How to Play Euchre

Welcome to the wonderful world of Euchre! This trick-taking card game, popular throughout North America and beyond, is easy to learn, quick to play, and endlessly engaging. This guide will walk you through the standard North American rules, so you can gather three friends and get started.

The Basics

Euchre is played with a deck of 24 cards: the 9, 10, Jack, Queen, King, and Ace of each of the four suits (hearts, diamonds, clubs, and spades). It is played by four players in two teams of two, sitting opposite each other. The goal is to be the first team to reach 10 points.

Goal of the Game:
Your team’s goal is to win at least three of the five tricks in a hand. If your team calls the trump suit and wins all five tricks, you score extra.

Basic Terminology

  • Trick – One round of play where each player puts down one card

  • Trump – A suit that beats all other suits for that hand

  • Left Bower – The Jack of the same color as trump (also considered a trump card)

  • Right Bower – The Jack of the trump suit (the highest-ranking card)

Dealing

The dealer shuffles the deck and deals five cards to each player, clockwise, in batches of two and then three, or three and then two. After the deal, the remaining four cards are placed face down in the center of the table, and the top card of this kitty is turned face up.

Calling Trump

The suit of the face-up card is now considered for the initial trump call. Starting with the player to the dealer's left (the eldest hand) and proceeding clockwise, each player has the option to either:

  • Order up the dealer: If a player believes that the suit of the face-up card is strong, they can say "Pick it up" or "Order it up." This forces the dealer to take the face-up card into their hand, discard one of their original five cards (face down), and declare the suit of the face-up card as trump. The team that ordered up trump is now the attacking team.

  • Pass: If a player doesn't want the face-up suit to be trump, they say "Pass."

This continues around the table until either a player orders up the dealer, or all four players have passed once.

If all four players pass on the first round, the face-up card is turned face down, and a second round of calling trump begins. This time, each player, again starting with the eldest hand, can name any of the other three suits as trump. They cannot choose the suit of the card that was just turned down. A player can also pass in this round. If a trump is called in the second round, the player who calls trump becomes the declarer, and their team is the attacking team. The dealer does not pick up the turned-down card in this scenario.

If all four players pass in the second round, the hand is considered "no trump," and the deal passes to the next player to the dealer's left.

Trump and Card Ranking

The trump suit is the most important suit in Euchre. Within the trump suit, the Jack of that suit is the highest card and is called the "Right Bower." The Jack of the other suit of the same color (e.g., if hearts are trump, the Jack of diamonds is the "Left Bower") is the second-highest trump card. It is considered to be part of the trump suit for that hand.

The remaining trump cards rank in their usual order: Ace (high), King, Queen, 10, 9.

Non-trump card suits rank in their usual order: Ace (high), King, Queen, Jack, 10, 9.

Playing a Hand

The player to the dealer's left (the eldest hand) leads the first trick. They can play any card from their hand (unless a rule variation is being played that restricts the first lead). Play proceeds clockwise. Each subsequent player must follow suit if they can. If a player does not have a card of the led suit, they can play any card, including a trump card.

The trick is won by the highest trump card played. If no trump cards are played, the trick is won by the highest card of the suit that was led. The winner of the trick leads the next trick.

Going Alone

If a player feels they have a very strong hand after trump is called, they can choose to "go alone." They announce this before the first trick is led. When a player goes alone, their partner places their cards face down and does not participate in the hand. The player going alone tries to win 3, 4, or 5 tricks with only their hand against the other two players.

  • If the lone player wins 3 or 4 tricks: Their team scores 1 point.

  • If the lone player wins all 5 tricks (a lone march): Their team scores 4 points.

  • If the lone player wins only 1 or 2 tricks: The opposing team scores 2 points.

Scoring

  • If the team that called trump wins 3 or 4 tricks: 1 point

  • If they win all 5 tricks: 2 points

  • If they fail to win at least 3 tricks: opponents score 2 points (this is called a "set")

  • If a player decides to “go alone” and wins all 5 tricks: 4 points

Winning the Game:
Games are usually played to 10 points. Keep track with a score sheet or with 5s and 6s from an extra deck of cards.

Tips for Beginners

  • Pay attention to what cards are played: Knowing which suits are still out there can help you make informed decisions.

  • Communicate with your partner (non-verbally): Experienced Euchre players often develop subtle ways to signal the strength of their hand or the suits they hold. However, explicit communication about your hand during the deal or play is generally not allowed.

  • Don't be afraid to make trump: Sometimes, even with a seemingly weak hand, making trump can be the right strategic move.

  • Learn the value of the Bowers: Understanding that the Right and Left Bowers are the highest trumps is crucial for successful play.

Euchre is a game of strategy, teamwork, and a little bit of luck. With these basic rules, you're ready to grab some friends and start playing! Good luck, and have fun!

Do you have more questions or need a little extra guidance as you play? We're here to help! Head over to the World Euchre Federation Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/worldeuchrefederation. Drop your questions there, and our friendly community of Euchre enthusiasts will be happy to assist you. See you at the tables!