Rank and deal
- In trump, the right bower (jack of trump) is highest. The left bower (jack of the same color) is second and counts as trump, then A K Q 10 9.
- Off-suit ranks are A K Q J 10 9. Because the left bower changes suits, it must be played when trump is led.
- Deal five cards to each player in packets of two and three. Turn one card from the four-card kitty face up.
Choosing trump
- First round: starting left of dealer, players may order up the turned suit or pass. If ordered, dealer takes the up-card and discards one.
- Second round: players may name another suit or pass. The dealer may be required to choose under stick-the-dealer.
- The player who establishes trump is the maker. A maker may go alone before play, and their partner sits out.
Taking tricks and scoring
- Player left of dealer leads. Follow suit when able, remembering the left bower belongs to trump.
- Highest trump wins; otherwise highest card of the led suit wins. Winner leads next.
- Makers taking 3 or 4 tricks score 1. Makers taking all 5 score 2, or 4 when playing alone.
- Defenders taking 3 or more euchre the makers and score 2. First team to 10 wins, usually by at least two only if agreed.
Common house rules
- Stick the dealer
- Farmer’s hand or ace-no-face redeal
- Defending alone
- Must win by two
- No trump lead on the first trick