| New Euchre Variation: Cuththroat Individuals (4-players)
When I first heard about this option, I was quite skeptical. After all, Euchre was created as a Partnership game. The popular Round Robin game, sometimes called Individuals is really a partnership game with one distinct twist — you still have a partner in each Round or game. When played in a Progressive format, The Round Robin is a terrific social game, as you meet three new players in every Round! Many "live" events have featured both formats.
"Cutthroat" Euchre originated sometime ago, as a three-player game. Basically, the player who names or accepts trump, becomes the target of the other two players who form a temporary partnership and defend the maker. This is a good variation for practice, or when you just cannot find a fourth person for a game.
The new Cutthroat game features 4 persons, playing solo, without a partner. It is a pure trick-taking game. There are no Loners and no Euchres allowed. You score one point for each trick you take, no matter who orders or names trump. If you are the Dealer, you should always pick up a Bower when it is turned. When you are seated to the left of the dealer, you can order with a weaker hand. Each hand presents an opportunity to win five points, especially if you are lucky. If you win two tricks in a given hand, you have done well. Three tricks is really good result! The game limit is 13 points; some groups may want to try a 7 point game when playing for the first time.
I hope to organize a few exhibition Cutthroat games at the upcoming Grand Prix National Tournament.
Live Euchre Tournaments:
Are the days of the large, sprawling live Euchre Tournaments going the way of the Dodo bird? As recently as 5 years ago, there were no less than 10 regular Euchre events which drew at least 120 players on a regular basis. The cancellation of the Toronto Canada Memorial Day event, as well as the gradual decline of most of the other live events, clearly shows a change in preferences. Small Euchre events at bars, lodges, and players' homes seems to be the trend.
The Grand Prix World Series of Euchre (Cleveland, OH; Sept. 16-18) will have 100 players and a large Prize Fund. The Indianapolis and Louisville events also do quite well, with similar attendance numbers. For more info on live events, please check out the Web site of the Grand Prix: www.grandprixtournaments.com
A Fun Hand:
You are the Dealer in a "Tens" game, with the score 4 - 4. You pick up this hand:
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The Queen of spades is turned. You drop the nine of diamonds. The Queen of hearts is led, partner covers with the Ace, and the fellow on the right trumps with the King of spades. What is your best line of play? The answer will be posted in the September column.
Stay cool- one more month of Summer to go!
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