How to Play Basic Euchre

Euchre, taken from the German word for Joker ("Jucker"), is a card game which originated in Europe, and was brought to America approximately 200 years ago. During the period from 1850 to 1900, it was the # 1 card game in the United States. It was eventually supplanted by Bridge. Today, it is played primarily in the Midwest, Pennsylvania, western New York, and most of Ontario, Canada. Live tournaments can be found at many clubs, bars, and on campuses. Euchre is unique with its many bidding strategies, the use of Bowers and the "Loner" bid.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1 standard card-size table
• 2 pens or pencils
• 2 decks of Euchre cards (a standard deck may be modified into a regulation 24 - card Euchre deck).
• 4 enthusiastic players
• (Alternative) A good internet game site offering Euchre

Euchre - Getting Started

1. 1. THE DECK ----
   
   The Standard Euchre Deck has 24 cards - six of each suit. Prior to the declaration of trump, each suit is momentarily equal, and is ranked from the Ace (high), down to the nine. Any standard deck can be modifiied to create a Euchre deck. (Remove all cards from the deuce to the eight)

2. 2. THE DEAL ----
   
   After the shuffle and "cut", each player is deal five cards, and the reaming four cards are the "kitty" or "pile". The TOP card of the kitty is turned over to identify the PROPOSED trump for that hand.

3. 3. THE BIDDING ----
   
   There is one Round of bidding, which starts with the person to the Dealer's left. (Eldest Hand). The only calls are "Pass", "Order", and "Alone". If you pass, then the bid goes to the next person (in clockwise rotation). If you order, you are telling the Dealer to pick up the turned card, and you are naming that suit as Trump. If you call "alone" in 2nd or 4th seat), you are also telling the dealer to pick up the turned card. You will then be playing the hand without a partner.

4. 4. MORE ON BIDDING ----
   
   The Dealer's partner may order (sometimes called "assist") the turned card to his partner. If the Dealer's partner passes, the next player may order tthe top card to the dealer. Three passes to the dealer gives him the option of making trump by picking up the turned card. If he declines it, then a second (and last) round of bidding ensues, starting with the player to the left of the dealer. A new suit must be named, or four passes will end the hand. Two rounds of bidding with out a declared trump will result in the passing of the deal.

5. STEP 5 - RANKING OF TRUMP ----
   
   When the trump suit has been declared (or made), the suits now have a different ranking. The Jack of the suit named is high, followed by the Jack of the same color of the declared suit. For example, if hearts are named suit, then the trump suit is ranked: Jack of hearts (Right Bower), Jack of diamonds (Left Bower), Ace of hearts, King of hearts, Queen of hearts, ten of hearts, and nine of hearts. The black suits keep their natural ranking.

6. STEP 6 - OBJECT OF THE GAME -
   
   The declarer of the trump suit must win at least THREE tricks to score a point. If he wins five tricks, he earns two points. If the opponents win three tricks, the declarer is SET, and the opponents win two points (called a "Euchre"). The first side to accumulate or score ten points wins the game. Score may be kpet with a pen and pad, or by using the fives (or a six and four) from a deck of cards.

7. STEP 7 - GOING ALONE ----
   
   Any player (who is bidding in turn), may declare a Loner, by stating this intention with the the words "Going Alone". His partner retires from that hand by plaving his cards face down on the table. The Loner declarer will score 4 points by winning all 5 tricks by himself. If the opponents take one or two tricks, the declarer scores only one point. On rare occasions, the opponents will take three tricks to stop the Loner, and will score two points for their side!

8. STEP EIGHT - THE OPENING LEAD ----
   
   
   After the round of bidding is over, the player to the left of dealer makes the opening lead, by placing any card on the table. Suit must be followed if possible; otherwise a discard may be made. Another option is that any player void of an off suit led, may trump if they have a trump card in their hand.

9. STEP 9 - PLAY OF THE HAND ----
   
   The hand continues, one trick at a time, until the declaring team makes three or more tricks. If the defenders score three tricks, the hand hand ends (and they earn 2 points for the Euchre). If the declaring side takes all 5 tricks in a non - Loner call, they get an extra point for the "Sweep" or "March".

10. STEP 10 - IRREGULARITES ----
    
    If a player revokes (reneges); in other words, fails to follow suit when possible, the hands ends. The non offending side makes their bid, and the offenders are penalized two points. If the declarer revokes, his side gets the penalty and the other teams score two points. Leads out of turn or exposed cards result in similar penalties. (Both sides have to agree to these rules prior to the start of a game).

Tips & Warnings

• Find a partner who knows the game, and willing to work with you.
• Euchre is a game of intuition and risk taking. Remember this!
• Always look at the cards which fall on the first lead of trump.
• Obtain a copy of "The Complete Win At Euchre". A good guide for new players.
• Research of all of the variations of the game.
• Play on the internet with your regular partner before venturing forth into the "live" play arena. The practice will help to "hone" your game.
• Do not hesistate when it is your turn to play. It will give you away!
• Be sure you know which Rules are in effect if you play in a tourney.
• If you are playing in a "live" event, keep track of the score.
• Observe the opponents closely if you are in a "live" tournament.