Getting Started

General tips

  • You can always use your finger to play CJ on a mobile device, but we recommend using a stylus for additional comfort, especially if you play on a phone. 
  • ​In order to play in Live Play mode or Duplicate tournaments, you need to be logged in. If you don't have a CJ Account yet, register now (see below), it's free and easy!
  • Don't feel comfortable playing with other people yet? No problem: practice and improve your game on Solitaire mode, or compete in Duplicate tournaments using CJ Tokens (New users receive 50 CJ tokens free at registration!)
  • Surprise your opponents by playing Special Hands!
​TIP: While playing any video tutorial, click on the two arrows in the corner to expand it to full screen

First things first: Sign up for a CJ account

As soon as you run Canasta Junction for the first time, register for a new CJ account! You need to be logged in to your CJ account to keep track of your progress, increase your CJ Rank, and compete in Duplicate tournaments or Live Play games against other CJ members.
  • On the app's main menu, click on Account and complete the First Time Users section
  • Some tips for avoiding future issues:
    • All fields are CasE seNsitiVe, including the email address
    • Keep it simple: use only letters or a combination of letters and digits for the Username and Password. Avoid spaces and special characters
    • Keep a copy of your Username and Password in a secure place
    • use only low case characters for entering your Email​

Logging in with an existing CJ account

For returning users, including those logging in on a second device, complete the Returning Users form with your current Username and Password, then click Log In. Click on Forgot Password? if you don't remember it. Be sure to type the email you used to register in lower case letters. Your email will contain a link to reset AND your username will be the last word.

Practice by yourself before playing live!

We strongly recommend all players, even veteran Canasta players, to practice on Solitaire mode against our A.C.E. robots before playing in Live Play games. Learning how to draw, meld and discard cards with CJ is easy, but requires some practice.
  • Select Solitaire from the Main Menu
  • Adjust the Speed Bar
  • Click Start Game
Practice for as long or as short as you want – no one will know. No one will see. You can start and stop 20 times. You can go for all the Special Hands you want. You can play for 10 minutes or 10 hours. Standard Canasta League of America rules apply.

Let's talk about discards
“I meant to discard a card, but instead the card ended up melded, and I get penalized 10 points for an incorrect initial meld.”
There is a particular way to discard and it’s really quite simple! While dragging a card, make sure your finger (or stylus or cursor) is inside the discard pile. It doesn't matter if the card is not centered in the discard pile, your finger/cursor should be inside the box! (note that the latest version will highlight the discard pile's border when the card is properly placed)

What about melding?

Melding cards is not different. Based on user feedback, the latest CJ version highlights the melding box when a card is placed correctly, improving the accuracy and avoiding misplaying any card!

Ready to play live?

Once you are comfortable playing Solitaire, take the next step and play live with your friends (or make new ones!).
Need help? Visit ​Support & FAQs