| Survey Question -- “Donating”
Here's a question for you about "donating." Suppose that you are playing North/South in a 10-point game. The score is 9 - 6 in the opponents' favor. You are South and the dealer. The Jack of Hearts is turned. You hold:
 A
 K 9
 J
 9
You are licking your chops at the prospect of a Loner and 4 points for the win! Suddenly, West jolts you, as he orders the Right into your hand. Of course he is Euchred, and you score only 2 points. On the next hand, West gets lucky and picks up an unbeatable hand, and you lose the game. Did you get hosed? Should there be a rule against this tactic? Should the opponent who intentionally orders in order to prevent a Loner lose FOUR points if she is Euchred? Suppose the opponents take all five tricks after being ordered up? What are your thoughts?
A small number of responses were received. Loners are part of Euchre. So is "donating." And when the opps are "at the Bridge," and you are dealing with the score of 9-6 or 9-7 in their favor, a donation is likely. This is especially true if a Jack is turned. Of the course, they will not donate if they hold the guarded Left, or have a trump stack and a side Ace.
To begin with, if the upcard is not a Jack, the opps will be more inclined to pass. It is pretty obvious to me that donating can be risky in a close game, especially in the above described scenario. It's almost a 50-50 proposition. Sometimes you win when donating at 9-7 or 9-6, and other times you lose. After all, if the opps give up the Euchre to level the game at 9-9, or make it 9-8, there is no assurance that they will be able to close out the game on the next deal. There's a lot of luck here.
Furthermore, if the event has the Rule that you do not require a "natural" trump in your hand, you are really "walking the pank" when you order the Right into the dealer's hand. It all comes down to the content of your hand. If the Jack of Hearts is turned, and you hold all black cards, it might be a good idea to sacrifice. Not many dealers will turn down the Right. Euchre is just too random a game, and you must make good judgments.
If you are losing 9-6 or 9-7, and your right-hand opponent has the deal, and a Jack is turned, you are in deep trouble. Order and risk a game-ending Euchre. Pass, and face the possibility of losing by one point as the dealer's partner assists, or the dealer grabs the Jack and scratches out the one point for the win. Brutal! As for the Donating option -- it is not going to change. For that matter, neither is the 4-point value of a Loner!
The World of Live Tournaments
"Live" Euchre events abound! It seems that there is a major gathering of players at some hotel or site at least once every few weeks. And at the local level, especially in the Midwest and Eastern Canada, thousands of bars, lounges, and Clubs conduct Euchre Leagues and Tournaments. This year's Grand Prix Series (see below) features several sanctioned events. When attending a "live" event, there may be a difference from the usual "online" competition Rules with which you may be accustomed. Here are a few:
a. In addition to the regular partner's game, many "live" events feature a "Round Robin" or Individual's competition, in which you will play with a different partner every Round. This is especially true of Regional Tournaments.
b. The format usually calls for an "8 x 8" or "10 x 10." You will play eight or 10 hands (called a "Round"). Then you will move to another table and play another "round" against different opponents.
c. The standard 10-point game is rarely seen. Instead, a total point format for all hands played is used. If you average 1 point per hand, you should be close to "cashing" (finishing in the Top Five).
d. Loners Rule! Because of the 4-point premium for Loners, the calling (bidding) tends to be very aggressive, and a lot of borderline hands are "stretched"!
e. Game rules vary, depending on the locale. Some groups require a natural in order to name trump or assist; others require that partner go alone when assisting; and a few groups allow defensive Loners. Always review the rules or format at your event before you start playing.
Most "live" event organizers make a very conscientious effort to put on a good show for their players, and there are lots of big cash prizes to be won!
Have a nice summer! See you in September!
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