Euchre Tips and Strategies

Euchre Column of the Month -- April 2000

By Joe Andrews

Euchre Variations and Hand of the Month

· 32 Card Version
The most popular form of the game is played with a deck of 24 cards. For those who want to play a more traditional version, a 32-card pack is used. The trump suit now consists of nine cards ranked from the Right Bower down to the Seven. The side suits (in a given hand) consist of eight cards, with the exception of the suit, which is the same color as trump (it has seven cards). Otherwise, the bidding and play is the same as the 24-card version. There is a significant randomness, as eleven unknown cards (instead of three) are in the "stock." The strategy also shifts, as the bidding is greatly affected. However, a lot of people seem to enjoy this variation of the game.

· Railroad Euchre
This version utilizes a Joker, which outranks the Right Bower. In Great Britain, this is called the "Benny." There is also an option for either opponent of a "lone" player to call "alone," and defend against that player. The Euchre (defeat) of a lone player is worth four points to the successful defender. A few other "twists" have been added -- such as "Laps" (carrying excess points from a winning score to the next game), and a "Slam" (shutting out the opponents) by the victorious team. (The latter counts as two games and is reminiscent of a "skunk" in Cribbage.)

· Three Handed Euchre
Often called "Cutthroat," it is a neat variation, a nice change of pace when only three players are available. It is played similarly to the four handed game (less one person -- of course!). The other two players "team up" against the person who has fixed the trump. The scoring is modified as follows:

§ Maker of trump wins 3 or 4 tricks -- One Point

§ Maker of trump "marches" or "sweeps" -- Three Points

§ Maker of trump is Euchred -- each opponent wins -- Two Points

· For all intents and purposes, the maker of trump is a "lone" hand, and the other two players are a "temporary" partnership.

· Two Handed Euchre
The standard 24-card deck is used. The rules for the four-handed game apply. There is no "lone" player (obviously), and a "march" is worth only two points. The game limit can be mutually agreed by both players.

· Auction Euchre
This variation is designed for five, six or seven players. It is rarely seen today. The number of cards in the deck varies according to the number of players. Only one round of bidding occurs, and the highest bidder names the trump suit. There is also a "kitty" or "widow," which is taken by the high bidder. Selection of partners rotates in the unbalanced games (those with 5 or 7 players). The six-player game features three sets of Partnerships, with one pair sitting out each hand. Scoring varies according to the number of players in the game. Whew! For more info on this version, please refer to any comprehensive Card Games Rules Book.

Oh yes, there are other forms of Euchre out there. I have heard of "call Ace," "Cincinnati," and "Super Trump." Some groups also allow you to toss in a hand, which has no Ace or card in the trump suit. (Next month's column will feature a review of the "mythical" Rules options.)

Hand of the Month
Here is a fascinating deal, from the 2000 National Collegiate Euchre Championships, recently held at Disney World (Orlando, FL).

Score: (Tied at 9-9)
Upcard: 9

	North 9 Q K J 9
West K 10 A K Void J		East Void 10 9 Q 9 Q
	South (Dealer) A Q J Void A A

West with three trump, a void, and a side Ace, tells South to pick up the Right Bower. The stage is now set for a ferocious battle! South, with a great hand of his own, dumps the Club Ten. West has the opening lead.

Questions

1. What is West's best opening lead?

2. Can West win this hand?

3. Can South defeat West?

Assume the best plays by both side. (The North and East hands are pretty useless, here)!

Look for the answer next month!