MAKE ALL TABLES DRAW 2 CARDS, 1 CANASTA, RATED, PRIVATE.
In this game the upcard at the beginning of the hand determines what card you need in your initial meld as well as what your first canasta must be.
For example...if 10's is the upcard, you must have 10's in your initial meld & your 1st canasta must be in Jacks. **If A is the upcard, you must have A's in your intial meld & your 1st canasta must be 4's.** You can make any canastas after your first one is made. If the upcard is a black 3, or if there is a 2 or Joker in the pile, (THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE RED 3's) the game is played as NTC, no specific meld needed, and your first nasta can be made in anything. You can NOT pick up the pile anytime.
Please Note that if a red 3 is turned up, it is NOT played as NTC, you play the mystery card that is shown on top of the red 3.