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Euchre Column of the Month – June  2000

By Joe Andrews

Euchre Variations, Part II – The Zoners Speak

April’s column featured a listing of rules and variations. Per request, six "Zoners" have submitted some additional Euchre formats.

Farmer's Hand
Mike Ang contributed this: "A type of play I use at my school is the Farmer's Hand. What happens is: On the first round of calls, a person who has a combo of nines and tens exchanges those cards for the "buried" cards. That player then passes on his FIRST call. He/she can then call on the second time around." Comment: I like it -- it's worth a try!

No Face
Derrick Watson and Duncan Don said: "I have always played that (holding) all nines and tens is a misdeal, which means if you have an Ace but no face cards, it's a misdeal." Comment: This can be used for social games, but is not recommended for competitive or Tournament play.

Steal The Deal
Marcia Erickson came up with this twist.  "In Michigan, we have always played that it is legal to steal the other Team's deal! If you're caught before you turn up the top card, you relinquish the deal to the appropriate person. If not caught, you play the hand, with your opponents potentially never realizing that their deal was stolen. When I moved to Ohio, and found people playing Euchre, they thought that this was a most uncivilized practice, and were quite annoyed if we played that way. They claim that they have never heard of this option." Comment: This could be a real "blast" at a card party or fun game! However, I am afraid that most players would not be too excited about this variation. Still, it sounds fun.

Losers Win
Sherry Williams said: "Play to lose -- losers win!" Comment: What we have here is "reverse Euchre" -- a sort of "downtown" or "low card wins" ducking extravaganza! I'll try this one!

Berson Scoring System
Paul Berson came up with a real logical idea regarding the scoring system.

Old System

Berson System

Maker wins 3 or 4 tricks – 1 Point

Maker wins 3 tricks – 1 Point

Maker wins 4 tricks – 2 Point

Maker wins all 5 tricks – 2 Points

Maker wins all 5 tricks – 3 Points

Maker is Euchred – 2 Points to Defenders

Same as old system

Lone hand makes 3 or 4 tricks – 1 Point

Lone hand makes 3 tricks – 1 Point

Lone hand makes 4 tricks – 2 Points

Lone hand makes all 5 tricks – 4 Points

Same as old system

Comment: This is a very nice system, indeed! I especially like the bonus point for making 4 tricks, and two bonus points for making 5 tricks!

This Month's Challenge
OK, this isn't a variation, but it's a good test for your Euchre skills! Here's a deal from a recent tournament:

The upturned card is the Nine of Spades.

South is the dealer and picks up:
 J
 A 10
 A
 J

West has this amazing collection:
 A K Q 10
 Void
 Void
 A

West, with first bid, ordered up the trump (to South), and immediately declares that he's "going alone." South laughs and decides to "defend" alone. He tosses the Heart Ten, and waits for West's first lead.

In this variation of the game, the player to the left of the dealer has the first lead. West opens with the Ace of Spades.

Can West with his four trump (and no Bowers), avoid a Euchre?

What is the best line of play for both hands, which results in the defeat of the West hand?

Have fun!