Canasta is also played online at various sites. A similar game called “Hand and Foot” (see separate article) has attracted attention. Canasta (which means “basket”) still has a loyal following. After a 10-year run, the interest gradually waned and traditional games such as Hearts, Spades, Bridge and Poker regained popularity. Variations on the rules and structure of the game then followed. All kinds of thematic souvenir products were distributed–including coffee mugs, ash trays, place mats, key chains and other trinkets. The United States Playing Card Company (Bicycle) manufactured special edition decks. Bridge players, in particular, were enthralled with this new game. For the next several years it was the #1 card game in America. Within a few months, Canasta became an overnight sensation. It was introduced to the United States in 1949, having started in Uruguay. Canasta is a unique South American card game of melds and strategy, and a member of the Rummy card family.
