David Grappo

Pinochle Strategy Manual: for the 4-card Pass Game David Grappo

Pinochle has many variations. It is hard to find a strategy manual that addresses the way you play the game. This manual is for you if you play the four-card-pass-game using the following rules: *You play with a single deck. *You play with 4 players in two partnerships. *Your point counters are Ace, King, and 10, and each is worth 1 point (or 10). *Your minimum opening bid is 25 (or 250). *The auction winner (declarer) chooses the trump suit. *Declarer's partner passes 4 cards to declarer who looks at the cards before passing 4 back. Then meld is put down. *You use basic meld scoring. No bonus for a third leg of a marriage or pinochle. No super bonus for a double trump marriage. This manual shows you how to determine the best bidding range for your hand. It is based on the mathematical probability that your partner will have the card(s) you need to boost your meld. You can use this bidding system even if your partner doesn't. Also introduced are simple but optional bidding conventions. These bids allow you to describe features of your hand to your partner. The Table of Contents identifies the strategic turning points that occur throughout the game. The text suggests ways to take advantage of the opportunities available to you at each point. Both new and experienced players will find many ideas to sharpen their play.