I play Canasta recreationally but have problems winning consistently.

Is there a recommended strategy for this game at various points?

* At the start of the game when you are both even
* When your opponent is beating you heavily, but must 'lay down' more than you
* When you are beating your opponent so must 'lay down' more than them
* General 'when to pick up the pile' strategy

I'm not sure if it's 'normal', but I play two decks, deuces and jokers (2 of them) wild.

3-7: +5 points
8-K: +10 points
A, 2: +20 points
Joker: +50 points
Red Threes: +100 points
Making a canasta with a wildcard: +100 points
Making a 'natural' canasta (no wild cards): +200 points
Going out: +100 points
Going out in one go: +100 points.

Anything in your hand gets subtracted. Anything laid down counts.

Red threes go straight down if picked up, but get subtracted if your opponent wins and you haven't laid down anything.

Is this standard?

Does anyone know what the hell I'm on about.

I played Canasta when I was a teenager, but cant remember how to play at all