Simple Two-Person Euchre

A minimal head-to-head 14-card version of Euchre using two suits (e.g., ♥♠) of seven cards each (A-8).

Scorekeeping

1. Each player takes one 6 and one 4 from the off-suits (e.g., ♣6/♣4, ♦6/♦4). Place them face-to-face (overlapping, hidden).
2. Slide to reveal one pip per point scored.
3. First to reveal all 10 pips wins

Card Ranking

1. Trump: Jack of trump (Right Bower) > Jack of other suit (Left Bower) > A > K > Q > 10 > 9 > 8
2. Non-trump: A > K > Q > J > 10 > 9 > 8

Dealer

1. Deal 5 cards to each player
2. Place remaining 4 cards face down on table
3. Turn one card face up (the starter)
4. Score 1 point (for dealer) if the starter is a Jack.

Trump Selection

In each phase, non-dealer acts first, then dealer.

1. Phase One: Name the starter’s suit as trump or pass. If named, dealer takes the starter and discards one.
2. Phase Two (if both pass): Name the other suit as trump or pass.
3. Redeal: If both pass both phases, redeal and rotate dealer.

Maker = player who named trump.

Play

1. Non-dealer leads first trick
2. Other player follow suit if able
3. Highest card of led suit or trump wins
4. Winner leads next trick
5. Play all 5 tricks (2 cards each)

Scoring

Maker:

1. Wins 3–4 tricks → 1 point
2. Wins 5 tricks → 2 points

Defender:

1. Maker wins 0–2 tricks → Defender scores 2 points

Going Alone:

Can be declared by Maker before first lead.

1. Maker wins all 5 tricks → 4 points
2. Otherwise → Defender scores 2 points