Overview
Euchre is a trick-taking card game. This guide uses a straightforward common ruleset and notes where versions often differ.
Objective
Be the first partnership to reach the agreed score, commonly 10 points.
What You Need
- 24-card deck (9 through Ace)
- 4 player(s), as appropriate
- A clear table or playing area
Setup
Partners sit opposite. Use 9, 10, J, Q, K and A of each suit. Deal 5 cards to each player and turn one of the remaining cards face up for the first trump-selection round.
How to Play
- Players get a chance to order up the turned suit as trump; if everyone passes, a second round allows another suit to be named.
- The player left of the dealer normally leads the first trick.
- Follow the suit led if able.
- The right bower (jack of trump) is highest; the left bower (jack of the same colour) is second-highest and also counts as trump.
- The team that takes at least three tricks scores according to whether it made or defeated the contract.
Scoring / Winning
The makers commonly score 1 point for 3–4 tricks and 2 for all 5. Defenders score for euchring the makers. Going alone can earn a larger bonus. First to the agreed target wins.
Worked Example
With Spades trump, J♠ is highest and J♣ is the second-highest trump. A player holding J♣ must treat it as a Spade when following suit.
Strategy Tips
- Count trump and remember both bowers.
- Calling trump with three strong trumps can be powerful.
- Lead to help your partner when you know where strength is likely to sit.
Common Mistakes
- Treating the left bower as its printed suit.
- Failing to follow suit because the left bower was misclassified.
- Calling trump without enough likely tricks.
Variations & House Rules
Stick-the-dealer, going alone, scoring details and deck sizes vary.
FAQ
What is being euchred?
The team that called trump fails to take the required number of tricks.
Can the left bower follow its printed suit?
No. It belongs to the trump suit for that hand.
Score Card
Open the CS17 fillable Euchre Game Sheet to enter names and results on screen, then print it or save it as a PDF.