Canasta was developed in 1939 in Montevideo, Uruguay by a bridge-playing partnership (Santos & Serrato). Using their card game experience, they created a shorter, time-efficient yet engaging card game.

Canasta derives its name from the Spanish word for "basket". This is likely due to the basket or tray used to hold the cards on the table.

The game was a huge success and spread quickly across South America while gaining popularity in the USA and UK in the 1950s.

Canasta belongs to the Rummy family and provides a challenging, engaging and strategic experience that can be enjoyed alone or with family and friends!