Pinochle 2.0.1

Pinochle is a comprehensive pinochle app available for iPhone and iPad. This app, although supported by ads, offers a complete pinochle experience with customizable options such as meld bids and shoot the moon. Regular updates are made to Pinochle based on user suggestions, ensuring that it continues to improve its artificial intelligence capabilities.

For those who prefer an ad-free experience, there is also a paid version of the app called Pinochle Gold, available in the App Store.

Pinochle is a card game played with either a 48-card or 80-card deck, featuring 9s, 10s, jacks, queens, kings, and aces. The game consists of a series of bidding rounds, melding card combinations, and trick-taking.

In this version of the app, players have the opportunity to play against computer opponents. The player is represented by the South position, while the computer partners occupy the North position. The West and East positions are also filled by computer opponents.

Bidding

In the bidding phase of the game, each player places a bid representing the number of points they believe they can make with their hand. Bidding starts with the player to the left of the dealer and continues in a clockwise direction. Players who choose to pass are eliminated from the current bidding round. It is common for high bids to range from 35 points for a 48-card deck to 60 points for an 80-card deck. The highest bidder has the responsibility of naming the trump suit for the hand and may also exchange cards with their partner if desired.

Melding

Points are earned by players during the melding phase by showcasing various card combinations. For example, a run or straight in the trump suit is worth 15 points, while having aces in all four suits adds 10 points to the score. Pinochle, which consists of the queen of spades and jack of diamonds, grants 4 points, and a double pinochle (two of each card) yields an impressive 30 points.

Tricks

Gameplay begins with the high bidder and continues in a clockwise direction. Each player contributes 4 cards per trick. At the end of each trick, one player emerges as the winner, earning 1 point for each ace, ten, or king collected.

Scoring

If the high bidder fails to meet their bid by not accumulating enough meld points and trick points, their team's score is deducted by the amount of the bid. Gameplay continues until one team manages to reach the target score and goes out.