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Rules ready for game night, even when the Wi-Fi isn't.

Euchre

Trick-taking game with trump selection and a small deck.

4 playersMedium24-card (9 through Ace)
trick-takingpartnership

Euchre

Goal

Win at least 3 of 5 tricks to score points.

Key Terms

  • Trump: The suit that beats all others.
  • Right bower: Jack of trump (highest card).
  • Left bower: Jack of the same color as trump (second-highest).
  • Trick: One card per player; highest trump or led suit wins.

Setup

  • Use a 24-card deck (9 through Ace).
  • Deal 5 cards each and turn one card face up.
  • The player to the dealer’s left (eldest hand) leads the first trick after trump is chosen.

Choosing Trump

  1. Players may order up the turned suit.
  2. If all pass, players may name another suit.

Trick Play

  • Right bower (jack of trump) is highest; left bower is second.
  • The left bower counts as trump (its suit is treated as trump, not its printed suit).
  • Must follow suit if possible.

Scoring (common)

  • Makers win 3–4 tricks = 1 point; all 5 = 2 points.
  • If makers fail, defenders score 2.
  • Game to 10 or 11.

Example Trick

Trump is hearts. The right bower (J♥) beats all; the left bower (J♦) also counts as hearts.