| Here is the problem that was presented in the August 2000 Euchre Challenge.
South is the dealer. As usual, North and East hold junk. West is dealt this hand:
 K
 A Q 10
 Jack
 Void
The upcard is the King of Hearts. West, with four trumps, immediately orders up the King of Hearts to South, who now holds the Jack, King, and Nine of Hearts. Add any two additional cards (other than those already known) to the South hand. Can the West hand be beaten (Euchred) with best play by both sides?
ANSWER:
Yes, West will be Euchred if South holds the Spade Ace and any other card. There are multiple ways for South to win this hand, and this (correct) analysis by Zoner Tim McDonald is most concise.
"South holds three trump, and West has four trump plus the Spade King. South must hold the Spade Ace, and one other card, which we call 'X.' South has two guaranteed losers -- the Nine of trump and the 'X' card. He also has two sure winners -- the Ace of Spades and the Right. Therefore, he must make his King of trump a winner for Euchre. How to guarantee this? West can guarantee it by leading the Queen or Ten anytime, but this is not the best line of play. Anytime the Spade King is led will just be to the Ace. South now returns his 'X' (side suit) card. The trick is for South to lose the Nine to either the Left or the Ace. (South ducks trick #3 with the Nine). West must then lead the Left or Ace (whichever is remaining) to South's Right and King. Euchre -- period. No way out. Not too tricky -- just a Loser on Winner play (variation of Bridge Loser on Loser play)."
Comment: This hand has an endplay theme, and there are multiple matrices here. The key card is the Spade Ace in the South hand, and the "timing" play of ducking the third trick in order to create a forced winning lead by West into the South hand. Very nice analysis, Tim!
The first three correct entries were submitted by:
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| Congratulations!
This Month's Challenge
The origins of Euchre are hotly debated, and are referenced in many publications. During the mid 1800's, Euchre was the most popular partnership card game in America. Less than 50 years later, it was overtaken by two other partnership card games. Identify both of these games. Have fun!
(Hint: "Spades" is wrong, as it was created in the late 1930's!) | |
