Euchre

How to play Euchre

Four players form two partnerships, sitting opposite each other. The deck contains the 9, 10, Jack, Queen, King and Ace of each suit: 24 cards. Each player receives five cards and one card is turned face up. First partnership to 10 points wins.

The two bowers

The Jack of trump is the right bower, the highest card. The Jack of the other suit of the same color is the left bower, second highest, and belongs to the trump suit for every purpose. The rest of trump ranks Ace, King, Queen, 10, 9. Other suits rank Ace, King, Queen, Jack, 10, 9, except the left bower has left its printed suit.

Call trump in two rounds

Starting left of the dealer, each player may order up the face-up suit or pass. If ordered up, the dealer takes that card and discards one face down. If all four pass, the upcard is turned down and each player may name any other suit or pass. We play stick the dealer: if the second round reaches the dealer, the dealer must name a suit, so the table never stalls.

The player who names trump is the maker and may choose Go alone before confirming. Their partner sits out for all five tricks. The dealer still picks up and discards if the upcard was ordered up. The first active player left of the dealer leads.

Play and score

Follow the suit led if you can, remembering the left bower is trump. Otherwise play any card. Highest trump wins, or the highest card of the led suit if there is no trump. The trick winner leads next.

The makers earn 1 point for three or four tricks, 2 for all five, or 4 for all five when going alone. If the defenders take at least three tricks, they euchre the makers and earn 2 points. A lone maker taking three or four still earns only 1; a defeated lone maker still gives the defenders 2.

Merrin’s table tips

Count both bowers as trump. An outside Ace can be valuable once trump is drawn. Let your partner’s winning card stand when possible. Going alone is a choice for a strong hand, not a requirement.

Solo or with friends

Solo progress is saved on this device. Private games start in a Ready lobby; the room creator presses Start, and computer players fill open seats. Everyone reviews each hand before continuing. Finished matches return to the same lobby. Emoji reactions keep the table friendly; there is no open chat.

Choose Relaxed, Normal or Fast in Settings, or tap the table to hurry an animation. Sound is off by default. Light/dark, reduced motion and flat mode are supported. No coins or wagering.