Pinochle
Learn Pinochle rules step by step. Discover how to bid, score with melds, win tricks, and master this classic trick-taking game.
✍️ October 1, 2025
The pinochle card game is a mix of brains, bidding, and bold moves. Unlike most trick-taking games, Pinochle throws in an extra twist: you don’t just win points for tricks — you also score for creating special combos called melds. That means every hand is a puzzle where strategy matters as much as luck.
Played for centuries and still a favorite at game nights, Pinochle shines when you want something deeper than your usual card game. Once you get the hang of the bidding and point system, it’s one of the most rewarding games you’ll play.
👉 If you like card games that mix luck, patience, and long-term strategy, Phase 10 is another classic where timing your plays makes all the difference.
How to Play Pinochle
The basics of Pinochle are easy: form teams, bid smart, make melds, and win tricks. Here’s how it works step by step.
1. Build the deck
You’ll need a 48-card Pinochle deck. This comes from two sets of A, K, Q, J, 10, and 9 from each suit. You can either strip down two normal decks or buy a pre-made Pinochle set.
2. Deal the cards
Each player gets 12 cards. The dealer hands them out in groups of 3–4, going clockwise.
3. Bid for points
Starting left of the dealer, players take turns bidding how many points they think their team can score that round. Bids start at 20 and must increase, or you pass. The highest bidder wins the contract and names the trump suit.
4. Score melds
Before tricks start, players reveal combos (melds) in their hand for extra points, like:
- Trump Run (A, 10, K, Q, J of trump) – 15 points
- Royal Marriage (K & Q of trump) – 4 points
- Pinochle (Q♠ + J♦) – 15 points
- And more combos, with double versions worth even more.
5. Play tricks
The bidder leads first. Each player must follow suit if they can; if not, they can play trump. Highest trump wins, or if no trumps are played, the highest card of the lead suit takes the trick.
6. Score tricks
Cards worth points in tricks: Aces, 10s, and Kings (1 point each). Plus, the team that takes the last trick earns a bonus point.
7. Winning the game
At the end of each hand, tally up meld + trick points. First team to reach 150 points wins. But if the bidding team doesn’t meet their contract, those bid points are subtracted — that’s called going set.
Pinochle Rules & Tips
Pinochle isn’t just about strong hands — it’s about smart play. These pinochle rules and strategies can tilt the game in your favor.
1. Bid realistically
Don’t get greedy. Overbidding risks going set, which can cost your team dearly.
2. Remember meld potential
A hand with melds can sometimes be worth more than its trick-taking strength. Balance both when bidding.
3. Manage your trump cards
Trump cards are power cards — don’t waste them early unless it gives you a big edge.
4. Track what’s played
Since the deck is smaller than normal, it’s easier to remember which cards are gone. Use that to your advantage.
5. Work with your partner
Signal through your play (legally, of course) to help your teammate know what you’re holding.
6. Don’t neglect Aces and 10s
They’re worth points in tricks — try to scoop them up when you can.
Pinochle Variations
Pinochle rules shift depending on house style, and that’s part of what keeps the game fresh. Here are three popular ways to mix it up:
1. Double Deck Pinochle
Want more chaos? This version uses two full Pinochle decks (96 cards). With bigger hands and more melds, scores soar quickly.
How to play Double Deck
- Deal 20 cards per player in a 4-player game.
- The bidding phase works the same — aim high but don’t overcommit.
- Play melds and score them before the trick-taking phase.
- Tricks follow standard rules, but with more cards in circulation, expect surprises.
- Total points after melds + tricks; first team to the target score wins.
2. 2-Player Pinochle
Perfect when you can’t get a full group together.
How to play 2-Player
- Deal 12 cards each, then place the rest face down as a stockpile.
- Play the bidding phase, or skip it if house rules allow.
- After each trick, both players draw from the stockpile until it’s gone.
- Follow the same trick-taking rules with trump and lead suits.
- Tally scores as usual; game often goes to 500+ points for a longer challenge.
3. Cutthroat Pinochle
No teams, no partners — it’s everyone for themselves.
How to play Cutthroat
- Usually 3 players, each dealt 15–20 cards depending on the deck.
- Play a bidding round, with each player setting their own contract.
- Melds are scored individually, not shared with a partner.
- Play tricks as normal; highest card or trump wins.
- First player to hit the target score (150+ or custom house rule) wins solo bragging rights.
FAQs about Pinochle
1. How many players can play Pinochle?
Standard Pinochle is best with 4 players in 2 teams, but variations allow 2–6 players.
2. What’s the goal of the game?
Score 150 points first through a mix of melds and tricks.
3. What does “going set” mean?
It means the bidding team failed to reach their contract, and their bid points get subtracted from their score.
4. What’s a Pinochle?
The combo of Queen of Spades + Jack of Diamonds. It’s worth 15 points (or 30 if doubled).
5. Do I need a special deck?
Yes, Pinochle uses a 48-card deck. You can build it from two regular decks or buy a ready-made one.
