| Beginner's Korner -- Calling "Next" -- Part II Scores of 8-8
Continuing last month's topic, we now explore the "Next" Strategy. (For those of you who are new to this forum, the term "Next" denotes the other suit of the same color as the upcard. If a Spade was turned, the Clubs would be "Next.") In addition to this, if Spades were turned up declined by the dealer and the hand to the left of the dealer named Hearts as trump, then Diamonds would be "Next."
Calling Next on "thin" holdings is risky, and that risk is heightened when the score is 8 - 8. Remember, if you are Euchred, then it's lights out, as the opponents have checked in for 2 points, and game! Here are some examples of "thin" holdings. (You hold these hands to the left of the dealer, after the Queen of Spades is turned down.)
1.  None,  Q 9,  K 10,  A
2.  J 9,  A K Q,  None,  None
3.  10 9,  A,  Q,  9
Analysis: It really does not matter what the score is here. Hand #1 has a lot of junk, and that stiff Ace of Clubs is a not enough. PASS. Hand #2 has the Left if you go Next. So what! Why not Hearts? I like the two voids and the trump suit. "Jump the River" here and go with Hearts! Hand #3 is just too flat, and a side Ace and a weak trump are not enough. PASS.
Finally, let's look at examples of good "Next" calls with an 8 - 8 (or for that measure, ANY) score. Once again, we will assume that the Ace of Spades been turned down by the dealer, and you are on his left (Eldest seat).
1.  Q,  A,  A,  K 9
2.  None,  K Q,  None,  Q 10 9
3.  J 10,  None,  Q 9,  J
Analysis: These are much better hands! All would be good "Next" calls with low scores by both sides. With the "8 - 8" scenario, we must examine the matter more closely. Hand #1 is pretty decent, despite its "flat" shape. Go with Clubs, and hope that pard can provide a Bower, or at least the Ace of Clubs. Hand #2 features three ratty Clubs and two voids. Go for it (anyway). Call "Next." Any three-card trump and a side K Q "kicker" is worth a go. If you pass, then dealer's partner might try Diamonds. Hand #3 is slightly weaker, but still worth a shot in Clubs. You have both Bowers, and need only one trick from partner. And here, you may rest assured that a red suit call is probably coming from dealer's partner.
An Interesting Hand
Here is the deal from last month’s column
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Score: 8 - 8, Dealer -- South, Upcard -- Ace of Diamonds, Maker -- South
Note: South has discarded the 10 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.
Why did West pass with three trump and a side Ace? Perhaps he was hoping that South would turn down the Bower, thus clearing the way for West to call Hearts with two top trump. This is very poor technique. You MUST order here, with the West hand. This hand is worth playing from the West side. After three passes, South picked up the Ace, as it gave him two out of the top three trump. Although the black suits were very weak (the Spade 10 was the clear choice for dumping), the shape of the hand was still quite good (two voids).
West plopped the Heart Ace on the table. North followed low, and South ruffed in with the ninespot. South immediately shifted to the 10 of Clubs. It was taken by East's Ace, and he continued with the Jack. South was dejected when he had to follow, but thrilled when West was forced to win a low trump. Now the Right-Ace in South's hand was prepared to gobble up two tricks.
If West opens with Queen of Clubs, then East wins two Club tricks, as West throws off the Ace of Hearts and then waits to win his Left, "en passant," via a Spade lead. A Euchre no less! How many West players would come up with that lead?
This is really an amazing hand! If West has ONE less trump, and is still void in Spades, his side will win. (East plays a Spade, and the Left cannot be shut out).
Then again, if you look at all four hands, that 10 of Diamonds from the West would have to be in the kitty.
The Wonder of Euchre
For more information about Euchre "live" events, check out The Grand Prix Series.
GrandPrix Card Tournaments
Happy Mother's Day (May 9th) to all of the moms out there!
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