Official Bolivia (Canasta) Rules

Last Updated on February 18, 2026 by The Official Game Rules Team

Bolivia is a variation of the popular rummy-style card game Samba (which itself is related to the Canasta category of games). However unlike Samba it has strict rules about wildcards. Here’s how to play:

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How to Play Bolivia

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Overview

Bolivia is a rummy-style card game for 4 or 6 players played in teams. The goal is to form specific sets and score points by melding cards, ultimately reaching the winning score.

Key Features

• Uses three Bolivia sets (7 wild cards each).
• Canasta and Samba sets are also allowed.
• The discard pile is always frozen.
• Samba sets were added to Bolivia rules in 2006 by David Mallen.

Objective

• Create the required sets and go out by playing all cards.
• Score the most points to reach the winning total.

Card Definitions

• Natural Cards: Fours through Aces.
• Wild Cards: 2s and Jokers (can replace any card).
• Red & Black 3s: Special cards with unique effects.

Melds & Sets

• Meld: A group of at least 3 cards.
• Set: A completed meld of 7 cards.
• Types of Sets:
  • Canasta (7 same-value cards)
    • Pure (Red Canasta): No wilds (500 points).
    • Impure (Black Canasta): Up to 2 wilds (300 points).
  • Samba (7 consecutive cards of the same suit)
    • Pure (Red Samba): No wilds (1,500 points).
    • Black Samba: 6 natural + 1 wild (1,000 points).
  • Bolivia (7 wild cards)
    • Mixed Bolivia: Any mix of wilds (2,000 points).
    • Black Bolivia: Three 2s + four Jokers (3,000 points).
    • Red Bolivia: Seven 2s (4,000 points).

Setup & Deal

• Use 3 decks + 6 Jokers (or 9 Jokers in a variation).
• Each player gets 15 cards.
• The dealer is chosen by drawing high card.

Turn Sequence

1. Draw: Take 2 cards from the draw pile or the top discard (if eligible).
2. Meld: Play valid combinations.
3. Discard: End your turn by discarding 1 card.

Discard Pile Rules

• Always frozen.
• Cannot take the discard unless making the first meld or meeting specific criteria:
  • Canasta: Have 2 matching natural cards in hand.
  • Samba: Have 2 matching natural sequential cards.
  • Bolivia: Have 2 wild cards.
• If picking up, take the top card plus 4 more (or the whole pile in a variation).

Going Out

• A team must have at least 1 Samba + 1 Canasta, 1 Samba + 1 Bolivia, or 2 Sambas to go out.
• Must ask teammates for permission.
• Going out earns a 200-point bonus.

Scoring

• Bonus Points: Awarded for completed sets.
• Card Points: Based on tabled melds minus cards left in hand.
• Negative Points: Black 3s in hand = -100 points each.

Winning the Game

The first team to reach 15,000 points wins.