Euchre with a Joker (Benny)

Updated: May 11, 2023

Table of contents

1. The Benny rule
2. How to play Euchre with a Joker
3. Other variations of Euchre

Euchre is a trick-taking game, typically played with a deck of 24 cards, but there are variations that include a Joker card. If you’re new to Euchre with a Joker, it can be overwhelming to figure out how to incorporate this wild card into the game.

However, once you understand the rules and strategies, playing Euchre with a Joker can add a whole new level of excitement to this classic game.

1. The Benny rule

Euchre with a Joker is often called British Euchre, or Benny. The Benny rule, or the Benny card, can be the Joker, but if your deck is missing a Joker, a two of spades could also be used instead. The Benny card is the strongest card in the British Euchre, regardless of the trump suit.

British Euchre, or Euchre with a Joker, is available to play online in web, or in the Euchre.com app. All you have to do is:

Host a game, and input the details to build your best gaming experience.
Scroll down and choose your favorite Euchre variation.
Turn on the Benny rule.
Choose either a Joker card, or a two of spades.
Press Play and enjoy!

2. How to play Euchre with a Joker

British Euchre (Benny) follows the standard version of the game, with the addition of a Joker card (or two of spades) that serves as the strongest card (also called the Best Bower). Here’s how to play Euchre with a Joker:

Setup. The game is played with a deck of 25 cards, including a joker card. Players form two teams of two and sit opposite each other at the table. The objective is to be the first team to reach 10 points by winning tricks.
Dealing & Calling. Each player is dealt five cards, starting with the player to the left of the dealer. The remaining four cards are placed face-down on the table. The player to the dealer’s left has the first opportunity to make a “call,” or to pass. A call is an offer to become the “maker,” which means the player and their partner must win at least three tricks in the round to earn points. If the first player passes, the next player can call or pass. If all players pass, the cards are reshuffled and a new hand is dealt.
Making trump. If a player makes a call, they must choose a suit to be the “trump” suit for the round. In Euchre with a Joker, the Joker card is the highest trump card and beats all other trump cards.
Playing hands. The player to the dealer’s left leads the first trick by playing a card from their hand. Each player must then follow suit if possible. The player who plays the highest card, wins the trick and leads the next one. If a player has a Joker in their hand, they can play it at any time, even if it is not the suit that was led. The joker counts as the highest trump card and wins the trick.
Scoring. If a team wins three or four tricks in the round, they earn points. If they win all five tricks, they earn two points. The game continues with players taking turns being the dealer until one team reaches 10 points and wins the game.

Playing Euchre with a Joker can add a new level of excitement to the game and require players to adjust their strategies.

3. Other variations of Euchre

While the standard version of the game is played with four players and a deck of 24 cards, there are several other variations of Euchre played around the world. Here are the most popular ones:

Two-Handed Euchre. Euchre for two players.
Three-Handed Euchre. Euchre for three players.
Five-handed Euchre. Euchre for five players.
Six-Handed Euchre. Euchre for a large group of six players.

Playing Euchre with a Joker can be a thrilling experience for card game enthusiasts. With this wild card in play, the game becomes even more dynamic and strategic. Remember to always communicate with your partner, pay attention to the cards that have been played, and use your Joker wisely. So gather your friends, shuffle the cards, and let the games begin!