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Download on Google Play- 4 players in partnerships.
- Deal 9 cards each, then draw to 6 after trumps named.
- Bid 1-14 for the right to name trumps.
- Follow suit if able.
- Highest trump wins the trick.
- Capture Pedros and other point cards.
- Right Pedro = 5, Left Pedro = 5, plus 4 other point cards.
- Fail bid: lose bid amount.
Rules
Cinch (also known as Double Pedro) is an American trick-taking game where players bid for the right to name trumps and compete to capture valuable Pedro cards worth 5 points each.
Objective
Win tricks containing point cards, especially the two Pedros (5 of trumps and 5 of the same color), to reach the target score first.
Setup
- Players: 4 players in two partnerships.
- Deck: Standard 52-card deck.
- Deal: Deal 9 cards to each player in batches of 3.
Gameplay
- Step 1: Players bid 1-14 points. The highest bidder names the trump suit.
- Step 2: All players discard non-trump cards and draw replacements from the stock to fill their hands to 6 cards.
- Step 3: The bidder leads the first trick. Players must follow suit if able.
- Step 4: The highest trump wins each trick. The trump 5 (Right Pedro) and the same-color 5 (Left Pedro) are both worth 5 points.
Scoring
- Ace of trumps = 1, Jack of trumps = 1, Ten of trumps = 1, Game point = 1, Right Pedro = 5, Left Pedro = 5. Total 14 points.
- If the bidding team fails to make their bid, they lose that many points.
Variations
- Auction Cinch: More elaborate bidding with multiple rounds.
- Pedro Sancho: Adds the 9 of trumps as another bonus card.
Tips and Strategies
- Bid based on your trump count and Pedro holdings.
- Lead trumps early to flush out the Pedros.
- Protect your Pedros by playing them when your team controls the trick.
Tips & Strategy
The two Pedros are worth 10 of the 14 available points. Build your strategy around capturing or protecting them.
Controlling trumps is everything. The team that flushes out and captures both Pedros almost always wins the hand.
Trivia & Fun Facts
Cinch was so popular in the 1880s-1890s that it was called 'the great American card game' before Poker took that title.
What are the two Pedro cards worth in Cinch, and how many points total are available per hand?
History & Culture
Cinch was one of the most popular card games in America in the late 19th century, rivaling Euchre and Whist in popularity.
Cinch represents a key chapter in American card gaming history, popular across the country before being gradually replaced by Bridge and Poker.
Variations & House Rules
Auction Cinch adds more bidding complexity. Pedro Sancho includes the 9 of trumps as an additional point card.
Adjust the target score to control game length. Try the Pedro Sancho variant for additional scoring opportunities.
