Euchre
Objective:
The objective of Euchre is to be the first partnership to score a certain number of points, typically 10 or another predetermined target.
Number of Players:
Euchre is played by four players divided into two partnerships. Partners sit opposite each other.
Deck:
Euchre is played with a deck of 24 cards, consisting of the 9, 10, Jack, Queen, King, and Ace of each suit.
Card Rankings:
In Euchre, the cards have the following rankings:
- Trump suit: Jack of the trump suit (Right Bower), followed by the other Jack of the same color (Left Bower).
- Non-trump suits: Ace, King, Queen, 10, 9.
Gameplay:
- Bidding: Starting with the player to the dealer's left, players have the option to "order up" the suit of the face-up card or "pass." If all players pass, the dealer can choose a trump suit or pass again to allow the player to their left to make the trump decision.
- Trump Suit: If a player orders up the face-up card or names the trump suit, that suit becomes the trump suit for the round. The player who ordered up or named the trump becomes the maker and their partner becomes the maker's teammate.
- Play: The maker leads the first trick, and other players must follow suit if possible. If unable to follow suit, players can play any card. The highest-ranking card of the led suit or the highest-ranking trump card wins the trick.
- Scoring: The maker and their teammate aim to win at least three of the five possible tricks. Each trick won by the makers scores 1 point. If the makers win all five tricks, it is called a "march" and scores 2 points. If the opposing team prevents the makers from scoring at least three tricks, the opposing team scores 2 points.
- Betting and Scorekeeping: Additional points can be scored through betting. If the makers win the number of tricks they bid during the bidding phase, they score additional points equal to their bid. However, if they fail to reach their bid, the opposing team scores the points instead.
- Winning: The game continues until one partnership reaches the target score, typically 10. The partnership that reaches or exceeds the target score first is declared the winner.
Euchre is a trick-taking game that requires strategic bidding, careful card play, and effective communication between partners. Players must work together to fulfill their bids, win tricks, and outscore the opposing partnership.