What Is Euchre?

Euchre is a fast-paced trick-taking card game for four players in teams of two. Played with a shortened deck, Euchre is popular in the Midwest U.S. and parts of Canada. The objective is to win tricks and outscore your opponents using strategy and teamwork.

Objective of the Game

The goal is for a team to be the first to score 10 points by winning tricks during rounds of play. Teams earn points based on how well they fulfill their bids and stop opponents.

Basic Rules of Euchre

• Players: 4 players in 2 teams (partners sit across from each other).
• Deck: 24 cards (9, 10, J, Q, K, A in each suit).
• Dealing: Each player receives 5 cards; 4 cards are left in the kitty (top card turned up).
• Trump: Players take turns deciding if the upturned suit becomes trump.
• Bidding: If all players pass, a second round of bidding begins (players may name any trump suit).

Trump Suit and the Bowers

The Jack of the trump suit is the strongest card (Right Bower), followed by the Jack of the same color (Left Bower). For example, if Clubs are trump:

• Right Bower: Jack of Clubs
• Left Bower: Jack of Spades (same color)
• Followed by: A, K, Q, 10, 9 of Clubs

Gameplay

The player to the left of the dealer leads the first trick. Players must follow suit if able; otherwise, they may play any card. The highest trump wins the trick, or the highest card of the suit led if no trump is played.

Scoring

• Maker team wins 3+ tricks: 1 point
• Maker team wins all 5 tricks (a sweep): 2 points
• Maker team fails to win 3 tricks: opponents get 2 points (Euchred)
• Going Alone (solo): 1 point for 3–4 tricks, 4 points for a sweep

Winning the Game

The first team to reach 10 points wins the game. Some variations play to 5 or 15 points depending on time and preference.

Euchre Tips and Strategy

• Keep track of which Jacks (Bowers) have been played.
• Lead with trump when strong, but save trump if your hand is weak.
• Consider going alone when holding both Bowers and other strong cards.
• Block the dealer’s team from calling trump whenever possible.