How to play Euchre
A fast partnership game where choosing trump transforms two jacks into the strongest cards.
- Players
- 4
- Cards
- 24 cards
- Time
- 20–40 minutes
Objective
The makers try to win at least three of five tricks; defenders try to euchre them.
Setup
- 1
Use 9 through ace in each suit. Deal five cards to each player and turn one card up.
- 2
Partners sit opposite.
How play works
- 1
In two bidding rounds, accept the turned suit or name another suit as trump.
- 2
The jack of trump is the right bower; the same-color jack is the left bower and counts as trump.
- 3
Follow suit if able. Highest trump or highest card of the led suit wins.
Scoring and winning
- 1
Makers score 1 for three or four tricks and 2 for all five.
- 2
Defenders score 2 for a euchre. A successful lone hand commonly scores 4.
Rules to settle before play
- 1
The left bower is not part of its printed suit while trump is fixed.
- 2
Games commonly run to 10 points.
Rule reference
Card games develop regional and household variations. This guide states a common form and flags important choices. For formal or tournament play, consult the linked rules.
Bicycle Euchre rules