Euchre
The classic trick-taking card game
Euchre is a fast-paced trick-taking card game beloved across North America, especially in the Midwest and Ontario. Played with a reduced deck (9s through Aces), four players form two partnerships and compete to win tricks. The unique trump system — where Jacks become the highest cards — creates dramatic moments of power and strategy. Euchre rewards partnership communication, trump management, and tactical risk-taking, making every hand an engaging decision.
History & Origins
Euchre's origins trace to the Alsatian game Juckerspiel in the early 1800s. German immigrants brought it to North America, where it became the most popular card game in the United States by the mid-19th century — so popular, in fact, that the Joker card was invented specifically for Euchre around 1860 as an extra trump card. Although Poker and Bridge eventually overtook it nationally, Euchre remains deeply rooted in Midwest and Ontario culture, where it's a staple at family gatherings, bars, and tournaments to this day.
How to Play Euchre
The Deck
Euchre uses 24 cards: 9, 10, J, Q, K, A in four suits. Each player receives 5 cards.
Trump Selection
A card is turned up and players bid on whether its suit becomes trump. The team that calls trump must win at least 3 of 5 tricks.
The Bowers
The Jack of trump (Right Bower) is the highest card. The Jack of the same color (Left Bower) is second highest.
Playing Tricks
Players play one card each per trick. Follow suit if possible; otherwise play any card. Highest card of the led suit wins unless trumped.
Partnership Play
You and your partner (sitting across) work together. Communicate through your card choices and bidding decisions.
Scoring
Win 3+ tricks to score. Win all 5 for a bonus. Fail to win 3 after calling trump and the opponents score instead (euchred!).
Strategy & Solving Tips
Euchre strategy combines hand evaluation, trump management, and reading your opponents. These fundamentals improve your play immediately.
- Call trump when you have 2+ trump cards including a Bower, or a very strong off-suit hand
- Lead trump early to pull opponents' trump cards out, establishing your side's control
- The Left Bower belongs to the trump suit, not its printed suit — remember this when following suit
- Going alone (playing without your partner) risks a lot but doubles the reward. Only go alone with a near-certain hand
- If your partner called trump, support them: play your highest trump when they lead, and avoid trumping their winning tricks
- Track which high cards have been played. Knowing what remains helps you make the right plays in later tricks
Euchre FAQ
What is the Left Bower?
The Jack of the same color as trump. If hearts are trump, the Jack of diamonds becomes the Left Bower — the second-highest card, ranking above the Ace of trump. It's considered part of the trump suit for all purposes.
What does "euchred" mean?
If the team that called trump fails to win at least 3 tricks, they've been euchred. The opposing team scores 2 points as a penalty. It's the biggest risk in calling trump.
Can I play alone?
Yes. The player who calls trump can "go alone," playing without their partner. If they win all 5 tricks solo, they score 4 points instead of 2. It's a high-risk, high-reward play.
How many points to win?
Standard Euchre is played to 10 points. Games are typically fast, making Euchre perfect for quick, exciting sessions.
Similar Puzzles You Might Enjoy
Ready to Play Euchre?
Deal yourself into Euchre — the classic partnership card game where trump calls, Bower power, and strategic play make every hand a thrill.