How to Improve at Euchre

In this follow-up to my article on beginning Euchre we will explore some of the intermediate and advanced strategies/tips that are also included in my book: "The Complete Win At Euchre." In order to compete at the tournament level you must have solid card skills. The key to this game is partnership rapport and understanding, yet there is so much more--intuition, psychology, playing the odds and "reading" your opponents' plays.



So, assuming you know the basics of the game--let's get better.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A well-lit and ventilated room
• A card-size table
• 2 Decks of cards (which will be modified into Euchre decks)
• 4 players who will be playing as 2 Partnerships
• Pencils/pens and paper for keeping score (Note: two fives or a six and a four can be used for scoring)

1. DO NOT PASS A BIDDABLE HAND
   
   
   If you have three trump or two strong trump and a side-suit Ace, make the call! This is especially true if you are the dealer and three passes have come around to you. There is an exception. You can pass a biddable hand in first seat (to the left of the dealer) if you can call another suit once the upcard is turned down.

2. COUNT ON YOUR PARTNER FOR A TRICK
   
   
   You can't always hope to have the top three trump or three "ice cold" tricks in your hand. This is a partnership game. The odds favor finding a trick in your partner's hand. He may provide a Bower or a side-suit Ace for you. If you have a void in an off-suit, your hand increases in value.

3. DON'T TRUMP YOUR PARTNER'S ACE
   
   
   Why would you want to steal his trick? Make a discard of a side-suit loser. There are some rare exceptions: If you are forced to trump, you have no choice. You may also want to use a high trump such as the King or Ace in order to promote a possible trump winner in your partner's hand. Finally, you may want to take the lead.

4. TRUMP YOUR PARTNER'S OFF-SUIT KING
   
   
   If you are void in this suit, use your highest trump. Yes, the King may have been good; however, chances are the opponents had the Ace or are void. If your partner leads the King from Ace-King of the SAME suit, then it is time to consider a "trade in!"

5. LEAD TRUMP WHEN YOUR PARTNER ORDERS
   
   
   If your partner makes the call and you have the lead, drop your highest trump on the table. This will help to draw the opponent's trump or force out a key high trump. Do NOT try to cash a side-suit Ace, as it may get trumped.

6. SECOND HAND LOW ON DEFENSE (TRUST)
   
   
   This is one of the most agonizing plays in Euchre. Your right hand opponent has the opening lead and he plays a low card in an off-suit (not the Ace). You are void. Do you trump or do you discard a singleton off-suit card? Does your partner have that Ace? If you have a singleton worthless trump, go ahead and use it. However, if you have two or more trump, make a side-suit discard and hope partner can win this trick. It is a guess, to be sure.

7. DO NOT LEAD TRUMP WHEN DEFENDING
   
   
   Why accommodate the opponents? Resist this urge, even if you have the singleton Right Bower. Leading trump will often weaken your partner's hand and may help to "finesse" his guarded Left Bower! There are some rare exceptions (e.g. holding two or three side-suit Aces and a worthless small trump).

8. LEAD THE BIG TRUMP
   
   
   If you have ordered or you are the maker, lead your highest trump from a three-card holding. This is especially true if you do not hold the Right Bower. The idea is to force the high trump from the opponent's hands and possibly set up your off-suit Aces.

9. DON'T STEAL YOUR PARTNER'S LONER
   
   
   If the Right Bower is turned (your partner is the dealer) and the first hand passes, you should order ONLY if YOU have a strong shot at a Loner. Otherwise, you may deprive Partner of the Loner. A lot of pairs have modified their game by agreeing NEVER to turn down the Right Bower if they are dealer. This helps to take the pressure off the partner who may have a good "helping" hand.

10. CALL THE LONER
    
    
    If you have three strong tricks (usually in trump) and an off-suit Ace or King, go for the Loner. This is especially true if you are the dealer. The power of a hand with three good trump and an Ace-Nine or King-Nine off-suit (and two voids) is overwhelming! The key trump or off-suit card that could stop you might be buried in the kitty or is a part of your partner's hand. Go for the 4 points if it appears that the right combination of cards/distribution is there.

Tips & Warnings

• ALWAYS be aware of the score. In the standard game of "Tens" your bid will be tempered by the score. "Donating" is a vital part of Tens strategy.
• Look for any hesitations by the opponents during the play of the hand.
• If the opponent (who is dealer) turns down the Right Bower, call "Next" (same color as the turned down card). It is amazing how often this works!
• Euchre is a game that rewards the aggressive partnership.
• Track every card that is played. This is so vital for successful results.
• Do NOT complain if the cards are not in your favor. There are games in which your side will be served "junk." There is nothing you can do about it!
• Do NOT hesitate during the play of the hand. It will help the opponents.
• Do NOT bid Loner if your side has 8 or 9 points. (You have a much better chance of making two points if you have a good hand and partner is helping.)
• Do NOT waste time with endless "postmortems" after the hand is over.