Be nice to the newbies!

Hi Canasta Lovers,

Most of my Goddesses-in-Training are about ready to go out into Paradise and start playing canasta with the "big girls."  They all seem to be very leery of this next phase of their metamorphosis.  When I ask "why?"  The majority answer that they are afraid of being "yelled at."  Now I don't personally know any of these "yellers" but I do believe they are out there somewhere in the suburbs of Paradise.  If you know any of these "Yellers" please tell them that canasta, as much fun as it is, is still just a card game.  Everyone who comes to the table should have no other plan than to have a nice, relaxing, fun afternoon in the card room.

I teach all my students that if they signal sevens they promise to keep them for the entire hand, that their partner is depending on them, however, if your newbie partner splits her sevens to save a juicy pack, don't yell at her, don't roll your eyes and don't sneer.  I'll bet you a nickel that at sometime you have done the same thing.

If your newbie partner adds  her cards to your melds either too early or too late, understand it takes some people a little longer to get their rhythm just right.  Talking too much during the hand can also be irritating and in some cases gives away too much information.  KINDLY tell your newbie partner that there is plenty of time for questions and discussion after the hand.

If while you are playing you find yourself becoming annoyed with your newbie partner, wait until the end of the hand and the tell her GENTLY and with GOOD HUMOR what you might have done in her place.  If you give the newbies a little time and encouragement  they will turn out to be fine friends and fine players.

Remember every one of us was a newbie once and it was only through playing with the "big girls" that we all became the Goddesses that we now are.

Love to all, Barbara