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Pinochle
Pinochle is a trick-taking game with a melding phase, played with a special 48-card deck containing two copies each of the 9 through Ace. The four-player partnership version is the classic American form. Players bid, declare scoring melds, then play out tricks to capture point cards.
Pinochle Rules
The Pinochle deck has two of each card from 9 to Ace in all suits, ranked A-10-K-Q-J-9 for trick-taking. All 48 cards are dealt, twelve to each player. An auction follows, where players bid points and the winner names the trump suit.
Before the tricks, players reveal melds for points — combinations like a run in trump, marriages (King-Queen of a suit), and the namesake 'pinochle' (Jack of diamonds with Queen of spades). Melded cards stay in hand for play.
Play then proceeds as a trick-taking game: you must follow suit and, in many versions, must beat the current high card if you can. Aces, Tens, and Kings are worth points when captured, plus a bonus for the last trick. The bidding team must reach their bid in meld plus trick points or be 'set,' and games run to a target like 150.
Pinochle Strategy & Tips
Value your hand before bidding
Add your likely meld points to the trick points you expect to capture. Bid only what your melds plus realistic tricks can deliver, or risk being set.
Pick trump where you're long
Name trump in the suit where you hold the most cards and strongest melds. A long trump suit lets you control tricks and protect your Aces and Tens.
Guard your counters
Aces, Tens, and Kings are the cards worth points. Lead trump to pull opponents' trump, then cash your Aces so your valuable Tens don't get trumped away.
Remember pinochle and double melds
The Jack of diamonds and Queen of spades form a pinochle, and holding both pairs is a double pinochle worth far more. Plan your melds to chase these big bonuses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cards are in a Pinochle deck?
Forty-eight — two copies each of the 9, Jack, Queen, King, Ten, and Ace in all four suits. There are no cards below 9.
What is a pinochle in Pinochle?
The meld of the Jack of diamonds and the Queen of spades, worth 40 points. Holding both copies of each is a double pinochle worth 300.
What cards score points in Pinochle?
In trick play, Aces, Tens, and Kings are the 'counters' worth points when captured, plus a bonus for winning the last trick. Melds score separately before the tricks.
How does scoring work in Pinochle?
You add your meld points to the points you capture in tricks. The bidding team must meet its bid total, or it gets 'set' and loses the bid amount.