Double deck pinochle is the 80-card partnership game: four copies of each Ace, Ten, King, Queen and Jack, 20 cards each, no nines, and the first team to 500 wins. Pick a mode above to play against the computer, with real players, or with friends.
How double deck differs
- 80 cards, no nines. There are four of each Ace, Ten, King, Queen and Jack in every suit, and each player gets 20 cards.
- Bidding from 50. Bids go up by 1 to 60, then by 5, up to 250. If nobody bids, the dealer is forced to 50.
- Trump needs a marriage. The bidder can only name a suit in which they hold a King and Queen. A bidder with no marriage at all loses the bid.
- No passing. Everyone shows meld straight after trump is named.
- The Rule of 20. A team needs at least 20 meld for its meld to count, and at least 20 trick points to score anything in the hand. If the bidding team falls short of either, it loses its bid.
- 50 trick points. Aces, tens and kings are worth 1 point each in tricks, and the last trick adds 2.
- Game to 500. If both teams reach 500 in the same hand, the bidding team wins.
The full rules, with the meld table for one to four copies of each meld, are on double deck pinochle rules.
Meld at a glance
| Meld | ×1 | ×2 | ×3 | ×4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Run (A-10-K-Q-J of trump) | 15 | 150 | 225 | 300 |
| Royal marriage (K-Q of trump) | 4 | 8 | 12 | 16 |
| Marriage (K-Q, other suit) | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 |
| Pinochle (J♦ + Q♠) | 4 | 30 | 60 | 90 |
| Aces around | 10 | 100 | 150 | 200 |
| Kings around | 8 | 80 | 120 | 160 |
| Queens around | 6 | 60 | 90 | 120 |
| Jacks around | 4 | 40 | 60 | 80 |
The game finds and adds up everyone’s meld for you and shows it on the table. A royal marriage only counts with a King and Queen beyond the ones in a run.
Ways to play
Play against the computer, join a Quick Match with real players (computer players fill empty seats after a few seconds), or open a private table and send the link to friends. Two friends play as partners.
Want the 48-card game instead? Play single deck pinochle, with card passing and a game to 150.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the opening bid in double deck pinochle?
The opening bid is at least 50. Bids go up by 1 to 60, then by 5, up to 250. If the other three players pass without a bid, the dealer must bid 50.
Can I play double deck pinochle against bots?
Yes. Choose Play vs Computer to play with a computer partner against two computer opponents. Quick Match also fills empty seats with computer players after a few seconds.
How is double deck different from regular pinochle?
Double deck uses 80 cards with no nines, deals 20 cards each, scores 50 trick points a hand, and plays to 500. Melds go up to four copies, like a quadruple run worth 300. The bidder can only name a suit in which they hold a marriage as trump, and a team needs 20 meld and 20 trick points to score.
Do you pass cards in double deck pinochle?
Not in this game. It follows World of Card Games' double deck rules, which have no passing. Some home tables pass three or four cards between partners.