Learn Pinochle: Guide

48-card Pinochle deck (A, 10, K, Q, J, 9, doubled in each suit). 4 players in partnerships. Deal 12 cards each. Bidding determines who names trump.

Score melds plus trick points. Making the bid scores those points; failing sets you back by the bid amount. The defending team always scores its melds and trick points. First team to 150 points wins; if both reach it in the same hand, the higher score wins.

Bidding: Players bid how many points their team will score (melds + trick points). The minimum bid is 20. High bidder names trump. Melding: After trump is named, declare melds (card combinations) and score their point value. Common melds: Run (A-10-K-Q-J of trump = 15), Marriage (K-Q same suit = 2-4), Pinochle (Q of spades + J of diamonds = 4), Four of a kind (4-10 points).