Other columns by Joe Andrews:
Euchre - Playing in a "Live" Tournament
Most Euchre players have participated in local events, casual games, or the occasional on line game. Sooner or later, the time comes to be part of a "live" Tournament with several players and a structured format.
The best format is the Individual's event. The idea is to create an atmosphere of social fun, as well as the challenge of competitive Euchre. Partner's tournaments are also good ; however, the seasoned pair has a huge advantage over the novice or inexperienced pair. And it is a lot fun meeting new pertners and opponents at each table.
The ideal # of players for this format is 48 persons (12 tables). However, as few as 16 persons (4 tables) can participate.
Here are the Rules and format. This will help to familiarize you with the mechanics / layout of a "live" tournament.
I RECOMMEND THE INDIVIDUALS / PROGRESSIVE GAME. EACH PERSON WILL CHANGE PARTNERS AFTER EVERY ROUND OF 8 HANDS. PLAYERS WILL ALSO MOVE ACCORDING TO THE DIRECTION OF THEIR SCORESHEET. NORTH STAYS STATIONARY, SOUTH MOVES DOWN ONE TABLE, EAST MOVES UP ONE TABLE, AND WEST MOVES UP TWO TABLES. A TOTAL OF EIGHT ROUNDS (64 HANDS) ARE PLAYED. EACH PLAYER HAS HIS/HER SCORESHEET IN ORDER TO RECORD THEIR SULTS OF EACH HAND.
Note - The Internet can be a very good source of information regarding the movements for individuals' events.
The best format is the Individual's event. The idea is to create an atmosphere of social fun, as well as the challenge of competitive Euchre. Partner's tournaments are also good ; however, the seasoned pair has a huge advantage over the novice or inexperienced pair. And it is a lot fun meeting new pertners and opponents at each table.
The ideal # of players for this format is 48 persons (12 tables). However, as few as 16 persons (4 tables) can participate.
Here are the Rules and format. This will help to familiarize you with the mechanics / layout of a "live" tournament.
I RECOMMEND THE INDIVIDUALS / PROGRESSIVE GAME. EACH PERSON WILL CHANGE PARTNERS AFTER EVERY ROUND OF 8 HANDS. PLAYERS WILL ALSO MOVE ACCORDING TO THE DIRECTION OF THEIR SCORESHEET. NORTH STAYS STATIONARY, SOUTH MOVES DOWN ONE TABLE, EAST MOVES UP ONE TABLE, AND WEST MOVES UP TWO TABLES. A TOTAL OF EIGHT ROUNDS (64 HANDS) ARE PLAYED. EACH PLAYER HAS HIS/HER SCORESHEET IN ORDER TO RECORD THEIR SULTS OF EACH HAND.
Note - The Internet can be a very good source of information regarding the movements for individuals' events.
General information
To determine the first deal of the game, cards will be dealt face up until a player receives any Jack. That player then becomes the dealer; from there, the deal rotates clockwise each hand. Cards must be properly shuffled. The deck is then offered for a "cut" to the player seated to the right of the dealer. Cards may be dealt one at a time, or by the traditional 2's and 3's. Bidding for each hand starts (to the left of the dealer), after the upcard is turned. The scoring is standard. The only difference is that each round consists of eight hands (instead of ten point games). Thus, each round is usually completed in 15 - 20 minutes, without the wait for the traditional ten point game to be completed.
If four passes occur, a second round of bidding commences. The turned down card is placed face up under the kitty. "Stick the Dealer" does not apply, and a redeal will then occur. IF THE SECOND DEAL IS PASSED BY ALL, THEN THE DEALER WILL FORFEIT HIS/HER DEAL FOR THAT HAND. A natural trump is required to order or to pick up the turned card.
Note - This rule about the "Natural" trump is optional, and may be waived. The dealer's partner may tell his partner to "Pick It Up" and is not be required to go alone. "Defensive loners" (bidding a Loner of your own against the opponents' Loner) are not allowed.
An official score sheet will be supplied to each player. This form, will be initialed by a member the opposing Team upon completion of each 8 hand Round. Each player keeps their scoresheet for the duration of the event.. (It is returned to the Director's desk AFTER Round 8. Standard scoring applies. IRREGULARITIES and PENALTIES (ALWAYS CALL THE DIRECTOR!)
Lead out of turn
The improperly played card is a Penalty card, and must be played or discarded at first legal opportunity. A Ruling by the Director will be made.
Bid out of turn.
The bid reverts to the proper person, and the incorrect bidder is silenced for that hand. No TRAMS! Please play out all hands. HAVE FUN!
Perhaps, someday, you might want to organize your own "live" event!
As of January, 2015, there is still no National Organization for Euchre players. Bridge, Chess, Cribbage, Backgammon, Pinochle, etc. have their own governing bodies. This is the first step for establishing standard rules, ratings, and information about "live" events.
Maybe, someday, Euchre will be organized.
Maybe....
If four passes occur, a second round of bidding commences. The turned down card is placed face up under the kitty. "Stick the Dealer" does not apply, and a redeal will then occur. IF THE SECOND DEAL IS PASSED BY ALL, THEN THE DEALER WILL FORFEIT HIS/HER DEAL FOR THAT HAND. A natural trump is required to order or to pick up the turned card.
Note - This rule about the "Natural" trump is optional, and may be waived. The dealer's partner may tell his partner to "Pick It Up" and is not be required to go alone. "Defensive loners" (bidding a Loner of your own against the opponents' Loner) are not allowed.
"Alone" (Loners)
A team declaring a Loner must clearly state this intention by saying "Alone". The only acceptable bidding language is "Alone", "Pick It Up" or "Pass." There is no knocking on the table, or using other phrases such as "Assist", "I'll help you, partner", "I order it up", "Turning it down", etc. etc.
An official score sheet will be supplied to each player. This form, will be initialed by a member the opposing Team upon completion of each 8 hand Round. Each player keeps their scoresheet for the duration of the event.. (It is returned to the Director's desk AFTER Round 8. Standard scoring applies. IRREGULARITIES and PENALTIES (ALWAYS CALL THE DIRECTOR!)
Revoke (Renege)
Loss of bid and a 2 point penalty charged to the person (NOT their partner) who revoked. The Scores for that hand will be adjusted.Lead out of turn
The improperly played card is a Penalty card, and must be played or discarded at first legal opportunity. A Ruling by the Director will be made.
Bid out of turn.
The bid reverts to the proper person, and the incorrect bidder is silenced for that hand. No TRAMS! Please play out all hands. HAVE FUN!
Perhaps, someday, you might want to organize your own "live" event!
As of January, 2015, there is still no National Organization for Euchre players. Bridge, Chess, Cribbage, Backgammon, Pinochle, etc. have their own governing bodies. This is the first step for establishing standard rules, ratings, and information about "live" events.
Maybe, someday, Euchre will be organized.
Maybe....
