Euchre Terms & Phrases Every Player Should Know
Bower
The two Jacks of the trump color. The Right Bower (Jack of trump suit) is the highest card in the game, followed by the Left Bower (Jack of the same-color suit).
Trump
The suit declared at the start of a hand that beats all others.
Up-Card
The card flipped face-up from the kitty after dealing. It’s used to help decide the trump suit.
Next
The suit of the same color as the up-card. Often considered the default trump if players pass.
Kitty
The four leftover cards after everyone is dealt five. The top card becomes the up-card; the rest stay face down.
Trick
A single round of play where each player puts down one card. Highest card in the led suit (or highest trump) wins.
Lead
Playing the first card in a trick.
Euchred
When the team that called trump fails to win 3 tricks. The opposing team scores 2 points.
Going Alone
A player chooses to play without their partner for a chance at extra points. Winning all 5 tricks alone = 4 points.
Stick the Dealer
If all players pass twice on naming trump, the dealer must choose a trump suit.
Order Up
Telling the dealer to pick up the up-card, making that suit trump.
Pass
Choosing not to make the up-card or any suit trump.
Loner
Another name for going alone.
March (or Sweep)
When one team wins all 5 tricks in a hand.
Crossing the Creek
Calling a trump suit that isn’t “next” in color during the second round — a bold move requiring a strong hand.
Reverse Next
Calling a trump suit of the opposite color instead of the “next” suit during the second round.
Stay Home
Slang used during a loner hand telling the partner to sit out and not play.
Block
Naming trump defensively to stop the other team from making a successful lone call.
Donate
Calling trump with a weak hand to prevent the other team from making a successful loner.
Cut (or Ruff)
Playing a trump card when you’re out of the suit that was led.
Undertrump
Playing a lower trump when a higher trump is needed, often losing the trick.
Slough
Discarding a low or useless card when you can’t follow suit.
Singleton
Holding only one card of a certain suit.
Void
Having no cards of a particular suit in your hand.
Tram (The Rest Are Mine)
A player reveals multiple cards at once, claiming all remaining tricks. Often discouraged in tournament play.
Table Talk
Giving your partner hints or comments during play — not allowed!
Laydown Hand
A perfect hand that will win all 5 tricks automatically.
Protected Ace
An Ace that is backed up by other cards in the same suit to help it survive play.
Count on Partner for One
A strategy where you hope your partner wins just one trick while you cover the rest.
Bagging
Letting the other team call trump when you have a strong hand — hoping to euchre them and score 2 points.
Farmer’s Hand
A very weak hand with little or no effective trump strength.
“Don’t Send a Boy to Do a Man’s Job”
Slang for using a weak trump (like a 9 or 10) when you need a strong one — often results in being over-trumped.
In the Barn
When your team has 9 points and needs 1 more to win. Often celebrated by “milking the cow.”
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I can't believe "Stay Home" isn't here, as slang, in Euchre.
ReplyDeleteGood catch! đź‘Ť We actually just added “Stay Home” to the glossary and a few others — it’s one of those terms you hear all the time at the table. Thanks for pointing it out!
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