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Termyn8or -> RE: shooting the moon (12/24/2006 6:01:38 PM)
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There are probably other uses, but where I heard it was in relationship to the card game pinochle. In double deck whne you get ALL the cards of one suit you automatically win, I think the whole game. Most games are played to 500 points and the game plays out like spades or 66, etc., but there are four of every card. I know you'll ask so I'll answer it now, the FIRST high card in a "trick" is boss. A trick is the same thing as a book in spades.
The main points in the tricks only amounts to 50. But then in meld you have two double runs which are 150 points each, double aces around are 100 each, kings 80, queens 60 and jacks 40.Also you have two each, as well as two double nucks at 40 each. So you basically won a 500 point game.
Generally since you call the trump suit and have all one suit you get all the tricks as well. My quickie math means you have 910 points if you don't play with the 9s. Funny, then you would have 911 points because IIRC, even though there are four of every other card, there is only one nine of each suit. The nine of trump is called the deece and is worth one point. These are the new points, they loppped a zero off about 30 years ago or so.
My maternal Grandmother did not play avidly, just once in a while and got such a hand. She didn't know what it meant, she just played out the hand.
My paternal Grandfather on the other hand was one of those who could tell what was in everyone's hand after about the fourth trick. There are specific rules about playing out the tricks beyond following suit. Mainly you can't throw off. If you are able to take the trick you must throw a card that tops the rest of the legal cards there. That's how he knew, once all four suits have been played he figured it out.
I consider pinochle one of the most challenging and stimulating games I know, when played with people who know what they're doing. In fact I recently hooked back up with an old pinochle buddy and we have inflicted the game on two others. It went from "I dunno" to "Come on, deal" in a matter of a few hands.
Even better is the version called freezout which my Grandfather played. I can't find anyone outside the family willing to play it. Anyone game ?
T
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