| Beginner's Corner: Calling "Next" - Part One
This month, it's back to basics, as we explore a familiar motif in the game of Euchre.
Here is a basic tip, which often pays dividends for those bold enough to take the plunge. Suppose that you are sitting to the left of the dealer (called the "eldest" seat). The Jack of Hearts is turned. You hold this hand:
 Q 9
 None
 10 9
 A
You pass, and two more passes follow. The dealer turns down the Jack of Hearts.
What is your best action? Call "Next" in color -- in this case, Diamonds. Do not "jump the river" with the Club suit. Your two trump, though very weak, are still quite important. Why call "Next"? Remember, the dealer turned down the (Right) Bower. In all probability, his partner did not hold the guarded Left; otherwise, he would have ordered the Right to his partner. If your partner has the Jack of Diamonds, you have excellent play for a point. Ditto for the Ace of Diamonds. Basically, you have knocked a Bower out of the hand. Unless the opponents hold a trump stack, you will be in decent shape.
Oh yes, if you meekly pass, then you are taking the chance that your right-hand opponent will jump the river, and call a black suit for trump. The threat of a black suit Loner is also compelling. Finally, I have seen players call "next" with one measly low trump and two side Aces -- and catch their partner with two or three solid trump.
There are exceptions to the "Next" call strategy. Let us suppose that you are sitting to the left of the dealer. The Jack of Diamonds has been turned up. You pick up this collection:
Partner:
 A
 Q J
 None
 J 10
The dealer decides to turn down the Bower, after three passes. You could make the regular "Next" call (Hearts), and struggle to take three tricks. You could jump the river, and try a borderline call in Spades. Here, you have the perfect trapping or supporting hand, depending on the action of the next two players. Try a sneaky pass! If your right-hand opponent (dealer's partner) calls Hearts, you have a sure stopper with the right. If he calls a black suit, you have a solid defensive position. And if he passes, your partner may make a call that you can support. If everyone passes on the second go around, you have won the deal.
...More to come on "next" calls next month!
An Interesting Hand
Take a look at this deal, which appeared in the Euchre area of the Zone.
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Score: 8 - 8, Dealer - South, Upcard - Ace of Diamonds, Maker- South
Note: South has discarded the 9 of Spades.
West now has the lead. What is his best choice?
a. The singleton Queen of Clubs
b. The Ace of Hearts
c. The Left Bower
d. The 10 of Diamonds.
e. The Queen of Diamonds.
Select an option, and justify your decision. If you have an analysis, please send it to: heartsmoon@aol.com. The complete dissection of this hand will make it into the next column. The most complete and accurate analysis will be presented with the name of the person who submitted it. Have fun!
"Live" Tournament Update
The game of Euchre has, by far and away, the most "live" events. For more information, go to the Grand Prix Site: www.grandprixtournaments.com
And support a local tournament!
See you in May...
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