play family or friends online at your own pace
- You’d rather pay once than see ads or subscriptions
It’s not for Android users, or for anyone who mainly wants four-player partnership games against the computer.
Alternatives
- Tableza: free Hand and Foot and Canasta in four-player partnerships, against the computer or with friends at a private table, on desktop or mobile, no download.
- LITE Games Canasta: a free Classic Canasta app for iPhone and Android, with ads.
- Canasta Junction: Modern American Canasta with live play and tournaments, by paid membership.
For our full rankings, see the best Canasta apps and the best Canasta sites. Need a refresher on the rules? Read our Canasta rules.
FAQ
Is Extreme Hand and Foot free?
No. It costs $3.99 on the US App Store, with no in-app purchases listed.
Is Extreme Hand and Foot on Android?
No. It’s available for iPhone, iPad and Apple Vision Pro only.
Can I play Extreme Hand and Foot with friends online?
Yes. You can play turn-based games with friends through Game Center, or play locally without internet.
Can I play against the computer?
Yes. You can play solo against a computer opponent, and your progress is saved.
What is Extreme mode?
It’s a game mode with two feet instead of one and higher score targets, for longer games.
Can I use my own house rules?
Partly. You can customize the rules and choose the number of decks, but the listing doesn’t say exactly which rules you can change.
