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"Pennies From Heaven" Web Site - Home

 

Welcome to the home page of the Vagts version of "Pennies From Heaven", a canasta-style card game. We are glad you stopped by.

When we first created this web site nearly 15 years ago, a search for "Pennies From Heaven" on the web produced only a few relevent "hits" and we only found two other links that we thought might be interesting to others. The web now has many more "Pennies" sites, but most for a 6 player only version. We give a few links for some of the best that we recommend you check out. If you find any more interesting sites, please let us know.

This web site describes the version of "Pennies From Heaven" that Steve's grandparents Franz and Wilhemina Grabsch learned when they retired to southern Florida in the early 1960's. He and his family were taught the game during a visit and have enjoyed it ever since! Steve and Myra introduced it to Myra's family, where it was also well received. The version described here is virtually unchanged since we first learned it.

We also include a link to another favorite card game - "Krazy8", a more adult version of the children's game, "Crazy Eights". Not just for kids anymore, this game is great for all ages, from the time the child knows what a card is and can tell a 'jack' from a 'joker'. And you will swear that the 'joker' always finds its way to you much too often (there are only four). Myra and I are sure you and your children will love this version (great "family time"). It is equally fun with just adults, as play is simple enough that everyone can catch up on current affairs, or relive old times, without interruption. There are many simple, but interesting rules, so it may take a bit of time to learn. But stick with it, we think you will enjoy it.

As with most card games, there are differences between versions, similar to the differences in dialects in any given language. Yet, we wouldn't categorize them as "house rules" because the same version of this game has spread to many families across the country.

 

Differences of this Pennies Version over the others:

     Most other versions are for 6 players only; deal 13 cards each; and Pennies are 11 cards.

     It appears that the other versions do not use Aces as a Special Canasta.

     The Sevens Canasta does NOT have the extraordinary significance that it does with other versions.

     Threes cannot be melded nor made into canastas.

     The Red Threes are scored separately.

     The Black Threes are used for discard only and count against you if "stuck" in the hand.

     An Unnatural Canasta is NOT a required canasta type needed before you may "go out".

     The scoring is much simplified over some of the other versions.

 

About Our Pennies From Heaven:

This version of "Pennies From Heaven" was introduced to our families from Steve's grandparents Franz and Wilhemina Grabsch in southern Florida and has been passed down through the generations virtually unchanged. All our kids and their families and several of our friends across the country enjoy the same version. The game is very similar to other versions of "Pennies" described at the other web sites, but with several differences noted above.

This version is also similar to the more popular "Canasta", but with the following special features:

     Each player is dealt a second hand of cards

These are called "Pennies", which can be picked up only when a player has completed a canasta.

 

     There are three types of canasta:

These are the Natural (red), Unnatural (black), and Special (Aces, Sevens, and Wild (Two's and Jokers)).

 

     A team must have completed a Special canasta and a one other type in order to "go out".

 

     Play ends when someone runs out of cards.

But this can only be after all the Red Threes have been exposed and/or when the cards run out.

 

     This version is best played with four players on two teams.

Play with six players on three teams is also satisfactory (just takes longer); just add another two decks of cards.

 

For the full set of rules and explanation of the Vagts "Pennies From Heaven", click on the link to the right.

 

Finally, a thought to ponder...

* For us old married folk, a parting thought...  "Answer"

 

Feel free to browse around. Use the e-mail link to tell us what you think, or if you have any suggestions.

Enjoy cards, everywhere you go. Spread the fun. We hope you enjoy your visit!