<p>No. Once a meld is laid down, you can add to it, but you can't ever take cards back away from it. </p>

<p>There is not really a specific rule I can quote saying this; rather it is simply that none of the rules allow you to do it. It's kind of like asking if you can steal a card from your opponent's hand... not mentioned in the rules; simply not part of what you're allowed to do.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-06-14T21:47:31.233Z
2017-06-14T21:47:31.233Z
GendoIkari
<p>We have played only 4 times so far.  On a meld with a joker or 2 in it that has been laid down, is it allowable to exchange the two or joker for a card of matching numerical value ( say 8) if you pick it up?  Even on an incomplete meld, can this be done?  Thanks.  I know it is a silly question, but we are SO new to the game.</p>

<canasta>
Beginners question
N. Love
# Beginners question

(Asked by: username_0 on 2017-06-14)

We have played only 4 times so far. On a meld with a joker or 2 in it that has been laid down, is it allowable to exchange the two or joker for a card of matching numerical value ( say 8) if you pick it up? Even on an incomplete meld, can this be done? Thanks. I know it is a silly question, but we are SO new to the game.

**Tags:** canasta


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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_1 on 2017-06-14. Score: 3

No. Once a meld is laid down, you can add to it, but you can't ever take cards back away from it.

There is not really a specific rule I can quote saying this; rather it is simply that none of the rules allow you to do it. It's kind of like asking if you can steal a card from your opponent's hand... not mentioned in the rules; simply not part of what you're allowed to do.


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