Deluxe Pinochle – The Classic Card Game

Experience the timeless strategy of Pinochle, reimagined for the modern browser! This is a slick, fast-paced, 2-player version of the beloved classic, perfect for both newcomers and veteran players. Challenge a smart AI opponent, learn the ropes with an integrated tutor, or just sit back and watch two AIs battle it out.
No downloads, no installs—just pure card-playing fun.

This project was built from the ground up to be a clean, accessible, and enjoyable Pinochle experience.

What is Pinochle?

Pinochle is a trick-taking and melding card game, similar in family to games like Bridge, Spades, or Euchre. The goal is to score points by:

1. Melding: Forming special combinations of cards in your hand (like a "run" of trump cards, or four Aces of different suits).
2. Trick-Taking: Winning tricks by playing the highest card.

It's a delightful mix of luck of the draw and deep tactical play. Do you play your high-value Ace now to win a trick and meld, or save it for later when the points matter more? Every decision counts on your way to 1000 points!

Features

• 🧠 Smart AI Opponent: Face off against a capable AI designed to provide a real challenge.
• 🎓 Tutor & Hint System: Never played before? No problem! The optional tutor provides hints for every card and explains the AI's moves, helping you learn the strategy as you play.
• 🤖 AI vs. AI Spectator Mode: Curious about the game's strategy? Switch to AI vs. AI mode to watch two computer players go head-to-head. A great way to learn advanced tactics!
• 💾 Automatic Game Saving: Life happens. Close your browser and pick up right where you left off. Your game is automatically saved.
• ✨ Slick & Modern Interface: Enjoy a clean, intuitive, and responsive design that gets out of your way and lets you focus on the game. Includes a relaxing Dark Mode for late-night sessions.
• 🌐 Play Anywhere: Built with web technologies, this game runs directly in your desktop browser. No downloads or installs needed.

How to Play

Be the first player to reach 1000 points. Points are a combined total from your melds and the tricks you've won.

The Gameplay 

A round is played in two phases:

• Phase 1 (Stock is Open):
  1. Play a card. You do not have to follow the suit that was led.
  2. The highest card wins the trick.
  3. If you won the trick, you get to declare melds for points.
  4. The winner draws a new card from the stock, then the loser draws.
  5. Repeat!
• Phase 2 (Stock is Empty):
  1. The rules become strict! You must follow the suit led if you can. If you can't, you must play a trump card.
  2. Play continues until all cards are gone. The player who wins the final trick gets a 10-point bonus!

All points from the round are tallied, and a new round is dealt until a winner is declared!