
                                     Biding

          Biding begins with the player to the dealer's left and proceeds
     to the left.  Your bid is based on the total number of points that you
     and your partner expect to make on the hand.  Points are scored for
     ÑMeldÑPmeld2.hlpÑ and for Ñthe play of the handÑPlay.hlpÑ.  The
     winning bidder names the suit to be ÑtrumpÑPtrump.hlpÑ for the hand
     and leads the first card.  If no player bids, the dealer is the
     winner,

          A minimum number of points (generally 16) are required to open.
     You can Ñchange the minimum to openÑprog.hlpÑ at any time.  If a
     player doesn't wish to bid, the player may "PASS".  A player who has
     passed may not bid again in that hand.













          There are two bidding methods used in pinochle.

     AUCTION BIDS: Biding continues until one bidder remains.  Generally,
          players raise the bid by 1 point.  Players sometimes signal their
          partner that they have eight points or more meld by raising by
          two points.  This bid is called a "meld bid".

     ONCE AND DONE: Each player is allowed ONE bid.  Bidding stops with the
          dealer.  Consequently the other players must bid the full
          strength of their hand.  The dealer, since he is last, need only
          raise by one to win the bid.

          ÑMeldÑPmeld2.hlpÑ        ÑTrumpÑPtrump.hlpÑ

