Queens And Jacks

Pulling tricks with your 10’s in pinochle is tricky, but rewarding.  In order for this strategy to work the hand play has to fall into one of two different scenarios.  Either each player has to be dealt five cards in the suit you want to play the 10 in, or the player/s that’s short-suiteed needs to be out of trump.  So in order for this strategy to work the power has to be tilted towards you or you get pretty lucky.  It is a good idea to implement this when your hand is either really strong or it is a make-it or break-it moment.


If I am dealt a pinochle hand that contains a suit with five cards, say, A,10,K,J,J, I will try to hold off on playing my ace if I can.  I can’t be obvious or the pinochle table will know I am sandbagging and draw my power.  If I have 100 aces, I have to play my ace and my tactic is thwarted.  If the first or second ace that was played recieved an off card, say a non-counter on a partner’s ace, I will try to play my ace as soon as possible and this pinochle strategy must be aborted.  If all goes well, and I am able to play the fourth ace of the pinochle deck.  I will then be able to also either play my 10 then, if I am comfortable, or hold off and risk another’s 10 taking what I so delicately planned to be mine.  I usually always play my 10 right after playing the fourth ace. 

Making your 10 pull that extra trick in pinochle can be the difference between a win and loss.  Saving a high meld with no power hand with a 10 can give your pinochle partner that extra confidence knowing they have someone that they can rely on.

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