Table Rules

Hi Canasta Lovers,
     Here in Paradise the popularity of Canasta has exploded over the past few years. There are as many canasta games as there are Birkin bags and each game seems to have its own set of table rules.
     It is most important when you are playing at a new table for the first time to check on the rules, otherwise you may find yourself trying to put a joker on a four card meld. People have been known to jump out of their seats after such a bold move,
     I try to teach table rules that I consider logical and fair. Here are some of the table rules that I teach:
     1. The empty tray rule- You may not throw an Ace, a Seven or a Dead Card into an empty tray. I have always played this rule  because it was how I was taught. I understand not throwing in Aces or Sevens because of  the penalty involved if you have more than two Aces or Sevens at the end of the hand. I do not, however, get the reason for not throwing a dead card, as there is no penalty. Would love to hear an explanation.
     2. The one to hold rule-  Many games insist that after your initial meld you must have one card to hold and  one card to throw. I don't see the logic in this. I think if you have to discard your last card you will immediately pick up your talon and then have three or four cards in your hand with which to continue play. What do the canasta sages think?
     3. The you may only ask your partner if you can go out once rule- I think this is a great rule. If your partner says "no" you must watch her discards carefully in order to know when it is "safe" to go out.
     4. The you may only look back three cards rule- I like this because it teaches you to watch carefully what is thrown, which you should be doing anyway. But just in case your coffee spills or your phone rings and you miss something you can check back three cards (one time only) .
     5. The special hands rule- If you are lucky enough to make a special hand, the play stops and you get the points you are entitled to.  The other team is entitled to the points they have achieved to that point. If they closed a joker canasta, they should have their score, if they have two canasta they have earned their threes. 
     Agree? Disagree?  Would love to hear what you Canasta Goddesses think!  XXOO