Buck Euchre Rules

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the rules and strategies for playing Buck Euchre, step by step.

1. Cards and rankings

Similar to the classic Euchre, the trump suit has a different order of ranking compared to other suits, with the two Jacks being the highest-ranking cards. But in this Euchre variation, a round can be played without a trump suit. If there are no trump cards in play, all suits rank in the usual order.

2. Players

Everyone starts with 25 points. At the end of each hand, players subtract one point for each trick they win.

The goal of Buck Euchre is to be the first player to reach or pass zero points.

3. Ordering Trump

If nobody wants the turned up card as trump, the players can start over, and each has the option to name a different trump suit.

If nobody selects a trump suit during the second round of bidding, the round is played without any trump suit.

4. Deciding to Stay In or Drop Out

Staying In: If they decide to stay in, they must win at least one trick during the round to avoid a penalty.

Dropping Out: Players who drop out don’t play in that round. While this means they won’t be penalized, they also miss out on the opportunity to score points.

5. Playing a Round

6. Scoring

• If you’re the maker but fail to win at least three tricks, you have to add five points to your score.
• If you stay in the game (not as the trump maker) but don’t win any tricks, you also add five points to your score.

The primary goal in Buck Euchre is to be the first player to reach or go below zero points. If two or more players achieve this on the same hand, the player who goes furthest below zero wins. If two players reach zero at the same time, it results in a tie.