| Grand Prix World Series of Euchre - Chicago, Il - Sept. 17-19, 2004
A whopping 30 tables (120 players!) of Euchre enthusiasts gathered in Oak Brook, IL for the sixth annual Grand Prix event. After a reception of tasty hors d'oeuvres and beverages, the players were primed for the first of two Main events. The Partners game was played on Friday night in the Progressive format (twelve rounds of eight hands each.) That's right - 96 hands for everyone. When the dust settled, Jack Major and Kelly Johannes claimed the First Prize of $ 2000!
Saturday afternoon featured the Round Robin or Individuals' event. This is a really a misnomer, as Euchre is still a partner's game. However, each player draws a different partner for each round of eight games. Another 96 hands ensued, and the overall winner of the $1000 First Prize. was David Gnau. More than $6,000 in cash was awarded in both Main events.
Progressive is a popular format for "live" events, as it is uniform (8 hands per round), and avoids the long waits of the standard "Tens" game. It also encourages a lot of aggressive calling. Check out this hand, observed in one of the Rounds from the Friday night partner's game:
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| Up card - Jack of Hearts -- Progressive Format
Three passes came around to South. West was drooling at the prospects of calling "next" (diamonds) if South passed. This would have made if he was careful to lead a low diamond on trick one, or tried to the wild line of leading the Right, followed by the Ace of spades. South, who had been previously scolded by his partner for turning down a Bower, chose to take the plunge, and grabbed the Right.
Yes, the hand was thin. Away went the nine of spades. West led the spade Ace, and South was thrilled to score his cheesy little trump, the nine spot. Now he grabbed the Right, a dubious play in view of his side suit values. The King of diamonds then hit the table, as South prayed for the Ace to be in the Kitty. East snapped up this trick, and played his club Jack. Incredibly enough, South's Queen "walked" for his side's third trick. East's Master trump won the meaningless last trick. North then commented on South's "brilliant" call. Gimme a break! As they say, "Turn down a Bower, lose every hour"!
Next year's Grand Prix Nationals (Sept. '05) will be Invitational. If you are interested in attending, please send an e-mail to: heartsmoon@aol.com It would be great to have a nice turnout of players from MSN Games!
The Complete Win at Euchre
My newest card game book has just been released. It is the fourth in the "Complete" Series, after Spades, Hearts, and Whist. Check out the details of the newest book at Amazon.com. If you want to order a personally autographed copy, send an e-mail to me (heartsmoon@aol.com). The book is chock full of strategy, technique, and instructional hands. Your game will improve, and you will be climbing the MSN Games ratings list!
Happy Halloween - See you in November!! | |
