euchre

Euchre is a trick-taking card game typically played by four players in two teams. The aim is to score points by winning tricks, with teams usually racing to 10. A 24-card deck—nine through ace in each suit—is used.

Deal and bidding: Partners sit opposite. The dealer distributes five cards to each player, leaving a four-card stock. The top stock card is turned up to hint at trumps. In the first bidding round, players may order up the up-card’s suit; if someone does, the dealer takes the card and discards one. If all pass, a second round allows naming another trump; if still no bid, the hand is redealt.

Play and trump: The maker who wins the bid leads the first trick. Players must follow suit if possible; otherwise they may play any card. Trump cards outrank others, with the jack of trump (the right bower) highest and the jack of the same-color suit (the left bower) second. Remaining trump cards follow Ace, King, Queen, Ten, Nine.

Scoring: Makers win 3 or 4 tricks to score 1 point; winning all five tricks scores 2 points. If the makers fail to win at least three tricks, the defenders gain 2 points. A lone hand changes the stakes: a five-trick solo yields 4 points; a 3- or 4-trick solo yields 1 point.

History and variants: Euchre originated in the early 19th century in North America, drawing on European games. It gained popularity in the Midwest and has many regional rules, including different bidding and deck configurations. Modern play includes social and competitive formats, with clubs and online platforms hosting matches.