| HAPPY NEW YEAR!
The live Euchre tournament experience
The growth of the Internet gaming, and websites that feature Euchre (including Zone.com), have fueled a great interest in live regional tourneys. Euchre is a mainstay in the Midwest, New York, Pennsylvania, and parts of several other states. And our neighbors to the North, especially Ontario, Canada, just love the game!
Many cities have Euchre clubs and leagues that meet regularly, and hold spirited competitions. The larger events and tournaments have increased during the past few years. Some have had fields of more than 200 players, and big cash prize payouts! The typical site for a tournament is a hotel or motel, with registration beginning on Friday evening, followed by a partnership competition. There is always time for dining and partying. One of the alluring aspects of any live event is the opportunity to meet your online friends for the first time, or to renew old acquaintances.
After an evening of fun, it's time to retire. Then comes the Saturday individual's competitions, followed by a meal, and then another tournament. Schedules do vary from event to event; however, there is usually one main event for partnerships, and one main event for individuals. Sunday is the "get-away" day, although there is one last tournament for those who can stay for a few more hours. Throughout the weekend, there are raffles for cash and merchandise prizes. Some events also raise money for local charities. Many alternative game formats are also in vogue, including "Reverse" and "Original Ten Point" single elimination competitions.
Most of the directors/organizers are dedicated individuals who tirelessly labor and really care about the players. Three superb events are organized by "Gloopy" (London, Ontario, Canada); "Aproadrunner" (Indianapolis, IN); and "Gersfan/Holt" (Toronto, Canada). The beauty of a Euchre tournament is that it moves very quickly (the 8x8 format, featuring eight rounds of eight hands each, is now routine), and the rules are standardized. Although the skillful players are "in the money" (top 5 places) much of the time, the lesser players do have a fair chance at cash, as the luck factor in Euchre is quite strong. In a recent live event, one partnership came in dead last in the Friday pairs event, and then rebounded all the way to second place in the Saturday night tournament! Yours truly won a "Reverse" tournament, with a "pick-up" partner who never played that variation before! There are more than 20 regional events planned for 2003. Try one -- you'll have a blast!
Holiday Super Quiz
Please refer to previous column for hand layouts.
Congratulations to David L. of Ontario, Canada for his almost perfect score on last month's quiz. Here are the answers: Hand A | Pick up the Ace of Hearts. | The side Ace makes the difference here. | Hand B | Pick up the Ace of Hearts. | You have the Right and good play for a third trick. | Hand C | Pick up the Ace of Hearts. | Borderline -- but, three trump and a void. | Hand D | Pass. | The Left is not enough here. | | | | Hand E | Order to partner. | You have the Right and a side Ace. | Hand F | Pass. | No Aces, no Bowers, two middle trump. | Hand G | Order to partner. | Borderline -- but, two trump including the Left. | Hand H | Pass. | Great side suits -- no trump -- very close! | | | | Hand I | Lead the Ace of Clubs. | Avoid the squeeze play. | Hand J | Lead the Ace of Clubs. | If it walks, you may pull a "Uke"! | Hand K | Lead the Queen of Clubs. | Much stronger than the Diamond 9. | Hand L | Lead the Ace of Spades | What else is there? |
Quick Quiz 1. Eighteen hands (9 one-point hands by each side; then the last hand) 2. Five hands (5 euchres by one side) Thanks to everyone who participated. | |
