Hello readers.....
Yes, a bit of a hum-drum greeting. Emotions running all over the field tonight. Our last class, our last time to be with a lot of fun people. BUT....... we made it to the end and had a fun journey.
SOOOOOOOOOO away we gooooooooo.......
We played Double-Deck tonight, yes, the dreaded Double Deck, the game that scared but intrigued us in the beginning (see post two), the game that was the son of evil.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5Is4RisNLo....
But as with most all things unknown, it turn out to be alright..... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOmJmFpW0ek
We played six-handed Double Deck, two teams of three, playing against each other. Two pinochle decks, put together, dealt out to each player four at a time. You wind up with 16 cards and then play goes on as normal. Arrange your hand, bid (twice around with the bid starting at 50), declare trump and then meld. All is well, right????
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVUPAboG45c&feature=related
You have 16 cards, with 4 of each card (aces, kings, etc...) to be had, so meld should be no problem right? HA HA, think again. The garbage that can be dealt is amazing! Several times tonight I wound up with little or no meld. At one point, I had a dozen hearts, containing two aces, two kings, two queens, three tens and so on. How could I go wrong?!? An opposing player opened the bidding with 54! BOLD.... but a big signal to their partner. At my turn, with one of the instructors sitting behind me, I went to 55. Second time around my opponent went to 56 and then on a gutsy move I won with 57, figuring I could win trump, call hearts and dominate the round. Oh how wrong I was. By playing together, working off each others hands, our opponents were able to use my trump against me and win the round, taking enough tricks causing us (my team) to not make the bid of 57 a loss.... a BIG time loss. Suddenly the genteel card game becomes http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNN3LoeDLXk&feature=related Yes, creepy and scary!
Double deck is a real exercise in what has been played in both general cards and trump. Remember, there are four of everything. So you think you have a good handle on what has been played, what is out (remaining) and are ready to use the trump you've been saving to win the last four tricks, right? WRONG, suddenly another ace of trump (whatever suit declared) comes charging out to spoil all your plans and ruin your score. So beware, this game can turn on you in a heart beat! One thing our instructor said tonight is that this is not a game to played when you're tired. True enough when you figure all of us (students) have worked all day and then are trying to exact a little more brain power out to figure meld, count cards, etc... This game is a lot of fun, but it works your brain! I recommend this game (pinochle in general, no matter what version) if you're trying to keep yourself sharp. Like doing Sudoku or a good acrostic (like an anagram puzzle, look it up I'm to tired to explain it further), it makes you think and remember. And remember, your brain is a muscle and needs to be worked out like any other muscle in your body (mine needs several days at the gym, mind and body that is).
So fans, the last class is in the bag and it's been fun. We conquered our pinochle fear and learned a lot. So, should we ride off, twirling our pinochle deck like a six-gun into a glorious sunset http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4VO9DMfhL0
NO WAY....................
You're stuck with us for a few more posts, up to and including our pinochle party!
So stay tuned fans, we're not done yet! See you soon!
TIP EIGHT: When counting your meld, especially when playing with a partner do not give in to the urge to over-estimate your ability, or you and your partner's ability to win the hand. We learned tonight that trump can be used against you if your players have good counting skills and strategy. Be careful, but don't be a coward! Trust in your hand and your ability, but don't be reckless
RECIPE EIGHT: Homemade cheese dip. You'll need to take all the leftover bits and pieces of cheese that you have stored in your fridge, hopefully they'll add up to a pound. Place all this bits of cheese (chop the big ones so they are all the same size) into your food processor. Add one clove of garlic (rough chopped), one tsp white pepper, three TBSP softened butter (unsalted) and two tsp chopped parsley (tops only) and pulse four or five times to chop and combine. Then add 1/4 cup GOOD dry white wine and run processor for two minutes until mixture is smooth. You can add up to another 1/8 cup of wine if necessary. Transfer to serving bowl and serve right away or put into fridge for 1/2 hour to firm up a little. This is great as the different cheeses make a complex flavor profile. Serve with good crackers (not Ritz or Saltines) and cold wine. You'll love this, I promise!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Class seven, one more to go........
Hello Lecteurs! (French for readers- trying to class this up a bit)
Another Wednesday in the bag.....Spring has sprung!
Tonight we played three-handed with a "kitty" and four-handed with a "kitty". This is mucho fun, kind of like http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfjFY5f-r_s&feature=related ! See we both had fun!
The rules for each are very similar. Starting with three-handed, you deal three cards to each player, putting one card in the middle face down for each of the first three times around. After you have three in the middle you deal the remainder, three at a time to each player. Bidding is the same, twice around starting at 15. The person who wins the bid wins the three cards in the middle and turns them over one at a time. Looking at the three cards in conjunction with their hand, the player declares trump then melds, using the three cards as meld with cards in their hand if possible. Once meld is counted, the player must discard three cards from their hand and then pick up the three cards they have won and incorporate them into their hand. You cannot discard meld and you hold onto the three cards you discard, keeping them face down in front of you. Play then proceeds normally, leading with trump and playing out the hand.
BUT.......... there are some things to add a little spice to the game. The three cards that the player discarded prior to beginning play count when the player counts up their points! So you need to use your noggin here. It is advisable to try and discard some point cards (A, K, 10) to help your total point value when the hand is finished. Example, during play tonight, the player to my right won the bid, melded, discarded three from his hand (two 10's and a 9) before picking up the three extra cards and then won the first trick with the ace of trump. He already had four points after the first trick! This version is great because it can change the complexion of the game. You may feel you have a killer hand, but if you lose the bid and another player gets the three bonus cards, they may suddenly have the killer hand. Or, you may gamble on the three cards in the middle, bidding a little higher and then be rewarded by getting nothing in return, so your feelings about your chances can change on a dime http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5x2JFRFZWg I guess my point is to be careful!
Four-handed with a kitty http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUuYgaltZe4&feature=related (sorry, had to throw that in there) is played pretty much the same way. First, four players (obviously) you deal the cards three to each player with one in the middle until you get down to nine cards left, then two to each player and the last one in the middle making four. Bid, winner turns cards over, bid losers see the cards and are usually sad http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJYA0fjrAJE&feature=related then play continues as normal. One more difference however, in four-handed you play as partners with the person across from you. This is a whole different dynamic as you need to support each others bidding and then cards to win the maximum number of tricks to take the hand. This is something I'll go into in a summary blog after we finish the classes. or you could hit the link on blog number two to connect to the rules of Pinochle and read all about this topic.
Well gang, enough for tonight. Play, play, play, it will only make you better. See you next Wednesday.
TIP SEVEN: It became obvious tonight that when counting your meld and figuring trump, it is important to count the trump in your hand, remembering any trump that may have been turned over with the bonus cards BEFORE you bid, especially if your aim is to win the bid and control the first trick. It is equally important to count all trump played in order to save trump in your hand and take the last trick or tricks.
RECIPE SEVEN: Get a pound of fresh medium sized shrimp and have the seafood guy steam them with a little Old Bay Seasoning for no more than four minutes. They will carry over cook in the bag and be prefect when you need them. Also get two or three large cucumbers, one eight ounce package of cream cheese and a bunch of fresh dill. Chill shrimp for at least two hours. While chilling shrimp, bring cream cheese to room temp and mix with a little fresh lemon juice (about a tablespoon, no more) and some Franks hot sauce (hot sauce to taste) but be careful not to make the mixture too thin. Completely peel and devein shrimp (no shell left at all). Slice cucumbers in 1/4 inch rounds and arrange on a platter. Spoon or pipe a little cream cheese mixture on each cucumber slice and top with a shrimp, then top each shrimp with a little chopped fresh dill. Serve and enjoy! Pretty much any drink goes with this snack, but I would recommend cold white wine, lager beer (no heavy beers) or straight liquor (Bourbon or Irish whiskey).
NEXT WEEK: Last class, but not the last post, some explanations and a cheesy yummo snack!
Another Wednesday in the bag.....Spring has sprung!
Tonight we played three-handed with a "kitty" and four-handed with a "kitty". This is mucho fun, kind of like http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfjFY5f-r_s&feature=related ! See we both had fun!
The rules for each are very similar. Starting with three-handed, you deal three cards to each player, putting one card in the middle face down for each of the first three times around. After you have three in the middle you deal the remainder, three at a time to each player. Bidding is the same, twice around starting at 15. The person who wins the bid wins the three cards in the middle and turns them over one at a time. Looking at the three cards in conjunction with their hand, the player declares trump then melds, using the three cards as meld with cards in their hand if possible. Once meld is counted, the player must discard three cards from their hand and then pick up the three cards they have won and incorporate them into their hand. You cannot discard meld and you hold onto the three cards you discard, keeping them face down in front of you. Play then proceeds normally, leading with trump and playing out the hand.
BUT.......... there are some things to add a little spice to the game. The three cards that the player discarded prior to beginning play count when the player counts up their points! So you need to use your noggin here. It is advisable to try and discard some point cards (A, K, 10) to help your total point value when the hand is finished. Example, during play tonight, the player to my right won the bid, melded, discarded three from his hand (two 10's and a 9) before picking up the three extra cards and then won the first trick with the ace of trump. He already had four points after the first trick! This version is great because it can change the complexion of the game. You may feel you have a killer hand, but if you lose the bid and another player gets the three bonus cards, they may suddenly have the killer hand. Or, you may gamble on the three cards in the middle, bidding a little higher and then be rewarded by getting nothing in return, so your feelings about your chances can change on a dime http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5x2JFRFZWg I guess my point is to be careful!
Four-handed with a kitty http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUuYgaltZe4&feature=related (sorry, had to throw that in there) is played pretty much the same way. First, four players (obviously) you deal the cards three to each player with one in the middle until you get down to nine cards left, then two to each player and the last one in the middle making four. Bid, winner turns cards over, bid losers see the cards and are usually sad http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJYA0fjrAJE&feature=related then play continues as normal. One more difference however, in four-handed you play as partners with the person across from you. This is a whole different dynamic as you need to support each others bidding and then cards to win the maximum number of tricks to take the hand. This is something I'll go into in a summary blog after we finish the classes. or you could hit the link on blog number two to connect to the rules of Pinochle and read all about this topic.
Well gang, enough for tonight. Play, play, play, it will only make you better. See you next Wednesday.
TIP SEVEN: It became obvious tonight that when counting your meld and figuring trump, it is important to count the trump in your hand, remembering any trump that may have been turned over with the bonus cards BEFORE you bid, especially if your aim is to win the bid and control the first trick. It is equally important to count all trump played in order to save trump in your hand and take the last trick or tricks.
RECIPE SEVEN: Get a pound of fresh medium sized shrimp and have the seafood guy steam them with a little Old Bay Seasoning for no more than four minutes. They will carry over cook in the bag and be prefect when you need them. Also get two or three large cucumbers, one eight ounce package of cream cheese and a bunch of fresh dill. Chill shrimp for at least two hours. While chilling shrimp, bring cream cheese to room temp and mix with a little fresh lemon juice (about a tablespoon, no more) and some Franks hot sauce (hot sauce to taste) but be careful not to make the mixture too thin. Completely peel and devein shrimp (no shell left at all). Slice cucumbers in 1/4 inch rounds and arrange on a platter. Spoon or pipe a little cream cheese mixture on each cucumber slice and top with a shrimp, then top each shrimp with a little chopped fresh dill. Serve and enjoy! Pretty much any drink goes with this snack, but I would recommend cold white wine, lager beer (no heavy beers) or straight liquor (Bourbon or Irish whiskey).
NEXT WEEK: Last class, but not the last post, some explanations and a cheesy yummo snack!
Sunday, March 21, 2010
BOUNS POST, BONUS POST, BONUS POST.....
Hi friends of pinochle and snacks!
A bonus post for you.....
It's Sunday night around 7 p.m. and we just finished dinner (BBQ chicken sandwiches laced with sharp cheddar cheese and thin sliced red onion, rigatoni veggie salad, ice cold PBR for me and ice cold crisp chardonnay for my gorgeous wife) and three rounds of two-handed pinochle, with the third hand being the rubber match (Yep, I won a round.......finally).
We played two rounds of pinochle where you shuffle, deal each person one card then each person in turn picks two cards, one at a time, keeping the first and discarding the second or discarding the first and keeping the second to make either a strong meld hand or a strong playing hand. So in the first round, I was winning 70 to 41, I have this round in the bag right? Think again grasshopper, wifey poo puts together 42 meld points, wins the bid with 16 (ugh) and crushes me once more to win with taking the first trick of the next hand. So, she wins the first round 128 to 96. BUT............ I come roaring back in the second round, taking the lead with the first hand, taking the last trick every time (which gets you an extra point) and winning 112 to 70.
I highly recommend playing two handed this way, a lot! It forces you to remember which cards you have seen (as you pick) and what has been played. That is how I was able to take the last trick every time. We are getting so good at this, we are seriously thinking about taking our game on the road http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yshnhEHBtO4&feature=related
But we'll see....
We then played the rubber match to decide the overall victor since we had each won once. Foolishly we tried to play the complicated version where the rules are suspended in the beginning and then you meld in as you play, pick cards, etc.... etc.... etc....we got so lost we stopped. This version is very hard and needs a lot if instruction, I was so lost, this is how I felt http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lj3iNxZ8Dww&feature=related yep, I felt that stupid.
So, class number seven this Wednesday, look for the post!
BONUS TIP: As you play, keep the instructions nearby, but try not to use them, it helps develop your confidence and skills to play from memory!
BONUS RECIPE: Boil a pound of Fingerling potatoes (small finger shaped potatoes) in a pot of salted water until just fork tender (about 10 - 12 minutes DO NOT OVERCOOK). Drain and cool. Meanwhile take one cup of Hellman's mayo, mix with 1/3 cup of Dijon mustard, about 1/4 cup of fresh finely minced dill, 1 small clove of VERY finely minced garlic and 3 to 4 TBSP of white wine. Place in serving bowl and chill. Slice cooled potatoes in half lengthwise and arrange on serving platter, place bowl of mayo/mustard dip in middle and serve. Cold Pinot Grigio goes great with this as the sweetness of the wine cuts the richness of the dip.
A bonus post for you.....
It's Sunday night around 7 p.m. and we just finished dinner (BBQ chicken sandwiches laced with sharp cheddar cheese and thin sliced red onion, rigatoni veggie salad, ice cold PBR for me and ice cold crisp chardonnay for my gorgeous wife) and three rounds of two-handed pinochle, with the third hand being the rubber match (Yep, I won a round.......finally).
We played two rounds of pinochle where you shuffle, deal each person one card then each person in turn picks two cards, one at a time, keeping the first and discarding the second or discarding the first and keeping the second to make either a strong meld hand or a strong playing hand. So in the first round, I was winning 70 to 41, I have this round in the bag right? Think again grasshopper, wifey poo puts together 42 meld points, wins the bid with 16 (ugh) and crushes me once more to win with taking the first trick of the next hand. So, she wins the first round 128 to 96. BUT............ I come roaring back in the second round, taking the lead with the first hand, taking the last trick every time (which gets you an extra point) and winning 112 to 70.
I highly recommend playing two handed this way, a lot! It forces you to remember which cards you have seen (as you pick) and what has been played. That is how I was able to take the last trick every time. We are getting so good at this, we are seriously thinking about taking our game on the road http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yshnhEHBtO4&feature=related
But we'll see....
We then played the rubber match to decide the overall victor since we had each won once. Foolishly we tried to play the complicated version where the rules are suspended in the beginning and then you meld in as you play, pick cards, etc.... etc.... etc....we got so lost we stopped. This version is very hard and needs a lot if instruction, I was so lost, this is how I felt http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lj3iNxZ8Dww&feature=related yep, I felt that stupid.
So, class number seven this Wednesday, look for the post!
BONUS TIP: As you play, keep the instructions nearby, but try not to use them, it helps develop your confidence and skills to play from memory!
BONUS RECIPE: Boil a pound of Fingerling potatoes (small finger shaped potatoes) in a pot of salted water until just fork tender (about 10 - 12 minutes DO NOT OVERCOOK). Drain and cool. Meanwhile take one cup of Hellman's mayo, mix with 1/3 cup of Dijon mustard, about 1/4 cup of fresh finely minced dill, 1 small clove of VERY finely minced garlic and 3 to 4 TBSP of white wine. Place in serving bowl and chill. Slice cooled potatoes in half lengthwise and arrange on serving platter, place bowl of mayo/mustard dip in middle and serve. Cold Pinot Grigio goes great with this as the sweetness of the wine cuts the richness of the dip.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Class six (only two more to go) and a new version of the game that will have you crying
Hey Diddley-Ho there friend-o-renos....
It's that time again, time for another fun filled edition of ppppppppppppinochle & snacks!
Tonight we learned another variation (two actually) of two-handed pinochle. Both fun and challenging in their own way. But I'm only going to share one here in detail tonight as the other would take a four page blog to just explain how to set up the hands (I'm not kidding).
In the first version, you shuffle the cards, have your opponent cut the deck, then place the deck face down in the middle of the table. Your opponent draws two cards, one at a time. They can either keep the first card or place it face down creating a "discard" pile. If they discard the first card they must keep the second card. If they keep the first card, they must discard the second. BUT... you cannot discard a card that is already in your hand. You keep drawing and discarding from the draw pile until you have twelve cards in your hand and two cards left to draw on the table. Then each player takes one of the cards left and only now can you discard from your hand if you so desire and keep the last card drawn or you can keep what you have and discard the last card you draw. The whole idea here is to try and create either a good meld hand (the best option but not always possible) or a strong playing hand if you cannot create a strong meld hand. Okay, I know it's confusing, possibly this confusing, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETUGfmsp7b0&feature=related but trust me after two hands, it'll come to you.
This is actually kind of fun, as your hand is left completely up to chance. Well not entirely completely, (wow that was poor english) but kinda sorta. You could draw and keep a King, then possibly have to discard an ace on your second draw (remember, keep the first card and you have to throw away the second card) or throw away a nine from the first draw, but have to keep the second card which could be another nine. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j898yG2Qfwk I know, I know, I was confused too, but play it, you'll like the game I promise.
Version number two completely suspends all the rules of pinochle in the beginning, as you lay out three hands of twelve. One for you, one for your opponent and one dummy hand. You turn over the top card of the dummy hand and that becomes trump. You then begin play against your opponent, but you do not have to lead trump, you can lead anything. When either player wins their first trick, they can then lay out some meld and draw a card from the dummy to replace the card they lost taking the trick. You continue on like this, each player trying to either take tricks or lose tricks to build good meld and a good playing hand, each drawing from the dummy pile to replace cards lost in tricks and then eventually your head explodes. It's a lot to learn and can really make you http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylvhqgQJzT4 ! I'm telling you, I felt that I've (and my oh so beautiful wife too) have been really getting good at this game and it's variations, but this variation on two handed had me so confused that I was asking stupid questions, some of which had obvious answers (like when our instructor was showing us to play this with all the cards face up for demonstration purposes) and I asked him if you play this version with all the cards face up.... After about my third stupid question, I was waiting for someone in the class to look at me and say http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oakW9NO18Ig
But we are determined to learn this, so we plan to play over the weekend, so look for a bonus post!
Well, that's it for tonight, see you on Monday.....maybe
TIP SIX: Learn the harder versions of two handed and apply the lessons into three and four handed pinochle. Counting and strategy (in my opinion) are harder in two handed. Those dummy hands forve you to learn to count and recall what has been played.
RECIPE SIX: Onion tarts -- preheat oven to 400 degrees. Meanwhile, peel a large sweet onion and cut in half, then cut the halves into thin strips. Peel and finely dice a small clove of garlic. Preheat a sautee pan over medium high heat and coat with one TBSP olive oil and one TBSP butter. When butter is melted and combined with oil place onions and garlic in pan. When onions turn translucent (they become almost clear) reduce heat to medium low and gently sautee onions and garlic until golden brown. Turn off heat and transfer onion mixture to a bowl to hold. In another medium bowl, combine one package room temperature cream cheese with two heaping TBSP's of McCormick ground Chipolte pepper. Take a fresh baguette and slice into 1/4 inch rounds. Coat each round lightly with olive oil and some kosher salt and place in oven, checking frequently until they are light brown. Remove bread slices from oven when golden brown and let cool. Coat each slice with a thin layer of cream cheese mixture and then top with about a tsp of onion mixture. Place on serving platter and enjoy! These go great with cold beer, wine or just about any mixed drink (not a sweet mixed drink however because of the sweet onions)
NEXT WEEK: Class seven and something from the sea!
It's that time again, time for another fun filled edition of ppppppppppppinochle & snacks!
Tonight we learned another variation (two actually) of two-handed pinochle. Both fun and challenging in their own way. But I'm only going to share one here in detail tonight as the other would take a four page blog to just explain how to set up the hands (I'm not kidding).
In the first version, you shuffle the cards, have your opponent cut the deck, then place the deck face down in the middle of the table. Your opponent draws two cards, one at a time. They can either keep the first card or place it face down creating a "discard" pile. If they discard the first card they must keep the second card. If they keep the first card, they must discard the second. BUT... you cannot discard a card that is already in your hand. You keep drawing and discarding from the draw pile until you have twelve cards in your hand and two cards left to draw on the table. Then each player takes one of the cards left and only now can you discard from your hand if you so desire and keep the last card drawn or you can keep what you have and discard the last card you draw. The whole idea here is to try and create either a good meld hand (the best option but not always possible) or a strong playing hand if you cannot create a strong meld hand. Okay, I know it's confusing, possibly this confusing, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETUGfmsp7b0&feature=related but trust me after two hands, it'll come to you.
This is actually kind of fun, as your hand is left completely up to chance. Well not entirely completely, (wow that was poor english) but kinda sorta. You could draw and keep a King, then possibly have to discard an ace on your second draw (remember, keep the first card and you have to throw away the second card) or throw away a nine from the first draw, but have to keep the second card which could be another nine. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j898yG2Qfwk I know, I know, I was confused too, but play it, you'll like the game I promise.
Version number two completely suspends all the rules of pinochle in the beginning, as you lay out three hands of twelve. One for you, one for your opponent and one dummy hand. You turn over the top card of the dummy hand and that becomes trump. You then begin play against your opponent, but you do not have to lead trump, you can lead anything. When either player wins their first trick, they can then lay out some meld and draw a card from the dummy to replace the card they lost taking the trick. You continue on like this, each player trying to either take tricks or lose tricks to build good meld and a good playing hand, each drawing from the dummy pile to replace cards lost in tricks and then eventually your head explodes. It's a lot to learn and can really make you http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylvhqgQJzT4 ! I'm telling you, I felt that I've (and my oh so beautiful wife too) have been really getting good at this game and it's variations, but this variation on two handed had me so confused that I was asking stupid questions, some of which had obvious answers (like when our instructor was showing us to play this with all the cards face up for demonstration purposes) and I asked him if you play this version with all the cards face up.... After about my third stupid question, I was waiting for someone in the class to look at me and say http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oakW9NO18Ig
But we are determined to learn this, so we plan to play over the weekend, so look for a bonus post!
Well, that's it for tonight, see you on Monday.....maybe
TIP SIX: Learn the harder versions of two handed and apply the lessons into three and four handed pinochle. Counting and strategy (in my opinion) are harder in two handed. Those dummy hands forve you to learn to count and recall what has been played.
RECIPE SIX: Onion tarts -- preheat oven to 400 degrees. Meanwhile, peel a large sweet onion and cut in half, then cut the halves into thin strips. Peel and finely dice a small clove of garlic. Preheat a sautee pan over medium high heat and coat with one TBSP olive oil and one TBSP butter. When butter is melted and combined with oil place onions and garlic in pan. When onions turn translucent (they become almost clear) reduce heat to medium low and gently sautee onions and garlic until golden brown. Turn off heat and transfer onion mixture to a bowl to hold. In another medium bowl, combine one package room temperature cream cheese with two heaping TBSP's of McCormick ground Chipolte pepper. Take a fresh baguette and slice into 1/4 inch rounds. Coat each round lightly with olive oil and some kosher salt and place in oven, checking frequently until they are light brown. Remove bread slices from oven when golden brown and let cool. Coat each slice with a thin layer of cream cheese mixture and then top with about a tsp of onion mixture. Place on serving platter and enjoy! These go great with cold beer, wine or just about any mixed drink (not a sweet mixed drink however because of the sweet onions)
NEXT WEEK: Class seven and something from the sea!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Class five, spring temps and sunshine and our first foray into play outside of the classroom or the house.....
Hello Fellow Travelers......
Another Wednesday in the books, another class finished.....
Here we go....
So tonight in class we learned a variation on two-handed. Instead of using the third or "dummy" hand as a random card generator. Deal the cards into three hands of twelve each. Letting the other player go first, you each pick a card, one at a time from the dummy hand and incorporate it into your own hand to attempt to make either a strong meld hand or a strong playing hand. Discard one card from your hand for each card you keep, keeping only twelve cards in your hand. Then play two handed without the third hand. It makes you concentrate on what is played and what is left, counting aces, kings, etc.... it's fun I promise.
We've been playing a ton of pinochle at home and much to our delight we found out that some of our very best friends also play! This past Saturday we were invited to our friends' home for dinner. As I had some trouble posting the links in my last blog, I asked my friend (who happens to be an expert in computers and computer troubleshooting) to lend me a hand. He looked at the blog and said, "Hey, I love pinochle!" The four of us exchanged pinochle stories over cocktails and snacks (hey snacks!) and decided that after dinner we would forgo the traditional board game and play four-handed pinochle. Lucky for us, we had just learned that in last weeks class (re-visit blog number four if you need a refresher).
Well, the one axiom that is true regarding 99 percent of life was true that night. Even though our friends were better players, we were able to hold our own. Practice, practice, practice, the only way to get better. I personally played so well, this is pretty much how I felt http://www.pacdv.com/sounds/people_sound_effects/applause-1.wav Yep, gave myself a round of applause. I've been paying attention and have been learning and so has my lovely wife. So one for her as well http://www.pacdv.com/sounds/people_sound_effects/applause-3.wav
But, let me caution you. Playing well against people with more skill can lead you to getting in over your head and getting lost as your opponents starting using strategy they have learned over the years, causing your applause to quickly turn into http://www.pacdv.com/sounds/voices/damn-it.wav
Yep, I played over my head for a round or two and paid the price, so I guess the moral here is stick to what you know and don't get cocky. But in the end, it was fun! A lot of fun! Our friends were very forgiving over the mistakes we (well, actually me) made. This brings me to another point. Tell your opponents right up front that you are learning and may make some mistakes. This admission will save a lot of grief later (it can also let you know who your true friends are).
TIP FIVE: When playing two handed with a dummy hand, switch the hand to different sides of the table so it plays differently each time. It changes the outcome, you'd be surprised. Also, make it a standard rule that the dealer plays the dummy hand out, it saves confusion over the hand being played.
RECIPE FIVE: This recipe is so simple it's funny, but it's surprising how many people do not know this exists. At your grocery, usually with the fresh baked bread will be a bottle containing four dipping spices. Buy a large fresh French baguette, slice it into 1/4 in thick (at most) slices and place them into a decorative serving bowl. Shake a generous amount of each spice into a small bowl or small deep dish and coat with about 1/2 to 2/3 cup of good quality olive oil and serve with the sliced bread. Dip the end of a slice into the oil/spice mixture and enjoy. It's really simple and really, really good. This goes great with gin or vodka and tonic or bourbon. http://www.pacdv.com/sounds/voices/yummy.wav
NEXT WEEK: Class six and a salty, sweet, onion-e snack!
Another Wednesday in the books, another class finished.....
Here we go....
So tonight in class we learned a variation on two-handed. Instead of using the third or "dummy" hand as a random card generator. Deal the cards into three hands of twelve each. Letting the other player go first, you each pick a card, one at a time from the dummy hand and incorporate it into your own hand to attempt to make either a strong meld hand or a strong playing hand. Discard one card from your hand for each card you keep, keeping only twelve cards in your hand. Then play two handed without the third hand. It makes you concentrate on what is played and what is left, counting aces, kings, etc.... it's fun I promise.
We've been playing a ton of pinochle at home and much to our delight we found out that some of our very best friends also play! This past Saturday we were invited to our friends' home for dinner. As I had some trouble posting the links in my last blog, I asked my friend (who happens to be an expert in computers and computer troubleshooting) to lend me a hand. He looked at the blog and said, "Hey, I love pinochle!" The four of us exchanged pinochle stories over cocktails and snacks (hey snacks!) and decided that after dinner we would forgo the traditional board game and play four-handed pinochle. Lucky for us, we had just learned that in last weeks class (re-visit blog number four if you need a refresher).
Well, the one axiom that is true regarding 99 percent of life was true that night. Even though our friends were better players, we were able to hold our own. Practice, practice, practice, the only way to get better. I personally played so well, this is pretty much how I felt http://www.pacdv.com/sounds/people_sound_effects/applause-1.wav Yep, gave myself a round of applause. I've been paying attention and have been learning and so has my lovely wife. So one for her as well http://www.pacdv.com/sounds/people_sound_effects/applause-3.wav
But, let me caution you. Playing well against people with more skill can lead you to getting in over your head and getting lost as your opponents starting using strategy they have learned over the years, causing your applause to quickly turn into http://www.pacdv.com/sounds/voices/damn-it.wav
Yep, I played over my head for a round or two and paid the price, so I guess the moral here is stick to what you know and don't get cocky. But in the end, it was fun! A lot of fun! Our friends were very forgiving over the mistakes we (well, actually me) made. This brings me to another point. Tell your opponents right up front that you are learning and may make some mistakes. This admission will save a lot of grief later (it can also let you know who your true friends are).
TIP FIVE: When playing two handed with a dummy hand, switch the hand to different sides of the table so it plays differently each time. It changes the outcome, you'd be surprised. Also, make it a standard rule that the dealer plays the dummy hand out, it saves confusion over the hand being played.
RECIPE FIVE: This recipe is so simple it's funny, but it's surprising how many people do not know this exists. At your grocery, usually with the fresh baked bread will be a bottle containing four dipping spices. Buy a large fresh French baguette, slice it into 1/4 in thick (at most) slices and place them into a decorative serving bowl. Shake a generous amount of each spice into a small bowl or small deep dish and coat with about 1/2 to 2/3 cup of good quality olive oil and serve with the sliced bread. Dip the end of a slice into the oil/spice mixture and enjoy. It's really simple and really, really good. This goes great with gin or vodka and tonic or bourbon. http://www.pacdv.com/sounds/voices/yummy.wav
NEXT WEEK: Class six and a salty, sweet, onion-e snack!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Class four, stupid mistakes but no more snow (for now)
Hey Readers, if you've hung in this far, we thank you!
So let's go...........................
We began with a review of four-handed bidding and meld. Then breaking into different groups of four, we worked on "signaling" and supporting your partner. Let's start with signaling. Now, unlike what you may have seen in the movies or on "The Three Stooges", signaling is not blinking your eyes in a certain way or tickling your partner's leg with your foot. Nor is it letting your partner know your suits by strength using a sentence like, "I was at the CLUB the other day and it broke my HEART to learn that another member had her DIAMONDS stolen but it turned out okay as her insurance company paid her back in SPADES." It's more like this; your partner opens with a bid of 20, the next person passes and seeing that you have some meld, maybe a pinochle (Jack of diamonds & Queen of spades) and maybe a few aces in your hand, you bid 21 or 22. This let's your partner know that you can support their hand. If you partner passes on the second go around, you could win the bid and most likely the hand. If you partner goes up (increases the bid), even better if your hand is strong. Signaling can also be which card you play during a trick. In some cases, by playing a certain card you can let your partner know what suit your short on (holding the fewest cards of that suit in your hand). But, unless you're planning on someday playing in the Pinochle World Series, keep the signaling simple. There are very elaborate signaling schemes out there that can complicate the game and take the fun away. Besides, if I/we wanted to learn all the signaling combinations, we would have taken Bridge lessons.
So I played with a different group tonight, once again separated from my best friend and I learned something valuable. You have to concentrate! I caught myself daydreaming a couple of times tonight and the results weren't pretty. Kind of like Michael Waltrip at Bristol in 1990. www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVlj7F8OJCY The only difference was I didn't have a rescue crew to pull me out (he wasn't hurt). I had to salvage myself from my stupidity and then apologize to my partner for giving point cards (A,K,10) to our opponents when we should have won the trick. Also, losing concentration makes it harder to remember what was played and what is left. I can't be more serious about this, you have to pay attention to what's going on. Save the conversation for the in between times when shuffling is happening, after all, you could cause you and your partner to lose the hand (which I did once) and have your evening turn into something like this.... ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4ZgVRJ-H8U&feature=related )
Well, four classes down, skills and knowledge improving and the best part, it's still fun!
TIP FOUR: When leading the trick, get all your aces out of the way first, this lessens the chance that someone might trump them later and cost you or you and your partner points. Also try and play out your short suit, so you can use the trump you've save to win points later in the round.
RECIPE FOUR: Preheat oven to 425. Take an average sized Filet Mignon and coat it lightly with olive oil. Roll in finely minced garlic and Herbs Du Provence, place on cookie sheet covered with non stick foil and roast in oven for 15 minutes. While filet is roasting, slice a baguette in 1/4" thick rounds, lay out on another foil covered cookie sheet and coat lightly with olive oil and kosher salt. Remove filet from oven, cover loosely with foil and let rest. Place rounds in oven and toast checking every few minutes (they will burn in a snap). Remove from oven and rub each round lightly with a clove of garlic (the garlic will melt onto the bread) and let cool. Slice filet as thin as possible and mound one slice on each bread round. Top each with one dot of Wasabi paste (you can get this in the speciality section of your grocery). Serve and enjoy!
NEXT WEEK: Class five and a really easy but fun and tasty snack!
So let's go...........................
We began with a review of four-handed bidding and meld. Then breaking into different groups of four, we worked on "signaling" and supporting your partner. Let's start with signaling. Now, unlike what you may have seen in the movies or on "The Three Stooges", signaling is not blinking your eyes in a certain way or tickling your partner's leg with your foot. Nor is it letting your partner know your suits by strength using a sentence like, "I was at the CLUB the other day and it broke my HEART to learn that another member had her DIAMONDS stolen but it turned out okay as her insurance company paid her back in SPADES." It's more like this; your partner opens with a bid of 20, the next person passes and seeing that you have some meld, maybe a pinochle (Jack of diamonds & Queen of spades) and maybe a few aces in your hand, you bid 21 or 22. This let's your partner know that you can support their hand. If you partner passes on the second go around, you could win the bid and most likely the hand. If you partner goes up (increases the bid), even better if your hand is strong. Signaling can also be which card you play during a trick. In some cases, by playing a certain card you can let your partner know what suit your short on (holding the fewest cards of that suit in your hand). But, unless you're planning on someday playing in the Pinochle World Series, keep the signaling simple. There are very elaborate signaling schemes out there that can complicate the game and take the fun away. Besides, if I/we wanted to learn all the signaling combinations, we would have taken Bridge lessons.
So I played with a different group tonight, once again separated from my best friend and I learned something valuable. You have to concentrate! I caught myself daydreaming a couple of times tonight and the results weren't pretty. Kind of like Michael Waltrip at Bristol in 1990. www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVlj7F8OJCY The only difference was I didn't have a rescue crew to pull me out (he wasn't hurt). I had to salvage myself from my stupidity and then apologize to my partner for giving point cards (A,K,10) to our opponents when we should have won the trick. Also, losing concentration makes it harder to remember what was played and what is left. I can't be more serious about this, you have to pay attention to what's going on. Save the conversation for the in between times when shuffling is happening, after all, you could cause you and your partner to lose the hand (which I did once) and have your evening turn into something like this.... ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4ZgVRJ-H8U&feature=related )
Well, four classes down, skills and knowledge improving and the best part, it's still fun!
TIP FOUR: When leading the trick, get all your aces out of the way first, this lessens the chance that someone might trump them later and cost you or you and your partner points. Also try and play out your short suit, so you can use the trump you've save to win points later in the round.
RECIPE FOUR: Preheat oven to 425. Take an average sized Filet Mignon and coat it lightly with olive oil. Roll in finely minced garlic and Herbs Du Provence, place on cookie sheet covered with non stick foil and roast in oven for 15 minutes. While filet is roasting, slice a baguette in 1/4" thick rounds, lay out on another foil covered cookie sheet and coat lightly with olive oil and kosher salt. Remove filet from oven, cover loosely with foil and let rest. Place rounds in oven and toast checking every few minutes (they will burn in a snap). Remove from oven and rub each round lightly with a clove of garlic (the garlic will melt onto the bread) and let cool. Slice filet as thin as possible and mound one slice on each bread round. Top each with one dot of Wasabi paste (you can get this in the speciality section of your grocery). Serve and enjoy!
NEXT WEEK: Class five and a really easy but fun and tasty snack!
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