How to Bid in Euchre

Home Academy Basics How to Bid in Euchre

1. What Does It Mean to Bid in Euchre?

The goal of the bidding team (also called the makers) is to win at least 3 out of 5 tricks. The opposing team (the defenders) tries to stop them.

2. The Two Rounds of Bidding

First Round: Order Up or Pass

1. The dealer places one card face up from the deck.
2. Starting with the player to the dealer’s left and going clockwise, each player can:

• Say “Order it up” (making the upcard’s suit trump), or
• Say “Pass” (letting the decision move to the next player)

3. If someone orders it up, the dealer picks up the card and discards one from their hand.

Second Round: Call a New Suit or Pass Again

If all four players pass in the first round, a second round begins. Now each player (starting again left of the dealer) can:

• Call a different suit as trump (excluding the suit of the upcard), or
• Pass again

If everyone passes again, the hand is thrown in – unless you’re playing the “Stick the Dealer” variation, in which case the dealer must choose a trump suit.

Tip: Only call a new suit in round two if you have at least two solid cards in that suit and some off-suit strength.

Tip: If you have strong cards in the upcard’s suit, consider ordering it up.

3. When Should You Make Trump?

Go for It If You Have:

• The Right Bower (Jack of the trump suit) + one or two more trump cards
• Both the Right and Left Bower (very strong!)
• A trump suit plus an off-suit Ace
• A balanced hand and you’re the dealer (you get to pick up the card)

Pass If You Have:

• No strong cards in the upcard’s suit
• Only one trump card and nothing else of value
• A weak hand in general

Beginner Tip: It’s okay to pass. Forcing a bad bid can cost your team points.

Going Alone

Once you make trump, you can also choose to go alone – playing the hand without your partner for a chance at 4 points instead of 1 or 2.
Only go alone if:

• You have both bowers and an Ace
• Your hand is strong enough to take all 5 tricks by yourself

4. What Happens After Trump Is Called?

• The player who called trump becomes the leader for the hand.
• They or their partner must win at least 3 tricks to score points.
• If they win all 5, they score 2 points (or 4 if alone).
• If they win fewer than 3 tricks, they get “set” and the opposing team scores 2 points.

5. Final Tips for Bidding Success

• Don’t be afraid to pass early in the game. Observe how others bid.
• Watch what suits have already been called throughout the session.
• Keep an eye on your position – being the dealer or the third seat gives you more info before you act.
• Communicate with your partner through safe, legal plays – not illegal signals.