the remaining players to follow the appropriate rules for the respective number of players. Check Check pinochle is a gambling variant of three-hand. It is the same as to 1000, except that players keep track of "checks". If playing for $1 stakes, each check gained means that the other two players owe a dollar. The following events cause a gain or loss of checks. Flush or run +1 check Aces +1 check Roundtable +2 checks (marriage in each suit) Note that checks for meld can be earned either by the bidder or non-bidder. Checks are kept even if the bid is not made. Looking at the "talon" and losing the hand (either by conceding or playing) −1 check Playing the hand and losing −1 additional check Not looking at the talon and conceding 300 points. – no gain or loss of checks (happens when forced to bid) Double marriage (two marriages in same suit) +1 check Double pinochle +1 check Double aces, double kings, double queens, or double jacks +2 checks Winning the game +5 or +10 checks 7 nines +5 or +10 checks (do not need to win the bid to get credit) Double-deck Today "double-deck" pinochle is a popular form of the game, exclusively played by the National Pinochle Association, the American Pinochle Association, the Cambridge Pinochle Association, and in the "World Series of Pinochle". Double-deck pinochle is played with two pinochle decks, without the nines. This makes for an 80 card deck. Play is similar to regular pinochle, except 20 cards are dealt to each person and minimum bid is increased to 500 points. In some variations, bids are made in increments of 10 or more points until 600 is reached, then by 50 points. This version often features "meld bidding", a bid made to let a partner know what is in the bidder's hand. The only communication during bidding should be a numerical number or "pass", any other way of communicating is called "talking across the table" and is forbidden. There are occasionally different meld values for a run and a pinochle; a run being 250 or 150 points, and a pinochle being 150 or 40 points. All other aspects of the game generally remain the same. Technical Misdeal If a player is dealt 13 or more non-counters and no aces, the player may declare a technical misdeal. This must declared before he or she plays