# 5-Handed Pinochle

> Digital 5-handed trick-taking card game with custom partnership mechanics. (iPhone/iPad app by fishdog.net.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/5-handed-pinochle/id818171884 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [fishdog.net](https://appshunter.io/developer/337519299)
- Category: Games, Entertainment, Card, Casino
- Price: Free
- Rating: 4.40/5 from 16 App Store ratings · 4 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 12.0 · 59 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2019-08-06
- Data updated: 2026-08-17
- Monetization: ad-supported
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/5-handed-pinochle/id818171884/reviews.md

## What is 5?

This is a 5-handed trick-taking card game app that will be easy to learn for all pinochle players. Growing up in a house full of pinochle players, there were many times we had exactly 5 players -- so my family invented this 5-handed game. It uses a double pinochle deck with 9s removed. Each player is dealt 16 cards, and the bidding begins at 40, 45, or 50.

After years of trial and error, Dad and I agreed on a good method for choosing the high bidder's partner: After someone wins the bidding and names trump, four 9s are dealt face down to the center of the table. Each player (but not the bid winner) flips over a 9. In this app, you can tap a 9 yourself, or let the robots pick theirs first. The player whose 9 suit matches the bid winner's trump suit becomes the bid winner's partner for that hand. The other 3 players form a team to oppose them. (In this app, the bidding team is blue, their opponents are yellow.)

The high bidder and their partner exchange 4 cards. Then everyone lays down meld and plays tricks. The bidding team's meld and tricks are weighed against their high bid, and the 2 players will lose the bid amount if they fall short, or add their meld and tricks to both players' scores if they meet or exceed the bid. The non-bidding team's meld and tricks are added to each of those 3 players' scores.

Five-handed pinochle is probably my favorite version of pinochle. The double deck and passing cards result in great hands, so the bidding can go high. It's lots of fun and can be risky -- you don't know who your partner is until after you've bid and named trump. Since each player's score is calculated separately, the game ends (after 5 hands) with usually just one winner. Good luck!

Dave

## Key features

- Unique 5-handed gameplay
- Custom partnership selection
- Strategic bidding and trump naming
- Meld and trick-taking mechanics
- Individual scoring for one winner
- Uses a double pinochle deck (9s removed)

## Recent user reviews (4 of 4)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/5-handed-pinochle/id818171884/reviews.md

### 5/5 — You didn’t invent 5-handed pinochle, sorry.

*2023-08-30*

I learned this from my German grandparents, aunts and uncles. They brought it over before WWII. Only difference is that the winning bidder’s partner is the next player with an ace of trump. Otherwise, this brings back tons of fond memories. First time I learned to cuss in German was watching them play, lol. Thanks.

### 5/5 — Please fix

*2022-10-07*

This app is always locking. Can’t undo unless I shut my iPad completely down. Pleas fix!!!!

### 3/5 — Bidding is rigged

*2021-08-07*

When you are picking cards to choose a partner and you are not the high bidder, the app will quickly pick a partner that has exactly what is needed for a super hand. Not a friendly game at all. I would say it cheats.

### 3/5 — Like concept

*2020-04-19*

Game could be fun but the dealing is ridiculous to the human. Played 30 hands and of 16 ace never saw more than 2. Had to pass most hands which is borrring. Just wanted to compete but spent most of my time watching.

## Frequently asked questions about 5

### Does 5-Handed Pinochle have ads?

Yes, 5-Handed Pinochle contains advertisements.

### What devices is 5-Handed Pinochle available on?

5-Handed Pinochle is available on iPhone and iPad devices.

### How does the partnership system work in 5-Handed Pinochle?

After the bid winner names trump, four 9s are dealt face down. Players (except the bid winner) flip a 9; the player whose 9's suit matches the trump becomes the partner. The other three players form an opposing team.

### What is the age rating for 5-Handed Pinochle?

5-Handed Pinochle has an age rating of 4+.

### How often is 5-Handed Pinochle updated?

The latest version, 2.4.1, was released on December 17, 2024, indicating recent development activity.

### What is the starting bid in 5-Handed Pinochle?

The bidding begins at 40, 45, or 50, depending on the game's progression and player preference.

### Can I play 5-Handed Pinochle offline?

The description does not explicitly state offline play capabilities. However, it is designed as a single-player experience against AI opponents, suggesting it may function offline.

### What is the user sentiment for 5-Handed Pinochle?

Users have rated 5-Handed Pinochle highly, with an average of 4.4 stars from 16 ratings, indicating positive user sentiment.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 2.4.1 — 2024-12-17

Support for new devices and OS versions, minor bug fixes.

### 2.4.0 — 2024-09-24

Adds support for latest devices and OS versions. Minor bug fixes.

### 2.3.0 — 2023-10-07

New opening bid options in settings; card positioning improvements for new phones; minor bug fixes.

### 2.2.3 — 2023-01-17

Minor bug fixes.

### 2.2.2 — 2023-01-14

Minor bug fixes.

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All apps by fishdog.net: https://appshunter.io/developer/337519299

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-17.*