1 qakej 
 
 °j" 
 
 J~UCHRL 
 
 COPYRIGHT, 1887. BY FREDERICK A-S1QKE&, PUBLISH ER.HEW YORK . 
 
I LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 
 
 {UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. I 
 
 i«d/ 
 
THE GAME 
 
 EUCHRE 
 
 BY JOHN W. KELLER 
 
 Author of "The Game of Draw Poker" "Tangled Lives" etc. 
 
 INCLUDING 
 
 Treatises on French Euchre, Set-Back Euchre, etc. 
 
 AND 
 
 PROGRESSIVE EUCHRE. 
 
 "He that will make a good use of any fart of his life must 
 allow a large portion of it to recreation." — Locke. 
 
 GC 
 
 f 
 
 NEW YORK 
 
 FREDERICK A. STOKE 
 
 Successor to White, Stokes, &> Allen 
 1887 
 
 fcoPYRlG^ 
 
 AUG 23 i 
 
S-V/249 
 
 Copyright, 1887, 
 By FREDERICK A. STOKES. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 PREFACE S 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 Origin of Euchre ....... 7 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 Description of Euchre. — Lone Hands. — Scoring . 1 2 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 Technical Terms 22 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Rules of Euchre. — Cutting. — Shuffling. — Dealing. 
 — Discarding. — Exposed Cards. — Revoking. — 
 Making the Trump. — Playing Alone. — Scor- 
 ing. — Intimations ...... 26 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 Laps and Slams. — Ja?nbone. — Jamboree , . 40 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 Railroad Euchre . 47 
 
 3 
 
4 CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 PAGB 
 
 Two- and Three-Handed Euchre. — Three-Handed 
 Euchre .51 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 Progressive Euchre 57 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 Miscellaneous Variations. — French Euchre. — Na- 
 poleon. — Set-back Euchre 64 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 Points in Euchre 74 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 Of the old and familiar games at cards, Euchre is 
 among the most popular. This fact is due to its ex- 
 treme simplicity and eminent respectability, for Euchre 
 needs no monetary consideration to make it interest- 
 ing to its devotees, and therefore suggests nothing of 
 gambling. Like Whist, it is generally played simply as 
 a means of amusement, the contestants being content 
 with victory for victory's sake alone. While it does 
 not tax the memory as severely as Whist, and is 
 generally not so complex in character, Euchre is never- 
 theless a game of skill, and its many points are worthy 
 of intelligent consideration for the intellectual pastime 
 they afford. As a social game it has always ranked 
 well, and is often found in the bosoms of families 
 where no other game at cards is known, or at least 
 tolerated. That phase of the game known as "Pro- 
 gressive Euchre " has attained especial popularity, and 
 not infrequently is made the sole expedient of an 
 evening's amusement for an unlimited number of 
 pleasure-seekers. Less exacting than Whist, less ab- 
 
6 PREFACE. 
 
 sorbing than Poker, less mathematical than Cribbage, 
 Euchre is pre-eminently the sociable game at cards. 
 At the Euchre-table the inveterate story-teller may 
 relate his pet narration without being figuratively con- 
 demned to death as would be very justly his fate at 
 Poker ; Mrs. Grundy may interrupt the game to retail 
 a bit of gossip without being frowned down as she cer- 
 tainly would be at Whist ; here, too, a pious flirtation 
 may be indulged in without fear of that testy reproof 
 which would surely be given by a devoted Cribbage- 
 player. In short, all the frivolities of a companionable 
 evening may exist conjointly with a game of Euchre as 
 they can exist conjointly with no other game at cards. 
 It is to place before the public, with all possible 
 simplicity and brevity, the rules of this light knd 
 entertaining game, and at the same time to offer a 
 few comments that will be instructive to novices and 
 interesting to experts, that I have undertaken this 
 treatise on Euchre. 
 
 J. W. K. 
 
 June, 1887. 
 
CHAPTER I. 
 
 Origin of Euchre. 
 
 Like the origin of cards themselves, the origin of 
 liiost games at cards is obscure. Naturally, this ob- 
 scirity has led to many different accounts, resulting 
 from imagination rather than from data that can be 
 substantiated. The origin of cards has been variously 
 located in Egypt, India, China, and Arabia. Some 
 people even claim that cards are pre-historic. But in 
 all these cases, investigation — and the subject has 
 been investigated by learned men for years — has 
 shown that the respective claims are merely imagina- 
 tive and fanciful. Of the theories mentioned, that 
 respecting Egypt is probably the most popular. It is 
 not unpleasant to the general mind to connect the 
 symbols of cards with the Pyramids, or their mysteries 
 with the Sphinx, and it is concordant with their 
 alleged antiquity to suppose that they furnished 
 amusement for the Pharaohs. Nor is it less gratifying 
 to the imagination to believe that India, that land of 
 storied jugglery and necromancy, should have fur- 
 
8 EUCHRE. 
 
 nished the world with playing cards. The fact that 
 gypsies commonly use cards in telling fortunes has led 
 to the theory that these nomads introduced this 
 means of amusement into Europe. This supposition 
 is further fortified by the similarity of Hindustani 
 cards to those of Europe. The facts of the case, 
 however, indicate that cards were introduced from / 
 Europe into India, rather than from India into/ 
 Europe. The allegation that the Chinese invented 
 the familiar cards of to-day is equally obscure ana 
 far more untrustworthy. The claim that cards are of 
 Arabic origin, rests wholly upon the statement of/a 
 credulous writer to the effect that the Saracens intro- 
 duced them into Europe by way of Spain. But pis 
 writer, although he lived some four centuries ago, had 
 no more authority for his declaration than I have 
 to-day for indorsing the Egyptian, Hindustani, or 
 Chinese theory. In all probability cards are of Euro- 
 pean origin, and that of more recent date than most 
 people believe. In no writing prior to the fourteenth 
 century is there any mention of cards. Chess, dice, 
 and other games of amusement and gambling are 
 alluded to, and in some instances specifically described, 
 by writers of the thirteenth century, and of [the first 
 half of the fourteenth ; but nothing is said bf cards. 
 While this is only negative proof as to the iime that 
 cards came into use, it is better than no prdof at all, 
 as is the case with all other theories. 
 
ORIGIN OF EUCHRE. 9 
 
 While the origin of games at cards partakes of the 
 obscurity of the origin of cards themselves, it is in a 
 much less degree. For most games at cards are anal- 
 ogous, and their relationship one to another is easily- 
 traced. By this means the date of the invention and 
 acceptance of the several games can be approximated, 
 1 though not definitely arrived at. The majority of 
 People that play cards are very credulous with regard 
 tc these questions, and accept almost any story that 
 m t y be told them. Many people look upon Euchre 
 as me of the most ancient games at cards, and upon 
 Dnvv Poker as one of the most modern. And yet 
 anabgy shows that Poker, traced back through the 
 games of Brag, Post and Pair, Ambigu, and Prime, 
 bears a striking resemblance to Flush, one of the 
 parem games at cards. 
 
 Eucire, on the other hand, is traced back easily 
 and directly to Triomphe, a well-known French game, 
 which h turn was probably derived from Trionfo, a 
 Spanish jame of the sixteenth century. The French 
 settlers of America brought Trio7nphe with them, and 
 transformed it into Euchre, which long ago became a 
 national gime in this country. 
 
 As in ell trick-making games, the invention of 
 Euchre is cchieved by a change in the ranking order 
 of the cares. This device has been resorted to with 
 marked ingpnuity and all manner of results, the most 
 remarkable of which, as noted by Dr. Pole, is that the 
 
10 EUCHRE, 
 
 natural order of cards does not obtain in any trick- / 
 
 making game. On this subject he says, " The natural 
 order of the cards is the king, highest, then the queen, 
 knave, ten, nine, and so on down to the ace, which is 
 naturally the lowest of all. But, oddly enough, there 
 is not, so far as we recollect, a single game where 
 cards compete with each other in trick-making, ir 
 which this natural order is preserved. In Whist, as w^ 
 know, the lowest card for playing is put in the high$t 
 position, while for cutting it remains the lowest. La. 
 Piquet, it is the highest both for cutting and playitg. 
 In Ecarte, the ace is put between the knave and the 
 ten. In Bezique and Sixty-six, the ten ranks betveen 
 the ace and the king. In Put and Calabrasell^ the 
 three is the best card ; in Euchre the knave is th/ best 
 in trumps, the ace in other suits ; while in Spo/ Five 
 the rank" and order of the different cards in bla<k and 
 red suits, and in trump and plain suits, is absurdly 
 complex, the five being the best trump, thenihe ace 
 of hearts whatever suit is trumps, and so on Now, 
 the philosophy of this feature is well worji study. 
 Every reflecting person must be aware that p.11 these 
 distinctions are mere shams ; the playing of fie games 
 would be precisely the same without the Ranges in 
 the rank of the cards ; these changes are so firmly 
 rooted in the constitution of the several gaifies, that it 
 would be impossible to eradicate them." 
 
 The man who would attempt such Eradication 
 
ORIGIN OF EUCHRE. n 
 
 would be regarded as a lunatic. Therefore we must 
 accept all these games, Euchre included, with their 
 absurd variations of the order of cards, and study them 
 as they exist. The following chapters will be devoted 
 to every phase of the game of Euchre as it exists 
 to-day. 
 
CHAPTER II. 
 
 Description of Euchre. 
 
 The most common form of Euchre is played by 
 four people, with an ordinary pack of cards, minus 
 the sixes, fives, fours, threes, and deuces. There are 
 forms of Euchre in which the eights and sevens are 
 also discarded, but these will be considered later. 
 The first step in a game of Euchre is the selection 
 of partners. This may be done either by agreement 
 or allotment. It often occurs, among players well- 
 known to each other, that preferences for partners 
 exist, a consequence of former games or of personal 
 likes or dislikes. While the latter should never be 
 allowed to enter into any game at cards, and espe- 
 cially into a game of Euchre, they cannot be elimi- 
 nated altogether, and therefore must be humored. In 
 Euchre, or in any game at cards played by partners, 
 it is better that personal antipathy, if it must exist at 
 all, should exist between antagonists rather than be- 
 tween partners. The reasons for this are obvious. It 
 is a fair assumption, however, that, in any sociable 
 
DESCRIPTION OF EUCHRE. 13 
 
 game at cards, the contestants will endeavor to avoid 
 any display of feeling likely to cause unpleasantness. 
 That such endeavor is not always successful, every 
 card-player knows. 
 
 When no preference is expressed, or when prefer- 
 ences clash, the partners are allotted by cutting the 
 cards, the higher two of the four cards cut designating 
 one firm of partners, and, of course, the lower two 
 the other. 
 
 When the momentous question of partners has been 
 settled, and the players have taken their places at the 
 table, partners always being seated opposite each 
 other, the next step to be considered is the deal. This 
 is determined by cutting ; and here, as in the case 
 of cutting for partners, the ace ranks lowest and the 
 king highest. Some people hold that in cutting for 
 deal in Euchre, the knave should out-rank the king. 
 This supposition is born of the fact that in Euchre 
 the knave in trumps out-ranks the ace. The knave 
 out of trumps, however, ranks not only below the 
 king, but below the ace (except in cutting) and queen 
 as well. Therefore, as there can be no trump before 
 a deal, the knave in cutting must be considered lower 
 than the queen and higher than the ten. 
 
 The only other thing necessary for a player to learn 
 before beginning the deal is the rank of the cards in 
 Euchre. This, in suits not trumps, is the same as 
 in Whist, viz. ace highest, and then kins, queen, and 
 
14 EUCHRE. 
 
 so on in order to the deuce, which is the lowest. Suits 
 in trumps have this difference in rank, however : the 
 knave of the trump suit ranks highest, and is the 
 best card in the game. It is called the right bower. 
 The knave of. the other suit in the same color as the 
 trump ranks next, and is the second best card in 
 the game. It is called the left bower. For example : 
 Clubs are trumps. The knave of clubs, therefore, is 
 the right bower, and the knave of spades is the left 
 bower. If spades are trumps, the knave of spades 
 is the right bower, and the knave of clubs the left 
 bower. And so it is with the other suits, the knave 
 of diamonds being left bower to the knave of hearts 
 when hearts are trumps, and vice versd when dia- 
 monds are trumps. 
 
 But when his color is not in trumps, the knave loses 
 his powers, is no longer a bow ., and is soundly 
 trounced by the smallest trump, or the ace, king, or 
 queen of his suit. The rank of cards in Euchre is 
 therefore illustrated by this example : Assuming that 
 clubs are trumps, the knave of clubs or right bower 
 is the best card. Then come in order the knave of 
 spades or left bower, the ace, king, queen, ten, nine, 
 eight and seven of clubs. The cards of red suits, 
 hearts and diamonds, under this assumption, rank in 
 order from ace, highest, to deuce, lowest. This con- 
 dition applies to black suits when the trump is red. 
 
 Before dealing, the cards must be well shuffled by 
 
DESCRIPTION OF EUCHRE. 15 
 
 the dealer, and cut by the player at the dealer's right. 
 This player is always one of the dealer's opponents, 
 and in cutting must remove at least four cards from 
 the top of the pack, and leave at least four cards at 
 the bottom. 
 
 Before the deal any player has the right to cut or 
 shuffle the cards, but the dealer always has the right 
 to shuffle them last. 
 
 In Euchre five cards constitute a hand, and these 
 must be dealt, two at a time, to each player in turn, 
 beginning with the player at the left of the dealer, un- 
 til all are helped, including the dealer, and then three 
 at a time to each player as before, thus giving to each 
 contestant the requisite five cards. Or, if it be more 
 agreeable to the dealer, he may help in turn each 
 player with three cards and then with two; but he 
 must not help one p yer to two cards and the next to 
 three or vice versa. He must complete his deal as 
 he begins it. 
 
 When the dealer has helped each player with five 
 cards, as described, he must turn up the next card for 
 trumps, and leave it face upwards on the top of the 
 pack. 
 
 After the trump is turned, the play begins. The 
 player at the left of the dealer examines his cards to 
 see what he will do. He must either " order up " the 
 trump or "pass." If he " orders up," the dealer must 
 discard one card from his own hand, placing it face 
 
16 EUCHRE. 
 
 downwards beneath the pack. The trump card then 
 becomes the property of the dealer instead of his 
 discard. 
 
 If the player at the left of the dealer considers that 
 his hand is not strong enough to " order up " the 
 trump, and declines to do so, he must "pass;" that 
 is, he must give the next player on his left an oppor- 
 tunity to say what he will do. 
 
 This next player is the dealer's partner ; and if, after 
 examining his cards, he believes that they, assisted by 
 the trump turned, are strong enough to win three 
 tricks, he may "assist." "Assisting" is in effect the 
 same as " ordering up " so far as the result affects the 
 dealer's physical action. In each case he must dis- 
 card one card and take the turned trump as a part of 
 his hand. But there is an important difference be- 
 tween " assisting " and " ordering up." In the former, 
 the trump is turned into the hand of a partner ; in the 
 latter, it is turned into the hand of an opponent. 
 From this it will be seen that it requires a stronger 
 hand to "order up" than to "assist." The player 
 doing either, however, should feel reasonably certain of 
 taking three tricks, except under certain conditions 
 hereafter discussed. 
 
 If the partner of the dealer refuses to "assist," he 
 must "pass," and give the next player to the left an 
 opportunity to say what he will do. This player must 
 either "order up" or "pass." If he "orders up," 
 
DESCRIPTION OF EUCHRE. 17 
 
 the dealer must act exactly as has been described in 
 the case of the first player or " eldest " hand. 
 
 If the third player "pass," the say comes to the 
 dealer, who may either "take up" the trump or 
 " turn it down." If he takes it up, he must discard 
 one card from his hand, placing it face downwards 
 beneath the pack, and then regard the turned trump 
 as a part of his hand. 
 
 If the dealer's hand should not warrant his taking 
 up the trump, and he refuses to "take it up," he 
 must " turn it down," placing the trump card face 
 upwards beneath the pack. 
 
 Should the dealer "turn down" the trump, the 
 eldest hand then has the right to name the trump, 
 which shall govern the game. In doing this he may 
 name any suit but that originally turned up. Should 
 his hand not warrant his making the trump, he must 
 so declare. The usual form of this declaration is, 
 " I pass the making." Should the eldest hand pass 
 the making, the second player or dealer's partner may 
 make the trump; but should he "pass the making," 
 it becomes the third player's turn to make the trump 
 or pass the making, and so on to the dealer, who must 
 likewise make the trump or pass the making. If the 
 dealer passes the making, he must turn the trump card 
 face downwards on the top of the pack. Then a new 
 deal must be inaugurated with the player at the im- 
 mediate left of the dealer as the new dealer. In other 
 
18 EUCHRE. 
 
 words, the deal passes to the opposing side under 
 the circumstances described. 
 
 But if the trump be ordered up, if the dealer's 
 partner assists, if the dealer takes up the trump, or if, 
 the trump being turned down, any player makes the 
 trump, the play begins. 
 
 The player at the left of the dealer has the lead ; 
 that is, he must play the first card. All the other 
 players must play in turn to this card, and each must 
 follow suit (play a card of the same denomination as 
 that led by the eldest hand) if he holds such a card. 
 If he does not hold a card of the suit led, he may 
 play any card he chooses. 
 
 When each player has played to the lead, the four 
 cards thus deposited on the table constitute a trick. 
 
 A trick is won by the highest card of the suit led, 
 if trumps are not played in the trick. Trumps beat 
 all other suits. 
 
 The winner of each trick must lead for the next 
 trick until the hands are played out. 
 
 Lone Hands. 
 
 A lone hand is one with which a player undertakes 
 to beat his two opponents without the assistance of 
 his partner. This is an important feature of Euchre, 
 and one entering prominently into every four-handed 
 game. The object in playing a "lone hand" is to 
 make all five of the tricks, an achievement that 
 
LONE HANDS. 19 
 
 is always rewarded with the highest score possible 
 at Euchre. Lone hands may occur as follows : — 
 
 If the eldest hand order up or make the trump, 
 he or his partner may play alone. 
 
 If the dealer's partner assists or makes the trump, 
 he or the dealer may play alone. 
 
 If the player to the right of the dealer orders up 
 or makes the trump, he may play alone, but his 
 partner cannot. 
 
 If the dealer takes up or makes the trump, he may 
 play alone, but his partner cannot. 
 
 No player can play alone after having passed the 
 trump, or the making of the trump. 
 
 No player can play alone without having announced 
 his intention to do so before the lead is made. 
 
 When any player has announced his intention of 
 playing alone, no other player can play alone. (Usage 
 in some quarters permits one of the opposing side to 
 play alone if he chooses ; but this is not good Euchre, 
 and is probably due to the influence of "Railroad 
 Euchre," which will be considered at length later.) 
 
 When either side has adopted or made the trump, 
 neither player of the opposing side can play alone. 
 
 When any player has expressed his determination 
 to play alone, his partner must place his cards face 
 downwards on the table, and remain silent throughout 
 the playing of the hands. 
 
20 EUCHRE. 
 
 Scoring. 
 
 The only thing remaining to thoroughly describe the 
 game of Euchre is an explanation of the counting or 
 scoring. 
 
 The game is five points. 
 
 If the side which adopts or makes the trump, takes 
 three or four tricks, it scores one. In Euchre as much 
 is scored for three tricks as for four. 
 
 If the side which adopts or makes the trump, takes 
 all five tricks, it scores two. This is called a " march." 
 
 If the side which adopts or makes the trump, fails 
 to take three tricks, it is "euchred," and the opposing 
 side scores two. 
 
 If any player plays alone, and takes all five tricks, he 
 scores four ; if he takes three or four tricks only, 
 he scores one ; if he fails to take three tricks, he is 
 euchred, and the opposing side scores tivo. 
 
 The mechanical means for scoring are always at 
 hand in a pack of cards. In the five-point game 
 (for sometimes ten points are played), the two and 
 three of diamonds are often used by one side as 
 counters, and the two and three of hearts by the 
 other. There is no reason why the black suits should 
 not be used if the players so elect. These " counters " 
 are laid on the table face downwards at the beginning 
 of the game. As the game progresses, the " counters " 
 are turned so as to expose a pip for each point made. 
 
SCORING. 21 
 
 This is probably the simplest method of scoring, aside 
 from that of the devices especially manufactured for 
 this purpose. 
 
 A more complicated method of scoring is as fol- 
 lows : Each side takes a four and three of any denomi- 
 nation. The face of the three turned up, with the 
 face of the four turned down on it, counts one regard- 
 less of the number of pips exposed. The face of the 
 four turned up with the face of the three turned down 
 on it, counts two regardless of the number of pips 
 exposed. The face of three uppermost counts three, 
 and the face of the four uppermost counts four. The 
 advantage of this method is found in the fact that 
 the exposure of pips has no bearing on the score. 
 The position of the cards used in scoring marks the 
 game. When the exposure of pips is depended upon 
 to mark the game, the accidental shifting of the cards 
 used in scoring sometimes causes errors, and more 
 frequently disputes and misunderstandings. For this 
 reason I would recommend the four and three for 
 scoring. 
 
CHAPTER III. 
 Technical Terms. 
 
 In the preceding chapter I have endeavored to 
 give a clear and comprehensive description of the 
 game of Euchre without writing down the specific laws 
 that govern players, or entering into a discussion of 
 the variations and peculiarities of the game. My 
 purpose in that chapter was to give to the reader a 
 general idea of the most popular form of Euchre just 
 as it is played. As the succeeding chapters of this 
 book will be devoted to a more specific consideration 
 of the rules and form of the game and the best way 
 of playing it, and as such consideration involves the 
 use of certain technical terms, I believe that a list of 
 those terms will not be out of place here. They cer- 
 tainly will be of use to the beginner, and that alone 
 justifies the space they occupy. 
 
 Assist. — The term used by the partner of the dealer 
 to signify his desire for the dealer to adopt the trump 
 turned up at the conclusion of the deal. 
 
 Bridge. — When one side has made four points, and 
 
TECHNICAL TERMS. 23 
 
 the other has made but one, the condition of the 
 game is called " the bridge." 
 
 Counters. — The cards used in scoring the game. 
 
 Crossing the Suit. — If the trump made is different 
 in color from the trump turned, the suit is said to be 
 crossed. Example : All the players having " passed " 
 a red trump turned up by the dealer, any player mak- 
 ing black cards trumps crosses the suit, and vice versa. 
 In other words, " crossing the suit " simply means 
 changing the color of the trump. 
 
 Discard. — The act of the dealer in exchanging a 
 card from his hand for the trump turned. In regular 
 Euchre, the dealer is the only player having the right 
 to discard. 
 
 Eldest Hand. — The hand at the immediate left of 
 the dealer. 
 
 Euchre. — The failure of the side making or adopt- 
 ing the tramp, to score a point. Such a misfortune is 
 described as "being euchred." 
 
 Jambone. — To play a lone hand with the cards 
 exposed on the table, and to give to that adversary 
 having the lead, the privilege of calling one card from 
 the exposed hand, to the first trick ; or, if it be the 
 jambone player's lead, to allow this same adversary to 
 demand what card shall be led. 
 
 Jamboree. — The combination of the five best cards, 
 viz., — right bower, left bower, ace, king and queen 
 of trumps. Both jambone and jamboree will be 
 
24 EUCHRE. 
 
 treated more fully hereafter. They are not found in 
 the ordinary game of Euchre. 
 
 Lap. — Lap is a term used to describe that variation 
 of the regular game wherein any excess of points over 
 the number necessary to win a game, is counted on 
 the next game. Example : If a side needing but one 
 point to win a game should make two points, it would 
 be permitted in the "lap" game to count one point 
 on the next game. In this instance the winning side 
 would " lap " one point. 
 
 Left Bower. — The knave of the same color but 
 not of the same suit as the trump. Diamonds furnish 
 the left bower to hearts as trumps, and vice versa ; 
 while spades furnish the left bovver to clubs, and vice 
 versa. 
 
 Lone Hand. — A hand capable of winning five tricks 
 from its adversaries, without the assistance of its part- 
 ner. There is a difference between a " lone hand " 
 and playing alone. 
 
 Making the Trump. — When all the players have 
 passed the trump turned up, and any one of them 
 names a trump, such action is called "making the 
 trump," or, more briefly and generally, "making it." 
 
 March. — When two partners take all five tricks, 
 they are said to have made a " march." 
 
 Markers. — Synonymous with counters. 
 
 Next in Suit. — Making the trump in the same 
 color, but not the same suit, as that of the trump 
 
TECHNICAL TERMS. 25 
 
 turned down. Hearts are next in suit to diamonds, 
 and vice versa, while spades are next in suit to clubs, 
 and vice versa. But black cards can never be next 
 in suit to red cards, and vice versa. 
 
 Ordering up. — The action of a dealer's opponent 
 in commanding him to take the "turned-up trump into 
 his hand. 
 
 Pass. — To signify that you do not wish the turned 
 up trump, or that you are unable to make the trump 
 when the turned-up trump is turned down. 
 
 Playing alone. — The attempt of a player to beat 
 his adversaries without the assistance of his partner. 
 
 Point. — One count in the score of the game. 
 
 Revoke. — To refuse to follow suit when you are 
 able to do so. This is the unpardonable sin in Euchre. 
 
 Right Bower. — The knave of trumps. 
 
 Scoring. — Keeping a record of the game. 
 
 Stock. — That part of the pack remaining after the 
 deal has been made. 
 
 Taking up. — The action of the dealer in adopting 
 the trump turned up. 
 
 Trick. — The cards played to a single lead. The 
 number of cards constituting a trick depends upon the 
 number of players in the game. In a four-handed 
 game, four cards make a trick; in a two-handed 
 game, two cards, etc. 
 
 Turning down. — The action of the dealer in 
 refusing the turned-up trump. 
 
CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Rules of Euchre. 
 
 The rules of any game are very dry reading ; but as 
 no game can exist without rules, Euchre has its laws, 
 and they must be embodied in this little book, even 
 at the risk of repeating something that I may have 
 already said. I shall endeavor to atone for dryness 
 and redundancy, however, by simplicity and brevity, 
 and such an arrangement of the rules as will make 
 them of easy reference. In this arrangement I have 
 not depended alone upon my own knowledge of the 
 game, but have carefully consulted the best writers 
 upon the subject. I place the result before the public, 
 therefore, with a fully developed hope that it will 
 prove satisfactory. That they may be more easily re- 
 ferred to, I have grouped the rules under the names 
 of the phases of the game, to which they apply. 
 
 Cutting. 
 
 In cutting, the ace is lowest, the deuce next, and so 
 on to the king, which is highest. 
 
DEALING. 27 
 
 In beginning the game, each player must cut the 
 cards, and those players cutting the highest two cards 
 must oppose those players cutting the lowest .two 
 cards. 
 
 The player cutting the lowest card must deal. 
 (Sometimes players cut for partners, and then again 
 for the deal. But as the same rule governs both cases, 
 it will be readily seen that cutting twice is unneces- 
 sary.) 
 
 If there should be a tie in cutting, the players 
 making the tie must cut again. 
 
 If a player exposes more than one card in cutting, 
 he must cut again. 
 
 Shuffling. 
 
 Any player has the right to shuffle the cards, but 
 the dealer may always shuffle them last if he chooses. 
 This is his prerogative. 
 
 After being shuffled the cards must be cut by the 
 opponent sitting on the dealer's right. 
 
 The cards must be placed on the table to be cut. 
 
 The cards must be so cut as to leave at least four 
 cards on the table, and to remove at least four cards 
 from the top of the pack. 
 
 Dealing. 
 
 In dealing, five cards must be distributed to each 
 
 player. 
 
28 EUCHRE. 
 
 These must be dealt from right to left ; that is, the 
 player at the left of the dealer is helped first, the deal- 
 er's partner second, etc. 
 
 The dealer may either deal two cards at a time in 
 turn to each player, and then three, or he may deal 
 three at a time in turn to each player, and then two. 
 But he must always complete the deal as he begins it. 
 He cannot deal two cards to one player, and three to 
 the next ; or three cards to one, and two to the next. 
 The penalty of violating this rule is a new deal for the 
 opposing side, provided they claim the deal before 
 looking at their cards. If either of the opponents, 
 however, has seen his hand, no misdeal can be claimed 
 on this account. 
 
 After having given each player his complement of 
 cards, the dealer must turn the next card face up- 
 wards on the top of the pack. This is the trump 
 card. 
 
 A misdeal from any cause forfeits the deal. 
 
 If a card too many or a card too few be given to any 
 player, it is a misdeal. 
 
 If the deal is made without the cards being prop- 
 erly shuffled or cut, it is a misdeal. In this case, how- 
 ever, the claim for a misdeal must be made before the 
 trump card is turned, and before the adversaries look 
 at their hands. 
 
 If in dealing, a card be exposed by the dealer or 
 his partner, the adversaries may claim a new deal, 
 
DEALING. 29 
 
 provided they have not touched their cards. In the 
 event of such a claim, a new deal must be made, but 
 the deal is not lost. 
 
 If the dealer's partner touch his cards during the 
 deal, the adversaries may touch their cards without 
 impairing their right to call for a new deal, should the 
 opportunity occur. 
 
 If an adversary displays a card, the dealer or his 
 partner may call for a new deal if they have not seen 
 their hands. 
 
 If a deal is made out of turn, it is good unless the 
 mistake is discovered before the dealer has discarded 
 and the eldest hand has led. 
 
 If a card is faced in dealing, a new deal may be 
 called for, but the deal is not lost. Of course the 
 facing of the trump card is exempt from this rule. 
 
 If the pack is discovered to contain more or less 
 than thirty- two cards, the deal is void, but all the 
 points already made must stand. 
 
 If a misdeal is caused by any interruption by the 
 adversaries, the deal is not forfeited. (The object of 
 this rule seems to be the protection of the dealer from 
 the possible annoyance and interference of his oppo- 
 nents. So far as this goes, it is admirable ; for certain 
 players, who make a point of trying to confuse the 
 dealer, need such restriction. On the other hand, 
 however, some dealers will take advantage of this rule 
 to endeavor to shoulder the blame of all their mistakes 
 
30 EUCHRE. 
 
 upon their adversaries. The fault with the rule is, that 
 it gives an opportunity for quibbles and disputes. The 
 term " interruption " is too indefinite in its application 
 to Euchre. What would be an interruption to one 
 person might not be to another, and very naturally 
 the dealer and his opponents would differ on a ques- 
 tion involving so important a loss as the deal. It has 
 been urged against this rule, that it favors the dealer. 
 While this may be true in a certain sense, the rule is 
 nevertheless justifiable, for the dealer in any game 
 should always have every chance to deal correctly. 
 Furthermore, no opponent has the right to do any 
 thing that he knows will interrupt the dealer, whether 
 the opponent regards his action as a justifiable inter- 
 ruption or not. It is the dealer's right to preserve the 
 deal, if he can, and he should be afforded all reason- 
 able opportunity to do so. The application of this 
 rule regarding interruption must depend largely upon 
 the common sense of the players, where I think it is 
 
 safe to leave it.) 
 
 Discarding. 
 
 If the dealer does not turn down the trump card, 
 he must take a card from his hand and exchange it 
 for the trump card. 
 
 In making this exchange the dealer must place the 
 card, taken from his hand, face downwards beneath 
 the pack. The discard is not complete until this is 
 done. 
 
DISCARDING, 31 
 
 If the eldest hand makes a lead before the discard 
 is thus complete, he cannot take back the card played, 
 but must let it remain on the table. 
 
 The fact that the eldest hand has led a card does 
 not affect the dealer's rights. The latter may discard 
 some other card, if he chooses, or he may play alone. 
 (The theory of this rule is that the eldest hand has no 
 right to lead until the discard is complete, and he 
 must therefore suffer the consequences of unlawful 
 haste.) 
 
 If the dealer quits the discarded card, he cannot 
 take it in hand again under any circumstances. 
 
 After the discard has been completed, the dealer 
 may leave the trump card on the top of the pack, 
 until it is necessary to play it, or he may take it in 
 hand. 
 
 After the trump card has been taken in hand, no 
 player has the right to demand its denomination, 
 although any player has the right to ask what suit is 
 trumps, and the dealer must answer correctly. 
 
 If any player should play with more than five cards 
 in his hand, or if the dealer should fail to discard, and 
 not declare that fact before three tricks are played, 
 the offending party is debarred from counting any 
 points made in that deal, and the deal is lost. 
 
 But under such circumstances, should the adverse 
 side win, they may score all the points they make. 
 
32 EUCHRE. 
 
 Exposed Cards. 
 
 Cards are said to be exposed under the following 
 circumstances : — 
 
 When any card is dropped with its face upwards. 
 
 When two or more cards are played at once. 
 
 When a player indicates that he holds a certain card 
 in his hand. 
 
 When any card is so exposed by accident, or other- 
 wise, that an opponent can distinguish and name it. 
 
 All exposed cards may be called ; and the offending 
 player may be compelled to lead or play such ex- 
 posed card or cards, when it is legal for him to do 
 so. 
 
 Under no circumstances can an exposed card be 
 called, if a revoke is thereby caused. 
 
 If any player lead out of turn, his adversaries may 
 demand of him to withdraw his card, and compel a 
 lead from the player whose right it is to lead. 
 
 A card improperly led must be treated as an ex- 
 posed card, and may be called at any time during that 
 deal, provided such calling causes no revoke. 
 
 If any player should lead out of turn, and all the 
 other players should play to that lead, the trick is 
 good and must stand. 
 
 If only the second or third player, or both, have 
 followed a mislead, and the error is discovered before 
 the fourth player has played, the trick is not complete, 
 
EXPOSED CARDS. 33 
 
 and all the cards must be taken back, and the right 
 player must lead. In this case the only player in- 
 curring a penalty is that one making the false lead. 
 His card must be treated as exposed, and may be 
 called. 
 
 If any player should play out of turn, his opponents 
 may compel him to withdraw his card, and may con- 
 sider the card thus improperly played as an exposed 
 card, and may call it at any time during that deal, 
 provided no revoke is caused thereby. 
 
 If any player trump a card in error, and thereby 
 induce an opponent to play otherwise than he would 
 have done, the latter may take up his card, without 
 penalty, and call upon the offender to play that trump 
 at any time during that deal. 
 
 If two cards should be played at once, an opponent 
 may elect which of the two cards shall remain on the 
 board, provided no revoke is caused. 
 
 If a player should play twice to the same trick, 
 an opponent may elect which of the two cards shall 
 remain on the board, provided no revoke is caused. 
 But if a trick should be turned with five cards in it, 
 the opponents may claim a fresh deal. 
 
 If a player, for any reason whatsoever, should throw 
 his hand face upwards on the table, his opponents may 
 call each and all of the cards so exposed, and the 
 offender must play his cards as they are called. This 
 rule does not apply to a lone hand. (The palpable 
 
34 EUCHRE. 
 
 and just reason for this rule, and the exception, is as 
 follows : In any game of partners, and particularly in 
 Euchre, a card turned up on the table gives valuable 
 information to the partner of the player turning his 
 card or cards. Such action should therefore be penal- 
 ized. But if a player is playing a lone hand he has 
 no partner to benefit, and, hence, may throw his hand 
 face upwards on the table, and still play it as he 
 chooses.) 
 
 If a player refuses to play an exposed card on call, 
 his side forfeits two points to the opposing side. 
 
 Revoking. 
 
 As revoking is the greatest of sins in Euchre, its 
 penalty is the severest. When a revoke occurs, the 
 adverse party is entitled to add two points to their 
 score. 
 
 But if the revoke is discovered before the trick is 
 quitted, or before the party making the revoke, or his 
 partner, has played again, the error is not penalized 
 as a revoke, but merely as an exposed card, the offend- 
 ing party being compelled to rectify his error by with- 
 drawing the misplayed card, playing correctly, and 
 holding the misplayed card subject to a call. 
 
 If a player corrects his revoke after his partner has 
 played, the partner cannot withdraw his card ; but the 
 opponent that has played may withdraw his card and 
 play another if he chooses. 
 
PLAYING ALONE. 35 
 
 If a revoke is claimed against adversaries, and they 
 mix their cards or throw up their hands, the revoke 
 must be taken for granted, and the penalty imposed. 
 
 No party can claim a revoke after cutting for a new 
 deal. 
 
 A revoke on both sides forfeits to neither, but a new 
 deal must be made. 
 
 If a player makes a revoke, his side cannot count 
 any point made in that deal. 
 
 Making the Trump. 
 
 Each player must wait until his turn to say whether 
 or not he makes the trump. 
 
 Any player making a trump cannot change the suit 
 after having once named it. 
 
 If a player should name the suit previously turned 
 down, he forfeits his right to make the trump, and the 
 privilege must pass to the next eldest hand. This rule 
 holds good, no matter how palpable the causes of the 
 error may be. 
 
 Playing Alone. 
 
 A player may play alone when he orders up, takes 
 up, or makes a trump ; or when his partner assists, 
 orders up, or makes a trump. 
 
 If any player has passed a trump he cannot play 
 alone with that trump. 
 
 If any player has passed the making of a trump, he 
 cannot play alone when the trump is made. 
 
36 EUCHRE. 
 
 No player can play alone after a lead has been made 
 by himself or by his opponents. 
 
 No player can play alone when he or his partner 
 is ordered up by an opponent. 
 
 No player can play alone when the opposing side 
 adopts or makes the trump. 
 
 That the application of these rules may be made 
 clearer, suppose that A and B are partners against C 
 and D. A deals, and C orders it up. This prevents A 
 or B from playing alone ; but either C or D may play 
 alone, provided either of them claims the privilege 
 before C plays a card. If C passes, and B assists, or 
 orders it up, neither C nor D can play alone. But A 
 or B may play alone, provided either claims the privi- 
 lege before C leads ; and it must be borne in mind that 
 C cannot legally lead until A has discarded. This 
 point regarding the discard should always be well 
 remembered by the holder of the eldest hand, or else 
 he may find himself with an exposed card. But to 
 continue the illustration: if B and C'pass, D may 
 order up the trump and play it alone ; but none of the 
 others can, for B and C have passed, and A is D's 
 opponent. If B, C, and D pass, and A takes up the 
 trump, A can play alone, but none of the others can. 
 If A turns down the trump, and C makes it, then either 
 C or D may play alone, but A or B cannot. If C 
 passes the making, and B makes the trump, then A or 
 B may play alone, but C and D cannot. If C makes 
 
PLAYING ALONE. 37 
 
 the trump he may play alone, but none of the others 
 can. If A makes the trump he may play alone, but 
 none of the others can. Of course the choice to play 
 alone, in all these cases, must be made before a card 
 is played. Thus it will be seen that the rules govern 
 in the making of the trump just as they do in the 
 adoption of the trump turned up. 
 
 If a player having the right to play alone, declares 
 to do so, his partner cannot supersede him and play 
 alone. (The theory of this rule is that a player in 
 declaring to play alone binds his adversaries to play 
 against his lone hand, and thus settles the game. 
 After this there can be no change. Therefore, the 
 player who has declared to play alone cannot be su- 
 perseded by his partner ; that is, this partner cannot 
 break the obligation incurred by the player declaring 
 to play alone.) 
 
 When a player declares to play alone, his partner 
 must place his hand face downwards on the table, and 
 leave it there until the hands are played out. 
 
 If in placing his hand face downwards on the table, 
 the partner of the player playing alone should expose 
 any of his cards, whether by accident or design, his 
 opponents have the option to compel him to play with 
 his partner or not. 
 
 In declaring to play alone, a player must announce 
 his intention clearly and unmistakably. If he makes 
 this announcement in indistinct or ambiguous terms, 
 
38 EUCHRE. 
 
 or in any way so that his adversaries cannot under- 
 stand him, and if a lead has been made before the 
 declaration is fully understood, he forfeits his privilege, 
 and must play with his partner. 
 
 Scoring. 
 
 The game consists of five points. 
 
 If the side adopting or making the trump takes five 
 tricks, it is entitled to score two points. 
 
 If it takes three tricks, it is entitled to score one 
 point. 
 
 If it takes four tricks, it is entitled to score but one 
 point, four tricks counting no more than three. 
 
 If the side adopting or making the trump fails to 
 take at least three tricks, it is euchred, and the oppos- 
 ing side is entitled to score two points. 
 
 If a player playing alone takes five tricks, he is 
 entitled to score four points. 
 
 If he takes three or four tricks, he is entitled to 
 score one point. 
 
 If he fails to take at least three tricks, he is euchred, 
 and the opposing side is entitled to score two points. 
 (Some Euchre players hold that when a player playing 
 alone is euchred, the opposing side should be entitled 
 to score four points. This is not fair on its face, for 
 the player playing alone must take jive tricks in order 
 to score four points, whereas it requires only three tricks 
 for the combined strength of his adversaries to euchre 
 
INTIMA TIONS. 39 
 
 him. Moreover, if the lone player takes three or four 
 tricks, he can count but one point, while the same 
 number of tricks gives to his opponents two points. 
 It would be unfair, and against the chances of the 
 game, to allow the opponents to count four for euchring 
 a player playing alone. 
 
 The penalty for a revoke takes precedence of all 
 other scores. 
 
 An error in scoring may be rectified at any time 
 previous to the completion of the next deal. If it is 
 not completed by that time, however, it must stand. 
 
 Intimations. 
 
 If a player intimates to his partner, in any way, 
 what card the latter shall play, the opposing side is 
 entitled to score one point. It matters not whether 
 this intimation be in sign or word, this rule holds 
 good. The only legal remarks in euchre are these, 
 or such as are analogous to them : " What are 
 trumps?" "Can you not follow suit?" "I think 
 there is a revoke," " discard," and these may be used 
 only by the person whose turn it is to play. 
 
 If a player, when his side is at a bridge, call the 
 attention of his partner to the fact so that the latter 
 orders up, the latter forfeits the right to order up, and 
 either of the opponents may play alone if he chooses. 
 
 No player has the right to look at any trick but 
 the last one turned. 
 
CHAPTER V. 
 
 Laps a?id Slams. 
 
 Various innovations have crept into the game of 
 Euchre from time to time, some of which have become 
 decidedly popular, while others have perished from 
 inherent weakness. The phase of the game known as 
 " Laps and Slams " obtains largely in the southern part 
 of the United States, and has many admirers on ac- 
 count of the fact that any and all points in excess of 
 one game are counted on the next. In a long contest 
 at Euchre, where laps and slams are played, no point 
 is lost ; and therefore a temporary run of unusually 
 good luck benefits the winning side more than it would 
 in a series of ordinary games. 
 
 The lap, as has been defined, means simply the 
 addition to a new game of any and all points in excess 
 of the number necessary to the completion of the pre- 
 ceding game. For instance, if one side needs only 
 one point to complete the game, and it should make 
 two, the extra point is not lost as in the ordinary game, 
 but is counted on the next game. So, too, if a player 
 
LAPS AND SLAMS. 41 
 
 should play alone, and make four points under the 
 circumstances mentioned, he would have the right to 
 count three points on the next game. 
 
 As the lap game is a specialty in Euchre, it cannot 
 be played unless all the players have agreed to play it 
 prior to the opening of the game. Its relation to 
 Euchre is similar to that of jack pots to Poker, and it 
 is not recognized in the regular game. The lap game 
 may be played by two, three, or four people, and the 
 rules of the regular game as already given govern it. 
 
 With the lap is generally, if not always, found the 
 slam- The latter is the rather appropriate term used 
 to designate the fact that one side has won a game, 
 while the other has failed to make a point. This feat 
 entitles the victors to count the slam as two games. 
 Laps are played in conjunction with slams ; and, if a 
 side should make a point or points more than are ne- 
 cessary to complete the slam, such point or points may 
 be counted on the next game. For instance, if a side 
 needed but one point to complete a slam, and should 
 make that point by a march or euchre, it would be 
 entitled to count the extra point on the next game, 
 and to count its slam as two games. And if but one 
 point were needed to complete a slam, and that point 
 should be made by the successful playing of a lone 
 hand, the extra three points should be counted on the 
 next game. 
 
 It has, been held by some writers on Euchre, that 
 
42 EUCHRE. 
 
 in a game of laps and slams four points should be 
 counted when a player attempting a lone hand is 
 euchred. For my part, I cannot see the justice of 
 this in laps and slams any more than in the regular 
 game. In the former, four players are engaged as in 
 the latter, and a lone player in the former has no more 
 chances of success than a lone player in the latter. 
 Why, then, should his defeat in laps and slams count 
 more points for his opponents than his defeat in the 
 regular game ? In each he pits his single hand against 
 the combined strength of his opponents ; in each the 
 chances of success or defeat are the same, and in 
 each the penalty of failure should be the same. I 
 have shown that the penalty of a lone player failing 
 to capture three tricks in the regular game, should 
 be two points for his opponents. And I certainly 
 think, that, in view of the similarity of the condi- 
 tions, such a failure in a game of laps and slams 
 should be penalized with only two points for the op- 
 ponents of the lone player. 
 
 Jambone. 
 
 Jambone and jamboree properly belong to the varia- 
 tion of Euchre known as Laps and Slams. They are 
 not found in the regular four-handed game, and really 
 have but little to recommend them. In playing a 
 jambone, the player's hand must be laid face upwards 
 on the table. If the lead happens to belong to the 
 
JAMB ONE. 43 
 
 jambone player, the opponent immediately at his left 
 has a right to designate what card the jambone player 
 shall lead, and the latter must lead that card. If it 
 happens to be the opponent's lead, the player having 
 the lead may call any card from the jambone hand 
 into the trick, provided no revoke is made ; and the 
 jambone player must obey. 
 
 Under these conditions, if the jambone player takes 
 all five tricks, he is entitled to score eight points. 
 
 For example, if a player should find in his hand 
 both bowers, the ace, king, and ten of the trump 
 turned or made, and the conditions of the game per- 
 mitted him to play a lone hand, he could declare to 
 play jambone, and would immediately spread his hand 
 face upwards on the table so as to be plainly seen by 
 his opponents. Now, if it were the jambone player's 
 lead, and the player to his left were to hold the queen 
 of trumps, this player to the left could demand that 
 the jambone player lead the ten of trumps, and the 
 demand would have to be complied with. Or, if it 
 were the opponent's lead, and the eldest hand held 
 the queen of trumps, this eldest hand could lead that 
 card, and command the jambone player to play his 
 ten of trumps to it, and the jambone player would 
 have to comply ; and so, in all cases, the eldest hand 
 of the opponents has this privilege of calling one card 
 from the jambone player's hand, provided no revoke 
 is made thereby. 
 
44 EUCHRE. 
 
 If the jambone player loses one trick, although he 
 makes all the rest, he can count but one point. 
 
 A player may play jambone only when he orders 
 up, takes up, or makes the trump ; or when his part- 
 ner assists, orders up, or makes the trump. He can- 
 not play jambone with a trump he has passed, or with 
 a trump whose making he has passed. Nor can he 
 play jambone after a lead has been made. In short, 
 the time for jambone-playing is governed by the laws 
 governing " playing alone," which see. 
 
 A jambone hand cannot be played when the oppos- 
 ing side orders up or makes the trump. 
 
 When the jambone player has the lead, only the 
 opponent immediately on his left has the right to say 
 which of the exposed cards shall be led. 
 
 The right to call one of the exposed cards is for- 
 feited when any information is conveyed between the 
 opponents whereby a trick may be won. This applies 
 to signs or any suggestion of speech. 
 
 No call can be made after the first trick has been 
 played. After that, the jambone player may play his 
 hand as he pleases. 
 
 If the dealer should play jambone, and should find 
 that the trump turned was weaker than any card in his 
 hand, he need not discard. But the turned-up card 
 will indicate what trumps are. 
 
 The player calling a card from the jambone hand 
 must call it immediately he leads, or else forfeit the 
 right to call. 
 
JAMBOREE. 45 
 
 If the jambone player has the lead, the player hav- 
 ing the right to call must call before a card is played, 
 or else forfeit his right to call. In the case of forfeit- 
 ure of the call, the jambone player has the right to 
 play any card he chooses. 
 
 If the jambone player fails to take three tricks, he 
 is euchred, and his opponents are entitled to score 
 eight points. 
 
 Jambone playing requires nice judgment, consid- 
 erable skill, and exceptionally strong cards. 
 
 In playing against a jambone hand, it is always well 
 to call the weakest card in the exposed hand to the 
 first trick, and thereby give your partner an opportu- 
 nity to beat it, even if you cannot do it yourself; for 
 once that the jambone player gets the lead, he will 
 play his invincible cards so as to swallow up every 
 thing. 
 
 Jamboree. 
 
 Jamboree is the combination in one hand of the 
 five highest cards in Euchre ; viz., the two bowers, ace, 
 king and queen of trumps. It is not necessary to play 
 a jamboree hand, for it is invincible. The mere an- 
 nouncement of the fact that a player holds such a 
 hand is sufficient ; and if he claims jamboree before 
 a lead is made, and then shows his hand, he is entitled 
 to score sixteen points. 
 
 If a player holding a jamboree hand should play it 
 as a jambone hand, he can score only eight points. 
 
46 EUCHRE. 
 
 It is not probable that any one aware of the character 
 of his hand, however, would do this. 
 
 Jamboree, like jambone, cannot be played as jam- 
 boree, when the opposing side orders up or makes the 
 trump. The combination forming such a hand must, 
 under these circumstances, be played as an ordinary 
 Euchre hand. Of course it will take all the tricks, 
 and the opposing side will be euchred ; but two points 
 are all that may be counted. 
 
 In the game of laps and slams it is possible to make 
 a very large score with a single hand. For instance, 
 if one side has made four points, and the other side 
 has made none, and a player of the side having the 
 four points plays a jamboree hand, he is entitled to 
 count eight games for that play. The reasoning of 
 this is as follows : The side of the jamboree player 
 already had four points ; the score for the jamboree is 
 sixteen points ; these added to the four already ob- 
 tained, make twenty points, or four five-point games. 
 But the opposing side had no points ; and, as the game 
 of laps and slams allows any game to be counted as 
 two when the opposing side has failed to score a point, 
 the four games thus obtained may be counted as eight. 
 Such a contingency as this, however, is not likely to 
 occur often, although it is always possible. 
 
CHAPTER VI. 
 
 Railroad Euchre. 
 
 Railroad Euchre, so called from the rapidity with 
 which its points are made, is one of the most popular 
 variations of the game. Indeed, it is so well liked by 
 card-players in general that it has, to a large extent, 
 superseded the older and more conservative form of 
 Euchre that has already been described in this book. 
 
 Thirty-three cards are necessary for the game of 
 Railroad Euchre. These are the thirty-two cards of an 
 ordinary Euchre pack, and an extra card known as the 
 joker. In some packs the joker is simply a blank 
 card, while in others it is marked with a suitable 
 device. 
 
 The joker, or imperial trump as it is sometimes 
 called, is always the best trump, no matter what suit 
 may be turned. It beats the right bower, and conse- 
 quently takes any trick in which it may be played. 
 
 But there are also other points of difference between 
 Railroad Euchre and the regular game. In the first 
 place, the number of points constituting a game may 
 
48 EUCHRE. 
 
 be fixed by agreement at ten, instead of five as regu- 
 larly. 
 
 If a player elects to play alone, he has the right to 
 call for the best card in his partner's hand ; and his 
 partner can give him such a card without letting the 
 opponents see it, or in any way know what it is. Of 
 course when the lone player receives this card from 
 his partner, he must discard one card from his own 
 hand, so as to have only five cards in hand when the 
 play begins. 
 
 When a player has declared to play alone, and has 
 received his partner's best card, either of his oppo- 
 nents may demand the other opponent's best card, and 
 play single-handed against the lone player. 
 
 If, under these conditions, the lone player fails to 
 make three tricks, he is euchred ; and the opposing 
 side counts four points. 
 
 If the lone player takes all the tricks, he is entitled 
 to score four points, as in the regular game. If he 
 makes only three or four tricks, he can score but one 
 point. 
 
 If the joker should be turned up as a trump, the 
 dealer must turn up the next card ; and the suit of 
 this next card must determine the trump. But, in 
 discarding, the dealer has the right to take the joker 
 in hand, provided his side adopts the trump, or the 
 opposing side orders it up. But while he can take 
 the joker, he cannot also take in hand the other trump 
 
RAILROAD EUCHRE. 49 
 
 card turned up, as the dealer has but one discard, and 
 cannot play with more or less than five cards in his 
 hand. 
 
 Laps, slams, jambone, and jamboree are also played 
 in Railroad Euchre, but only when agreed upon prior 
 to the beginning of the game. Laps, slams, jambone, 
 and jamboree are not recognized in either regular 
 Euchre or Railroad Euchre unless by agreement j that 
 is, no one expects to play them unless they are men- 
 tioned. Figuratively they are the frills on the substan- 
 tial shirt-front of Euchre, and must be ordered if they 
 are to exist. 
 
 In all other particulars the laws of the regular game 
 of Euchre govern Railroad Euchre. ( Vide " Rules of 
 Euchre.") 
 
 As may readily be judged, the addition of the joker 
 and the privilege of calling for a partner's best card 
 make attempts at playing alone very frequent and very 
 fascinating. Indeed, playing alone occurs more often 
 in Railroad than in any other form of Euchre. 
 
 And as the possibilities of playing alone increase, 
 so does the importance of ordering up the trump 
 increase. For instance, if the dealer's side has scored 
 one or two points, and the dealer turns up the right 
 bower or the joker, and the eldest hand is too weak 
 to prevent the successful playing of a lone hand, it 
 might be well for the eldest hand to order up the 
 trump, as such action on his part would prevent a lone 
 
SO EUCHRE. 
 
 hand, although it would almost certainly result in a 
 euchre. But as a euchre counts only two points, and 
 a lone hand counts four, and therefore would win the 
 game, the economy of such a movement becomes 
 apparent. Some players hold this to be good Euchre, 
 while others prefer to take the chance of the partner 
 of the eldest hand being able to balk the playing 
 alone of either the dealer or his partner. But as the 
 holder of the eldest hand has nothing but his own 
 cards to judge from, it is probably safer in the long- 
 run to order up the trump, and stand the consequent 
 euchre. 
 
CHAPTER VII. 
 Two- and Three-Handed Euchre. 
 
 In two-handed Euchre the deal is settled by cut- 
 ting, as in all other forms of the game. The cards 
 must then be dealt alternately, beginning with the 
 non-dealer and giving first two cards to each player 
 and then three, or first three and then two. The 
 non-dealer must then examine his hand, and say 
 whether he orders up the trump or passes. If he 
 orders up, the dealer must take up the trump 
 and .discard : if he passes, the dealer must either 
 adopt the trump or pass. If the dealer adopts the 
 trump, the game begins with the non-dealer leading. 
 If the dealer passes the trump, it then devolves upon 
 the non-dealer to make the trump or pass the making. 
 If he passes the making, the dealer then has the right 
 to make the trump or pass the making. If the dealer 
 should pass the making, a new deal is in order with 
 the former non-dealer as the dealer. 
 
 But if a trump is ordered up, adopted, or made, 
 the game must begin with the non-dealer leading. 
 
52 EUCHRE. 
 
 The dealer must play to this lead, and the two cards 
 thus played constitute a trick. 
 
 The winner of any trick must lead for the next 
 trick. 
 
 The joker and laps and slams may be played in 
 the two-handed game, if the players so desire and 
 agree prior to the first lead. 
 
 In all other particulars the rules governing four- 
 handed Euchre apply to the two-handed game, except, 
 of course, in those points relating to partners and in 
 the value given to a march. When a player in two- 
 handed Euchre takes all the tricks, he is entitled to 
 score but two points. But a euchre counts two, and 
 three or four tricks only count one, as in the four- 
 handed game. Of course there are no lone hands in 
 the two-handed game in the sense that there are lone 
 hands in the four-handed game. 
 
 In playing the two-handed game, it is well to re- 
 member that twenty-two cards remain in the pack, 
 and when the joker is played twenty-three remain. 
 In addition to this there is but one hand in opposi- 
 tion, and therefore the trump may be ordered up or 
 made on a much weaker hand than would be required 
 to do the same thing in a four-handed or three-handed 
 game. 
 
 Three-Handed Euchre. 
 
 Three-handed Euchre has been not inappropriately 
 though somewhat vulgarly called the " cut-throat " 
 
THREE-HANDED EUCHRE. 53 
 
 game. This murderous title is suggested by the pecul- 
 iar conditions of the game, which make two of the 
 players continually combine to vanquish the third ; 
 and this combination varies with almost every deal, 
 and always with the status of the players. For in- 
 stance, let us suppose that A, B, and C are playing 
 three-handed Euchre. A deals, B and C pass the 
 trump, and A takes it up. B and C now endeavor to 
 defeat A, for if they succeed they will have euchred 
 him, and each will be entitled to score two points. 
 But suppose that A succeeds in taking five tricks. 
 He will have made a march in that case, and can 
 score three points. The game will now stand : three 
 points for A and nothing for the others, with B to 
 deal. Suppose that B takes up the trump after A and 
 C have passed it. Now it is to A's interest to euchre 
 B ; for in that event A could score two points, and 
 win the game. But it is not to C's interest to euchre 
 B, because such a euchre would put A out of the 
 game, and would defeat C as well as B. Therefore 
 C must play to prevent a euchre, but at the same 
 time endeavor to keep B from making more than one 
 point. Suppose that B makes but one point. The 
 game will then stand : A 3 points, B 1, C o, with C to 
 deal. A and B pass the trump, and C takes it up. 
 It is still to A's interest to euchre C, for that would 
 win him the game. But it is to B's interest to pre- 
 vent this euchre, for the reason that it would give the 
 
54 EUCHRE. 
 
 game to A. C makes a point, and the game stands : 
 A 3, B i, C i, with A to deal. B orders up the 
 trump, and makes a point. The game will then stand : 
 A 3, B 2, C i, with B to deal. A is still trying to 
 euchre B in order to win. C's position is changed, 
 however, inasmuch as he must now play to prevent B 
 being euchred and at the same time to prevent B from 
 making a march, for in either case C would lose the 
 game. B makes one point, and the game stands : A 
 3, B 3, C i, with C to deal. A and B will now com- 
 bine to euchre C, for in that event the game would be 
 ended, and they would both win, as each of them 
 could score two points. But suppose that in spite of 
 this combination against him, C should make a inarch. 
 The game will then stand : A 3, B 3, C 4, with A to 
 deal. Now if A should make a point on his deal, and 
 B should make a point on his, the game would stand : 
 A 4, B 4, C 4, with C to deal. Now if either A or B 
 should order up the trump, or C should adopt it, the 
 other two would combine to euchre him, for therein 
 lies their only salvation. But if A and B were to pass 
 the trump, and C should find his hand very weak, he 
 could avoid the certainty of a euchre by turning down 
 the trump and thus throwing the responsibility of 
 making the trump upon one of his opponents. And 
 these in turn may avoid the same responsibility by 
 passing the making until a new deal is assured, and 
 even then the same process may be continued indefi- 
 
THREE-HANDED EUCHRE. 55 
 
 nitely until some one holds a hand strong enough to 
 take the risk. 
 
 In the event of a euchre when the game stands as 
 last quoted, the two parties making the euchre will 
 win equally ; and each has the right to score a game. 
 
 And so, too, if one had four points and the other 
 three, and they were to euchre the third player, they 
 would both win equally ; and each would be entitled 
 to score a game without the one having four points 
 taking precedence of the one having three. The rea- 
 son for this is, that their combined efforts produced 
 the euchre ; and, as they share the proceeds equally, 
 neither has the right to score before the other. There- 
 fore they are supposed to score simultaneously ; and 
 as each scores two points, all that are necessary to 
 complete the five points requisite for the game, they 
 win simultaneously. 
 
 It will be seen from this that the individual interests 
 in three-handed Euchre are diverse, complex, and 
 various, as the game progresses. 
 
 The player making or adopting a trump in three- 
 handed Euchre really plays alone, for he always has his 
 opponents combined against him out and out or in a 
 degree. It requires, therefore, a stronger hand to order 
 up, make, or adopt a trump in three-handed Euchre 
 than in either the four-handed or two-handed games. 
 
 In three-handed Euchre the deal is decided by 
 cutting, as in every other form of Euchre, 
 
56 EUCHRE. 
 
 The deal is made to the left, giving to each player 
 in turn two cards and then three, or three and then 
 two. 
 
 The eldest hand must lead, and each of the other 
 two players must play a card to that led. The three 
 cards thus played constitute a trick. 
 
 If the player ordering up, making, or adopting the 
 trump takes three or four tricks only, he is entitled to 
 score one point. 
 
 If such a player fails to take three points, he is 
 euchred ; and his opponents are entitled to score two 
 points each. 
 
 If such a player takes all five of the tricks, he has 
 made a march, and is entitled to score three points. 
 Some authorities hold that a march in three-handed 
 Euchre should count only two points, but the best 
 usage of to-day allows three points for a march ; and 
 as that compensation seems to me to be both logical 
 and just, I embody it here. 
 
 The joker can be and is often used in three-handed 
 Euchre. Laps and slams, however, are not commend- 
 able, because they make the complicated and con- 
 stantly changing interests of the game too complex 
 and cumbersome. 
 
 In all other particulars the rules of the regular four- 
 handed game of Euchre govern the three-handed 
 game. 
 
CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 Progressive Euchre. 
 
 We now come to a form of Euchre which has at- 
 tained vast popularity in social circles, not because it 
 requires greater skill to play it, but because its character 
 is so generally and thoroughly sociable. Progressive- 
 Euchre parties are agreeable alike to the expert Euchre- 
 player and to the novice : for, while the former would 
 doubtless prefer a well-contested rubber in a quiet 
 corner, he will find here such accompanying diversion 
 that he will be tempted to forgive the lack of skill that 
 he will find in both partners and adversaries ; on the 
 other hand, the novice will find his ignorance shielded 
 to a degree by the jollity and merriment that usually 
 prevail on such occasions. Indeed, Progressive Euchre 
 is generally but little more than the pretext for the 
 congregation of good-natured people for an evening's 
 amusement. 
 
 The game is really regular Euchre played by an un- 
 usual number of people, who constantly change their 
 tables and partners in regular order. Hence the 
 name. 
 
58 EUCHRE. 
 
 The first thing necessary for a game of Progressive 
 Euchre is the selection of a congenial company. After 
 that the tables must be arranged in order, and num- 
 bered from one upwards to as many as are needed ; 
 and the number needed equals the number of players 
 divided by four, as four players occupy each table. 
 
 After the tables have been arranged, the partners 
 are allotted. A simple and effective way of doing this 
 is to mark cards or slips of paper with the numbers 
 of the tables, and place two of each number in two 
 separate bags or baskets, — one for the ladies, and 
 the other for the gentlemen. It is presumed in this 
 arrangement that an equal number of each sex is 
 present. Then let each player draw a card or slip. 
 He or she will find the number of his or her table 
 written thereon, and must be seated accordingly • for 
 instance, if a player draws a card marked No. i, he 
 knows that his place is at the first table. No. 2 means 
 the second table, etc. The result will be that two 
 gentlemen and two ladies will be found at each table. 
 Of these a lady and a gentleman should play as part- 
 ners against a lady and a gentleman. 
 
 When the partners have been seated at their respec- 
 tive tables, the game begins, the rules of the regular 
 four-handed Euchre governing the progressive game. 
 
 The joker may be used if it be agreed upon before 
 the game begins ; but lone hands, laps, slams, jambone 
 and jamboree are barred. The object of barring lone 
 
PROGRESSIVE EUCHRE. 59 
 
 hands is to make all the games at the respective 
 tables as nearly equal in point of time as possible. 
 
 The players at table No. i, or the "head table " as 
 it is usually called, govern the game so far as the time 
 for playing each game is concerned. That is, when 
 the players at the head table have completed their 
 game, all the players at the other tables must stop 
 whether they have completed their games or not. In 
 order to facilitate matters, the head table is furnished 
 with a bell, which must be rung when the game at 
 that table is finished. At the sound of this bell the 
 play at all the other tables must stop, no matter what 
 the status of the game may be, and the several winners 
 must progress. 
 
 Progression means simply the act of the winners of 
 a game going from a lower to a higher table, and 
 there changing partners. The highest table is the 
 head table, or No. i, the next highest is No. 2, and 
 so on down through the entire number of tables that 
 may be in use ; the greater the number marking each 
 table, the lower the table in progression. For exam- 
 pie, suppose that there are four tables in use, and 
 that they are numbered respectively 1, 2, 3, and 4. 
 No. 1 will be the first or head table, and No. 4 will be 
 the lowest. 
 
 When the players at the head table have finished 
 their game, they ring the bell. Instantly the play at 
 the other tables ceases, and progression begins. The 
 
60 EUCHRE. 
 
 winners at No. 2 progress to No. 1, where they find 
 the losers in the game that has just been ended at 
 No. 1. The players that have come up from No. 2 
 must now change partners with the players remaining 
 at No. 1, before the next game is played. For exam- 
 ple, suppose that A and B progress from No. 2 to 
 No. 1, and there find C and D. Ordinarily A and C 
 will be men and B and D women, as a man and 
 a woman always play partners in Progressive Euchre, 
 when the number of men equals the number of women. 
 Therefore, in the case cited, A would take D for his 
 new partner, and C would take B, and they would form 
 the quartet playing at the head table for the second 
 game of the series. Now the two winners at No. 3 
 must progress to No. 2, and change partners, and play 
 with the defeated side remaining there. Likewise the 
 winners at No. 4 must progress to No. 3, change 
 partners with and play with the losers remaining at 
 No. 3. And so the progression of the winners con- 
 tinues from a lower table to a higher throughout the 
 whole number of tables that may be in use, with the soli- 
 tary exception of the winners at the head table or No. 
 1 . These must progress to the lowest table, and change 
 partners, and play with the losers whom they will find 
 there. This completes the cycle ; and the game keeps 
 revolving, as it were, the winners always progressing 
 and changing partners, and the losers remaining sta- 
 tionary, until the game ends. 
 
PROGRESSIVE EUCHRE. 61 
 
 No play can be made at any table after the bell 
 at the head table is rung. If a game at any table 
 should be incomplete, the side having the most points 
 are the accredited winners, and must progress to the 
 next higher table. 
 
 If the two sides at any table should be tied when 
 the bell is rung, — that is, have an equal number of 
 points each, — the tie must be settled by cutting 
 the cards, the side cutting the lowest card having the 
 right to progress and winning the game. Here, as in 
 all phases of Euchre, ace is low. 
 
 If the players at any table should finish their game 
 before the bell is rung at the head table, they must 
 wait until the winners progress, as only one game can 
 be played between the soundings of the bell. 
 
 The time for a game of Progressive Euchre should 
 be fixed before the game begins, either by naming an 
 hour at which the game shall stop, or by specifying 
 the number of games that shall be played. Other- 
 wise some of the players, particularly the losers, will 
 prolong the game indefinitely. 
 
 Each player is furnished with a blank card, upon 
 which it is expected that he or she will keep a 
 correct tally of the games won by himself or herself. 
 These games are summed up in the end, and the 
 player who is found to have won the greatest number 
 is presented with a prize. The player having won 
 the least number of games is also presented with a 
 prize, which is known as the " booby " prize. 
 
62 EUCHRE. 
 
 Ordinarily two first prizes are given, one to the 
 lady winning the greatest number of games and one to 
 the gentleman winning the greatest number of games. 
 It also occurs sometimes, that second prizes are given 
 respectively to the lady and gentleman coming out 
 second best in the game. But the number of prizes, 
 and their value, depend upon the means and inclina- 
 tion of the host, who always furnishes them, unless the 
 game be played by a regularly organized club, as is 
 the case very often. In such an event the club is its 
 own host, and can furnish as many and as costly prizes 
 as it desires. 
 
 It may occur in the formation of a Progressive 
 Euchre party, when the ladies and gentlemen do not 
 number equally, that two gentlemen or two ladies may 
 have to play as partners. In that event, when such 
 partners progress, and change partners, the change 
 must be made by cutting the cards as in regular 
 Euchre. 
 
 A variation in Progressive Euchre is to count the 
 points made and not the games. The bell at the head 
 table still regulates the progression, and it is still rung 
 at the completion of a game of five points by the 
 players at that table ; but the players at the other 
 tables may continue to play until the bell rings, even 
 though one side may have made more than five points. 
 When the bell rings, however, all playing stops, pro- 
 gression ensues at once, and the partners are changed 
 
PROGRESSIVE EUCHRE. 63 
 
 as before, the side at any table having the most points 
 being the winners. But instead of counting games, 
 each player keeps a correct tally of the points he 
 has made, and the prizes are awarded according to 
 the number of points, no account being taken of the 
 games. The advantage of this method is that no 
 breaks occur in the playing, and that it admits of the 
 lone hand either ordinarily or in the railroad form as 
 the players may agree. Its disadvantage is the cum- 
 bersomeness of the tally. 
 
CHAPTER IX. 
 
 Miscellaneous Variations. 
 
 The variations of Euchre already given are the forms 
 in which the game is most frequently met with. They 
 illustrate the cardinal principles of the game, as well 
 as its best and most popular elements. It is not sur- 
 prising, therefore, that they should have encountered 
 such general popularity. But there are still other 
 variations of Euchre, some of which have been received 
 with considerable favor, and some have been relegated 
 to oblivion. Among the former is French euchre- 
 
 French Euchre. 
 
 In this form of Euchre only twenty-four cards are 
 used, all below nines being thrown out. 
 
 Four persons play the game, partners sitting oppo- 
 site each other, as in the regular four-handed game 
 of Euchre. 
 
 The allotment of partners and the deal are decided 
 by cutting, as in the regular game ; and the cards are 
 dealt according to the rule already given, but no 
 trump is turned. 
 
FRENCH EUCHRE. 65 
 
 When the deal has been completed, each player, in 
 turn, beginning with the eldest hand, has the right to 
 bid for the privilege of naming the trump ; and that 
 player making the highest bid is entitled to name the 
 trump. For instance, if A and B are playing against 
 C and D, and it is A's deal, with C holding the eldest 
 hand, C has the first bid. He bids to make three 
 tricks. B, who is A's partner, and therefore sits imme- 
 diately to the left of C, must then bid or declare that 
 he will not bid. But unless he bids more than three 
 tricks, his bid is worthless ; for C has already bid 
 three tricks, and B cannot supersede him without 
 bidding more than three tricks. If B bids four tricks, 
 however, he supersedes C in the right to make the 
 trump. Then comes D's turn, and he must bid more 
 than either C or B in order to make the trump. And 
 finally, if none of the foregoing players has bid five 
 tricks, the bid comes to A, who may name the trump 
 by bidding higher than any other player. 
 
 If any player, the eldest hand for instance, bids 
 five tricks, that ends the bidding for that deal ; for 
 five tricks are all that can be made, and no player has 
 the right to bid exactly the same number of tricks 
 that a preceding player has bid. In other words, if 
 two or more players bid the same number of tricks, 
 and no higher bid has been made, the right to name 
 the trump belongs to the player first making that bid. 
 
 Each player has but one bid for the trump. 
 
66 EUCHRE. 
 
 When the trump has been disposed of to the highest 
 bidder, and he has named it, the play begins with the 
 eldest hand leading. The game then proceeds accord- 
 ing to the rules of the regular four-handed game of 
 Euchre, except so far as scoring and lone hands are 
 concerned. Lone hands cannot be played. 
 
 Should either side make more tricks than are bid, 
 it cannot count the tricks in excess of the number 
 bid. For instance, if a side bids three tricks, and 
 makes five, it can count only three. 
 
 A player winning the making of the trump by his 
 bid must, with the assistance of his partner, make the 
 number of tricks bid, or else be euchred. In the 
 event of a euchre, the opposing side is entitled to 
 score all that the side making the trump would have 
 scored, had it been successful. For example, if a 
 side bids five tricks, and fails to make them, the 
 opposing side is entitled to score five points. 
 
 Fifteen points constitute the game in French Euchre, 
 and each trick counts a point. 
 
 Napoleon. 
 
 Napoleon is a French variation of Euchre, and in 
 some respects resembles French Euchre. It is played 
 with thirty-two cards, — all below the sevens being left 
 out, — and by any number of players under seven. 
 
 Each player plays for himself. 
 
 The deal is settled by cutting, as in the regular 
 
NAPOLEON. 67 
 
 game ; and the cards are dealt from right to left, two 
 cards at a time to each player, and then three, or three 
 at a time to each player, and then two. 
 
 After the cards are dealt, no trump is turned ; but 
 each player has a chance to bid, beginning with the 
 eldest hand, and progressing in turn to the left until 
 the dealer is reached, who has the last bid unless some 
 other player shall have bid five points, and thus ended 
 all competition. 
 
 After the eldest hand has bid, each succeeding 
 player must bid more, or pass. Or, to make the rule 
 more comprehensive, each player must bid more than 
 any preceding player, or pass. 
 
 The player who bids to make the most tricks names 
 the trump, and all the other players combine to defeat 
 him. 
 
 The player making the highest bid always leads. 
 If he should lead a card without naming the trump, 
 the card led is understood to be the trump. 
 
 A player must make all the tricks he bids, or else 
 be euchred. In the event of his making all the tricks 
 he has bid, he is entitled to collect one chip for each 
 trick from each of his opponents. But if he fails to 
 make all the tricks he has bid, he must pay to each 
 opponent one chip for each trick he bid. For in- 
 stance, if a player bids three, and names the trump, 
 and makes these three tricks, he can collect three 
 chips from each of his opponents. But if he fails to 
 
68 EUCHRE. 
 
 make three tricks, he must pay three chips to each 
 of his opponents. 
 
 The value of the chips must be settled by the players 
 before the commencement of the game. 
 
 If a player bids to make all five tricks, and succeeds, 
 the payment from each of his opponents is double, or 
 ten chips. This play is called Napoleon, 
 
 In all cases where the bid is less than five tricks, the 
 payment is one chip for each trick taken. 
 
 If a player should bid any number less than five, 
 and, after having made the number of tricks he bid, 
 should continue to play, his opponents may compel 
 him to play for the entire five tricks ; and in the event 
 of his failure to make five tricks, he loses the game, 
 and must pay five chips to each of his opponents. 
 And even if he should succeed in making five tricks 
 under these conditions, he would not be entitled to 
 collect ten chips from each of his opponents, because 
 he did not declare Napoleon, and did not set out with 
 the intention of making all five tricks, as his bid shows. 
 Therefore, if he succeeds, he can collect but five chips 
 from each of his opponents. 
 
 It will be seen from this, that a player should be 
 careful not to lead a card after having made all the 
 tricks that he has bid. He should then turn his cards 
 down, and collect his winnings, as he has done all that 
 he set out to do. 
 
 Each player must play the number of tricks he bids, 
 
NAPOLEON. 69 
 
 unless some other player out-bids him. He has but 
 one bid, and he must stick to whatever he bids. 
 
 A trick once turned cannot be examined until the 
 end of the game. 
 
 A revoke forfeits the game. 
 
 In ail other particulars, — following suit, playing 
 out of turn, exposed cards, etc., — the rules of the 
 regular game of Euchre govern Napoleon. 
 
 The number of cards used in playing Napoleon is 
 sometimes varied according to the number of players 
 engaged in the game. If four or less are playing, all 
 cards below the nines are thrown out. If seven 
 players should engage in the game, the sixes are 
 added to the regular Euchre pack of thirty-two cards, 
 so that there may be enough cards to give each player 
 his complement. And it has happened, that, when 
 six are playing, two of the sevens have been discarded 
 so as to deal out the entire pack. These variations, 
 however, depend entirely upon the humor of the 
 players, the only absolutely necessary one being the 
 addition of the sixes in order to allow seven players to 
 engage in the game. 
 
 Another variety of Napoleon is sometimes called 
 " six-handed Euchre." Six players engage after hav- 
 ing formed two partnerships of three members each. 
 These partners are seated alternately, and the game is 
 identical with French Euchre except in these par- 
 ticulars : — 
 
70 EUCHRE. 
 
 The game is usually twenty-five points. 
 
 Two of the sevens are discarded from the pack, so 
 that all the cards are dealt out. 
 
 When a bid is made, the suit on which the bid 
 is based must be declared ; but it is not necessary to 
 lead the suit declared, although that suit is the trump 
 suit, and must be remembered as such. 
 
 The winning side can score no more than the 
 number of tricks bid, although it may make more in 
 playing out the hands. 
 
 If the side making the bid fails to make the number 
 of tricks bid, the opposing side scores the number of 
 tricks bid. 
 
 Set-back Euchre. 
 
 The last and probably the least popular variation 
 of Euchre, of which I shall treat, is known as Set-back 
 Euchre. The name is derived from the character of 
 the game, for any player failing to make what he 
 undertakes is set back just that much in his score. 
 
 Set-back Euchre may be played by two or more 
 players, and the object of the game is to get rid of 
 points ; each player starting out with a score of five 
 points, and that player winning the game who first 
 wipes out his score. 
 
 Ordinarily the score at the commencement of the 
 game is indicated by a cross, thus : X. As the pro- 
 cess of "wiping out " developes, the centre of this cross 
 
SET-BACK EUCHRE. 71 
 
 is first wiped away, leaving the four points to be 
 wiped out one after the other. This method of scor- 
 ing is rather primitive, to say the least ; and unless the 
 players should have a board and a piece of chalk, or 
 a slate and pencil, the practicability of wiping out 
 would be decidedly questionable. There is really no 
 legitimate reason for the existence of this cross to the 
 exclusion of other methods of scoring; and as it 
 savors rather of the bar-room than of genteel society, 
 I would recommend numerals as being quite as effec- 
 tive and fully as simple. 
 
 As in three-handed Euchre, each player plays for 
 himself; and when any player orders up the trump, or 
 makes it, or takes it up, all the other players combine 
 to defeat him. 
 
 If a player adopts or orders up the trump, and 
 takes three tricks, he is entitled to diminish his score 
 by one point. If he makes a march, he may deduct 
 two points from his score. But if he is euchred he 
 is set back two points ; that is, two points are added to 
 his score. 
 
 If any player fails to take a single trick, he is set 
 back one point. But if a player thinks his hand is so 
 weak that he cannot. take a single trick, he may throw 
 up his hand, and thus save himself from being set 
 back. 
 
 Sometimes the interest in Set-back Euchre is ertr 
 hanced by making a pool to be won conjointly with 
 
72 EUCHRE. 
 
 the game. This is done by each participant placing a 
 chip in the pool at the beginning of the game. The 
 value of these chips may be any thing that the players 
 agree upon. Whenever any player is euchred, he has 
 to put an additional chip in the pool, and at the close 
 of the game the winner takes every thing. 
 
 Like most other games at cards, Set-back Euchre 
 has its variations, although it is a variation itself. 
 Sometimes it is allowed a player to " declare " to take 
 all the tricks, and if he accomplishes this to give him 
 the game, no matter what his score may have been 
 previous to the time of "declaring;" but if this 
 player fails to take all the tricks as he " declared," 
 he is set back just as many points as he had previous 
 to his " declaration." For instance, if a player has a 
 score of six points, and he " declares," and makes all 
 the five tricks, he wins the game and the pool ; but 
 if he fails to take all the five tricks, he is set back 
 six points, making his score twelve, and he must pay 
 another chip into the pool besides. The player who 
 declares to take all the five tricks has the privilege of 
 making the lead, unless he should be the dealer, to 
 whom this privilege is denied. 
 
 Still another variation of Set-back Euchre stipulates 
 that when any player is euchred, he is not only set 
 back two points, but his adversary or adversaries, as 
 the case may be, are allowed to deduct two points 
 from their score. 
 
SET-BACK EUCHRE. 73 
 
 When Set-back Euchre is played for a monetary- 
 consideration, it sometimes happens that the players 
 will agree to pay a certain sum to the winner for 
 every point that each has to go when the game ends. 
 This is usually in addition to the amount staked on 
 the issue of the game. For instance, if the amount 
 staked on the game should be two dollars for each 
 player, the agreement for points would probably not 
 be more than twenty-five or fifty cents for each point. 
 Even at this rate, however, the tax might be heavy, as 
 each loser must have at least one point to wipe out 
 when the game ends, and some of them generally 
 have many more. 
 
 But these variations, as in the case of all variations 
 that have not become fundamental laws by usage, can- 
 not be played unless agreed upon by the players 
 previous to the opening of the game. 
 
CHAPTER X. 
 
 Points in Euchre. 
 
 Always make a definite agreement, before the game 
 begins, as to the form of Euchre you are to play. 
 This will prevent misunderstandings and discussions 
 after the game begins. 
 
 Always pay close attention to the game. It will not 
 only make you a good player, but a desirable one. 
 Nothing is so tedious and annoying as a person at a 
 Euchre table, who never knows what the trump is, 
 whose lead it is, what was led, etc. 
 
 In two-handed Euchre, always lead your strongest 
 trumps first until you have taken two tricks. Then if 
 your adversary has not refused your trump suit, and 
 you have a third trump left, hold that trump in your 
 hand, unless it is the best trump out, and lead your 
 strongest lay card. But if your adversary has refused 
 trumps, then continue to lead your trumps as long as 
 they last. For instance, if you have ordered up the 
 trump on the two bowers and the king, and your adver- 
 sary has followed suit to both your bowers, do not lead 
 
POINTS IN EUCHRE. 75 
 
 the king ; for he may have the ace, and in that event 
 would take the trick, gain the lead, and probably 
 euchre you. Lead one of your lay cards, and thus 
 force him to trump. More players have been euchred 
 by attempting to make marches on hands that were 
 good for three tricks, but not for five, than from any 
 other cause. Be content with one sure point, or else 
 you may be euchred in attempting to make two that 
 are uncertain. 
 
 In the two-handed game the deal is considered as 
 being equal to a point. Therefore you are reasonably 
 safe in taking up the trump on almost any hand that 
 is not worthless on its face. 
 
 In three-handed Euchre, remember that the player 
 who orders up, adopts, or makes the trump has to 
 play against the combined strength of his adversaries. 
 Therefore it requires a practical lone hand to order 
 up, adopt, or make the trump in this form of the 
 game. 
 
 In four-handed Euchre, never trump your partner's 
 winning cards. Throw away your poor cards on 
 them. 
 
 Ordinarily do not order up a trump unless you are 
 reasonably certain that you can make three tricks. 
 
 But if the game stands four and four, and you are 
 the eldest or third hand, and in your cards there is no 
 chance of making a more satisfactory trump than the 
 one turned up, order up the trump. For, if the trump 
 
7 6 EUCHRE, 
 
 should be turned down, you would be just as badly 
 off as before ; whereas, if you ordered up the trump, 
 and were euchred, your adversaries would do no more 
 than they would in the event of your allowing them 
 to make the trump. 
 
 If you have the position of eldest hand, and hold 
 both bowers and another large trump of the suit turned 
 up by the dealer, and at the same time one or two 
 cards in the same color as the trump suit, pass. For, 
 if the dealer should take up the trump, you can euchre 
 him ; and if he should turn it down, you have the first 
 opportunity and a strong hand to make the trump. 
 
 When your side has four points, and you are reason- 
 ably certain of making one point, always order up. 
 
 When you occupy the position of third player, do 
 not order up unless you have a strong hand ; for your 
 partner has shown weakness by passing. Besides this, 
 if the trump should be turned down, your partner will 
 have the first chance to make the trump. 
 
 Always assist when you are reasonably certain of 
 winning two tricks. When the game is close, and 
 nearly ended, assist on a weaker hand ; for the eldest 
 hand has shown weakness by passing. 
 
 Consider the condition of the game before taking 
 up a trump on any thing but a strong hand. If the 
 dealer's side should have four points, and his oppo- 
 nents but one or two, he might turn down the trump 
 without materially injuring his chances of winning 
 
POINTS IN EUCHRE. 77 
 
 the game. But if the reverse were the score, the 
 dealer would be warranted in taking up the trump on 
 a comparatively weak hand. If the game stands four 
 and four, it is better to take up the trump than to give 
 your opponents a chance to make it. But if the game 
 stands three and three, be very careful about taking 
 up the trump ; for a euchre would lose you the game. 
 
 In making the trump, if you are the eldest hand, 
 always make it next in suit to the card turned down 
 if you can possibly do so, and thereby do justice to 
 your hand. The reason for this is, that both your 
 adversaries have shown weakness in the suit turned 
 up, and therefore it is probable that they have neither 
 bower of the next suit. Of course, if you have a 
 strong hand in a cross suit, play that suit. 
 
 If you are the dealer's partner, and have a chance 
 to make the trump, cross the suit from that turned 
 down. For, if the dealer had had either of the bowers 
 of the turned-down suit, he would probably have 
 taken up the trump. Being obviously weak in both 
 the suit he turned down and the next suit, his strength, 
 if he has any, must be in the cross suit. 
 
 Ordinarily, if you hold the eldest hand, and a red 
 card is turned down, make the trump red ; if it is 
 black, make it black. If you are the dealer's partner, 
 make the trump black when "a red card is turned down, 
 and vice versa. 
 
 Be careful about making the trump when your 
 
78 EUCHRE. 
 
 adversaries have three points, for a euchre will put 
 them out. 
 
 In discarding, put away your odd cards. For in- 
 stance, if you hold in your hand the ace and seven of 
 hearts and the king of spades, all lay cards, throw- 
 away the king ; for there is no certainty of its taking 
 a trick. But the ace guards the seven, and being led 
 might exhaust the heart suit, which would leave the 
 seven good. 
 
 If you have three cards to discard from, two of one 
 suit and one of another, discard the single card, so as 
 to give your trumps better scope. 
 
 If you have but two cards to discard from, and they 
 are both of the same denomination, but different color, 
 — tens, for example, — retain the one that is the same 
 color as the trump that you are adopting; for it is 
 probable that your adversaries are stronger in the 
 cross suits, and therefore more likely to capture the 
 £ross-suit card. 
 
 The lead is always important. 
 
 If you hold commanding cards, no matter what 
 your position may be, lead them at your first oppor- 
 tunity, so as to make a march ; on the other hand, if 
 you are only strong enough to make a point, lead your 
 other cards. 
 
 If you are the eldest hand, and the dealer's partner 
 assists, it is sometimes well to lead a trump, as such 
 a play may exhaust the dealer's hand of trumps, and 
 
POINTS IN EUCHRE. 79 
 
 leave him to the mercy of a strong suit of lay cards. 
 The eldest hand, however, must judge from the 
 strength of his lay cards, whether or not he will do 
 this. 
 
 If the dealer voluntarily adopts the trump, the 
 eldest hand should lead any thing but trumps. 
 
 When your partner makes the trump, or takes it up, 
 always lead him the best trump you have, and as soon 
 as you possibly can. 
 
 If your partner should have the right bower turned, 
 lead a small trump as soon as you can. 
 
 When opposed to a lone hand, lead your best lay 
 card. This will prevent your partner from retaining 
 the same suit as yourself. 
 
 In playing a lone hand, always lead your command- 
 ing trump cards first. If you hold only enough com- 
 manding trumps to make two tricks, and then hold a 
 small trump and two lay cards, lead one of your best 
 lay cards. If this wins, then follow with your trump. 
 
 When you have three small trumps and command- 
 ing lay cards, and wish to euchre your opponents, lead 
 your trumps. 
 
 Never play to win the lead when your partner has 
 made or adopted the trump, unless you have enough 
 commanding cards to make a march. 
 
 If you have lost the first two tricks, and secured the 
 third, and hold a trump and a lay card, lead the trump, 
 as it is ,your only chance either to make or save a 
 
8© EUCHRE. 
 
 euchre. However, if your partner has adopted the 
 trump, or you have assisted him, and he still holds the 
 trump card in his hand, you should lead the lay card 
 instead of the trump, trusting to your partner to trump 
 it, unless your trump should be larger than your part- 
 ner's, and your lay card should be an ace or a king. 
 In that case, lead your trump, and trust to your large 
 lay card to win the last trick. 
 
 In playing lone hands, the eldest hand and the dealer 
 have the best of it, because it is an advantage in play- 
 ing alone to have the lead, or to have the last play on 
 the first trick. Therefore the eldest hand and dealer 
 may attempt to play alone on weaker hands than the 
 other players. 
 
 When an opponent, playing alone, trumps a suit 
 played by either you or your partner, throw away all 
 cards of that suit at every chance you have. 
 
 In opposing a lone hand, if your partner throws 
 away high cards of any suit, retain your best card of 
 that suit unless it be at the sacrifice of an ace ; for 
 you may be sure your partner is holding high cards 
 of another suit. 
 
 When your side is one, and your opponents are 
 four, you can afford to attempt to play alone on a 
 weaker hand than if the score were more even. 
 
 If your partner orders up; adopts, or makes the 
 trump, and you hold either bower alone, trump with it 
 at the first opportunity. 
 
POINTS IN EUCHRE. 81 
 
 When you cannot follow suit or trump, throw away 
 your weakest cards. 
 
 If your partner leads a lay ace, do not trump it. 
 
 When playing second, consider well before you 
 trump a small lay card, as your partner will probably 
 be able to take the trick. 
 
 When you hold a card next above the turn-up card, 
 your partner assisting, trump with it the first oppor- 
 tunity. 
 
 As third player, always trump with medium cards or 
 better, as this forces the high trumps of the dealer. 
 
 The " bridge " is something of which every Euchre 
 player should know. It is that condition of the game 
 when one side has made four points and the other but 
 one, with the deal in the hands of the weaker side. 
 Under these conditions it is the duty of the eldest 
 hand to order up the trump if he is not strong enough 
 to prevent the successful playing of a lone hand. To 
 prevent a lone hand, a right bower or a left bower 
 guarded is necessary. If the eldest hand has neither 
 of these, he must order up the trump and submit to a 
 euchre. The theory of this rule is, that it is better to 
 lose two points by a euchre under the condition of the 
 score, than to take the chance of either of the oppo- 
 nents playing a lone hand and winning the game. 
 For if the opponents did make a euchre, the score 
 would then stand four to three in favor of the eldest 
 hand, and as he would have the next deal, its percent- 
 
82 EUCHRE. 
 
 age would probably give him the necessary point to 
 complete the victory. If the eldest hand can prevent 
 the successful playing of a lone hand, however, he 
 should always pass, unless his hand should be strong 
 enough to order up the trump and make the point 
 needed. If the eldest hand should pass at " the 
 bridge," his partner will know that he is strong enough 
 to prevent a lone hand. Therefore if the partner of 
 the eldest hand should have a reasonably strong hand, 
 he should order up the trump, but not otherwise. 
 Generally it will be found that the eldest hand should 
 order up at the bridge, and that the weaker his hand 
 the more urgent the necessity of his ordering up. 
 
 These points are familiar to everybody that has 
 made a study of Euchre, but they are none the less 
 valuable for that ; and while they may seem trite to old 
 players, they will prove of the greatest benefit to begin- 
 ners. Some people hold very justly that excellence in 
 card-playing comes only with practical experience. I 
 am as firm a believer in that doctrine as any one, but 
 at the same time I think that the novice who carefully 
 reads the fundamental principles and studies the laws 
 of Euchre as given here will have received such a 
 start towards that excellence in playing, as could not 
 have been otherwise acquired in any thing like so short 
 a time. 
 
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 
 
 020 237 363 A