What Is the Best Card to Discard in Euchre

So, what’s the best card to discard in Euchre? The answer depends on your position, the strength of your hand, the trump suit, and what role your discarded card was playing. This article breaks down the thought process and common scenarios so you can make stronger decisions at the table.

1. When Does Discarding Happen?

The key challenge? You’re often trading a known card for an unknown one that just became trump.

2. General Principles for Discarding

Example:
Trump is Hearts ❤️.
Your hand: ❤️ Jack (Right Bower), ❤️ 9, ♠️ 10, ♣️ Queen, ♦️ 9 (turned-up ❤️ 10).
You pick up the ❤️ 10. The ♦️ 9 is your best discard – low rank, not trump, no potential to win a trick.

2. Avoid Discarding Trump

If you’re picking up a trump card, don’t discard another trump unless it’s low and you already have better trump. You’ll usually want to build your trump strength, not reduce it.

That said, if you already have 3 or more trump (especially high ones), discarding a low trump to improve your hand balance might be the better play.

3. Prefer to Be Void in a Suit

Sometimes it’s strategic to discard a card from a suit you only have one card in. This makes you “void” in that suit – meaning you can play trump the next time that suit is led. It increases your chance of ruffing and gaining control.

Example:
Trump is Clubs ♣️.
Your hand before discard: ♣️ Ace, ♣️ Queen, ♠️ King, ❤️ 10, ♦️ 9.
You pick up ♣️ Jack.

Discarding the ♦️ 9 leaves you void in Diamonds – if an opponent leads Diamonds, you can trump it.

4. Avoid Discarding Aces or High Cards Without Good Reason

Even in off-suits, Aces often win tricks, especially early in the round. Only discard an Ace if it’s absolutely necessary and you already have stronger options elsewhere.

3. Situational Examples

Example 2: Opportunity to Go Void
Trump: Hearts
Hand: ❤️ King, ❤️ 10, ♦️ Queen, ♠️ Ace, ♣️ Queen
Turned up: ❤️ Jack
What to discard: ♣️ Queen
Reason: Discarding ♣️ Queen leaves you void in Clubs, creating an opportunity to trump later.

Example 3: Holding All Trump
Trump: Clubs ♣️
Hand: ♣️ Jack, ♣️ Ace, ♣️ Queen, ❤️ 9, ♠️ King
Turned up: ♣️ 10
What to discard: ❤️ 9 or ♠️ King
Reason: Discard one of the off-suit cards; don’t touch your strong trump hand.

4. Final Tips

• Think one step ahead: Which suits are likely to be led? Are you setting up your voids?
• Don’t auto-discard your lowest card – consider its tactical value.
• Discard to create the best overall hand, not just to get rid of the “worst” card.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer for the best card to discard in Euchre – but the best discard is always the one that increases your odds of controlling tricks. Aim to hold onto trump, get void in suits when possible, and protect high-value off-suit cards.

By paying closer attention to what you discard you’ll give yourself and your partner a better shot at winning each hand.