Some simplified Pinochle decks only contain 24 cards, or one card of each ranking and suit. In order to play the game correctly, you’ll need to use two complete decks. If you don’t have access to a Pinochle deck, you can go through two standard decks and remove all the cards with unnecessary rankings. [2] X Research source
A “trick” is a round of Pinochle in which each player plays a single card at a time. [4] X Research source The basic idea behind the game is to put together combinations of cards in different suits and rankings to win the high score of a hand.
Have the players count their cards to make sure they have the correct number before you begin. If you’re playing in teams of two, be sure to sit directly across from your partner.
After each round, the other players will be able to raise the bid in 10 point increments. The winning bid stands after three trick plays. If you’re playing in teams, only two bids will be made—one for each group.
If the trump suit happens to be clubs, for instance, a group of club cards will be worth more than cards of any other suit. Any undealt cards will be available for players to draw from after taking tricks.
For example, the highest scoring meld in pinochle is the “flush,” which consists of an ace, king, queen, jack and ten of the same suit. Other melds include “60 queens,” or one queen of each suit, which is worth 40 points, and “royal marriage,” a king and queen of the same suit, which will net you 40 points. [9] X Research source Only one meld is allowed per turn; this means you couldn’t be awarded points for both a flush and a royal marriage because they both contain the same cards. For a comprehensive list of all possible melds, visit this link.
In some versions of the game, the cards will remain on the table until the round is over. In others, they can go back into your hand. In either variation, the cards will still be in play and can be used to take tricks. [11] X Research source It can be helpful to think of melds as “point multipliers. ” Rather than earning points right away, they’ll be factored into your total score once the last trick has been played
A lead in the trump suit automatically wins the trick unless another player lays down a higher card of the same suit. If the lead card is of a different suit, the other player must play a higher card or a trump in order to be victorious. Players must follow suit or play the highest card in their hand if they can. However, you don’t have any cards of the right suit or ranking, you’re free to play any card you like. [13] X Research source
If the trump suit is diamonds and the lead is a ten of hearts, a player who lays down a jack of diamonds will come out on top. [15] X Research source The points you accumulate for laying melds will be added to your score when the game is over.
The highest possible score you can be awarded for taking tricks is 250—240 points for the 24 counters and 10 bonus points for winning the final trick. [17] X Research source The more tricks you take, the better your chances of winning the game.
If a player fails to meet their declared bid, the bid will be subtracted from their score. [19] X Research source Each deal is one game. When a game ends, gather all the cards together and shuffle them before you begin a new one.
