What Is Pinochle?

Pinochle is a classic trick-taking card game that blends elements of bidding, melding, and strategic play. It is traditionally played with four players in two partnerships, but variations for two or three players also exist. The game uses a special deck and features unique scoring based on specific card combinations, known as melds.

Objective of the Game

The goal is to score points by forming melds and winning tricks. The game typically ends when a team reaches a set score, usually 1,500 points.

Setup and Cards

• Players: 4 players in 2 teams
• Deck: 48-card Pinochle deck (two copies of each 9, 10, J, Q, K, A in each suit)
• Deal: Each player is dealt 12 cards

Bidding

Players bid in clockwise order, starting with the player to the dealer’s left. Each player must either bid higher than the previous or pass. The highest bidder chooses the trump suit and must meet the bid using melds and trick points. Common minimum bid is 250.

Meld Scoring

After bidding, players lay down their melds. Common melds include:

• Run (A-10-K-Q-J of trump): 150 points
• Marriage (K-Q of same suit): 20 points (40 in trump)
• Pinochle (J♦ and Q♠): 40 points (double = 300)
• Aces Around (one A of each suit): 100 points
• Kings Around: 80 points
• Queens Around: 60 points
• Jacks Around: 40 points

Trick-Taking Phase

The bidder leads the first trick. Players must follow suit if possible. If unable, they may play a trump card or any other card. The highest trump wins the trick; if no trump is played, the highest card of the suit led wins.

Trick Scoring

Each trick contains potential points:

• Ace, Ten, King: 10 points each
• Last trick: 10 points
• Total possible trick points: 250

Winning the Round

The bidding team must reach their bid using both meld and trick points. If they succeed, they keep all points. If they fail (get “set”), they lose the value of their bid.

Winning the Game

The first team to reach the target score (usually 1,500) wins. Games can also be played to 1,000 for shorter rounds.

Pinochle Tips and Strategy

• Track which suits have been played to make smarter trump decisions.
• Bid conservatively until you are comfortable counting meld points.
• Try to keep strong trump cards for controlling late tricks.
• Don’t overmeld — keep a few high cards to win tricks.