SCORING: If the high bidder fails to make the bid (his team's total meld plus trick points is less than the bid), the bid amount is subtracted from the team score.
The game consists of a repeating sequence of bidding (for the right to name the trump suit and optionally to pass cards), melding, and trick-taking.
Players score points by melding various card combinations and by taking tricks.
Pinochle (queen of spades and jack of diamonds) is 4 points, or 30 points for double pinochle (two of each).
MELDING: Players get points by showing various card combinations.