Euchre,
Michigan’s Favored Card Game
Let’s Play
T
The word Trump garners attention in modern day business and cultural circles, but in a specific region of the
country, the word Trump has been a hallmark of card playing enthusiasts for generations. The Midwest, and
specifically Michigan, is a hotbed for the highly adored card game of Euchre. In this storied game of Euchre,
Trump is the king at the card table.
Euchre is similar to other card games such as Spades, Hearts, or Whist, all games rooted in the concept of
“taking tricks.” Bacon, which is also called American Euchre, is a simplified version of the game which differs
in volume of cards utilized and in its scoring model. This form of the game is likely a part of Euchre’s recent
resurgence in popularity.
The original game of Euchre is credited for introducing the joker to modern day packs of playing cards,
as the joker was created in the mid 1800’s to act as a “top Trump,” or “best Bower,” both key terms within the
game of Euchre.
The origins of Euchre are not specific. However, it is believed to be related to a French game called Ecarte,
played by Pennsylvania Dutch, and likely evolved from of a German game called “Juckerspiel.” Many German
immigrants settled in the Midwest and planted Euchre roots in that region. Euchre is not only popular in the
United States but also widely loved in Australia and Great Britain. Variations of Euchre are played throughout
the world; Cut Throat, Call Ace, Rail Road Euchre and Pepper.
MichiganHomeandLifestyle.com
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LIFESTYLE | Euchre, Michigan’s Favored Card Game
LIFESTYLE | Euchre, Michigan’s Favored Card Game
WRITER | MELISSA RYNTZ
The game spread throughout the United States, however retained its largest popularity in the Midwest
states of Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, and Wisconsin. During the 19th century, Euchre was often heralded as the
national card game of the country. Although its popularity clearly declined since that high praise, it remains a
staple in Michigan families, colleges, and communities. Euchre has also experienced surging popularity in the
eastern region of the United States, although terminology of the game varies from region to region and even
state to state.
Euchre is a fast paced card game that utilizes a deck of 24 standard playing cards, typically with four
people partnering in teams of two. The teams face each other in a battle of tricks, as the Euchre decks consists
of 9, 10, Jack, Queen, King, and Ace in each of the four suits. The game begins with each player being dealt
five cards, followed by the naming of the Trump suit. There are variations of rules for naming Trump, but this
process determines the power suit for each hand.
Similar to other trick taking card games, in Euchre each player plays one card and the highest card of the
suit led wins the trick, unless someone plays a card of the Trump suit. In that case, the highest card of the
Trump suit wins the trick. Within a hand, a team must win three of the five tricks to gain a point. If a team
takes all five tricks within a hand that team gains two points. Teams play several rounds until one of the teams
wins 10 points. Similar to naming rules with the Trump suit, there are variations in scoring by region or state.
The term Euchre introduces itself within a game when a team names the Trump suit but fails to win the
majority of the tricks in the hand. When this happens, the losing team has been Euchred; typically awarding the
winning team two points. In some Euchre
circles, this is also referred to as “getting
set.” A key in understanding Euchre is to
grasp the concept of Bowers. Bowers are
the Jacks of the Trump suit and the other suit
First, a few important terms you’ll need to know.
of the same color. For instance, if Hearts is
Trick: The player who plays the highest card in a round is the
the Trump suit in a hand, the Jack of Hearts
winner of the trick (that round).
would be the Right Bower and the Jack of
Hand: The best three out of five tricks win the hand.
Diamonds would be the Left Bower. The
Trump: The power or high suit of each hand in the game. The Right Bower, and then the Left Bower are
team that wins each hand gets to name trump for the next game always the highest valued cards in a hand.
The concept of Bowers often trips up novice
round.
Euchre players, but becomes second nature
Suit: Spades, Hearts, Diamonds, and Clubs are the four suits
to a seasoned Euchre player.
in a deck of cards.
The cornucopia of Euchre joy comes to
Bower: The Jacks of the Trump suit and the other suit of the
most players with the allusive declaration of
same color.
“FOUR.” In most Euchre circles, four points
are awarded when one player “goes alone”,
without the help of their partner, and wins all
five of the tricks in a hand from the opposing team. This is a Euchre heaven!
Euchre has long since been associated with Michiganders, and it remains a fabric in Michigan culture. A
quick google search for Euchre in Michigan displays page after page of Euchre tournaments, Euchre clubs, and
Euchre Meet-ups. What may once have been a game shared by family and friends has become a community
obsession. The Euchre community has even crossed state and national lines and players now match-up on
websites and through various types of smartphone or iPad applications.
Euchre is a quick to learn game that often takes a lifetime to master. It contains situational luck, but also
requires an understanding of odds and of the styles of your partner and opponents. Euchre rewards the ability
to adapt; whether to cards or other players at the table.
Euchre contains its share of superstition and obscure tips. For instance, some experts suggest one should
“never turn down a 9” when naming the Trump suit. One superstition suggests a team should display the tip
of their scorecard when having trouble scoring; known as Sprouting to Euchre enthusiasts. Euchre folklore
believes that you can’t lose more than 33% of the time and can’t win more than 66% of the time, no matter
how you play the game. No matter the superstitions, the scoring, or the forum in which one plays, Euchre is a
game of its definitions; a game of outwitting and a game of tricks. q