Top 5 Mistakes New Euchre Players Make (and How to Avoid Them)

Graphic of a Jack card face with the phrase “I Never Pass on a Bower,” referencing a key strategy in Euchre where the Right and Left Bowers are the highest cards in the game.
New to Euchre? You’re not alone. At Charleston Euchre Club, we welcome new players every week — and most of them start the same way: learning by doing, asking questions, and yes… making a few common mistakes.

Here are the top 5 we see all the time — plus how to avoid them so you can play confidently and have more fun at the table.

♠️ 1. Not Following Suit
If someone leads with a heart and you have a heart in your hand, you must play it. Forgetting to follow suit — even accidentally — is called a reneg, and it’s a big no-no. It results in a 2-point penalty and disrupts the game. Pro tip: Always double-check your hand before playing.

♥️ 2. Forgetting the Left Bower Is Trump
The Jack of the same-color suit is the second strongest card in the game. If spades are trump, the Jack of clubs becomes the Left Bower and counts as trump too. Many new players overlook this, which can cost their team big time.

♦️ 3. Calling Trump Too Aggressively
Just because you have one or two strong cards in a suit doesn’t mean you should call trump. You and your partner need enough strength to win at least three tricks — otherwise, you risk getting euchred and giving your opponents 2 points.

♣️ 4. Talking About Your Cards at the Table
We know — it’s tempting to ask your partner what to do. But Euchre is a strategy game, and table talk gives unfair advantages. No coaching, no comments, no clues. Keep it friendly, but let the cards speak for themselves.

πŸƒ 5. Playing Without Knowing the Basics
You don’t need to be a pro — but you should know the general flow of the game before you sit down. That’s why we encourage all new players to check out our simple how-to guide before joining us. It keeps things moving and ensures everyone has a great time.

Want to start playing?
We offer free weekly meetups and low-stakes Sunday tournaments. No RSVP or partner needed — just show up, play, and learn as you go.

πŸ‘‰ Visit CHSEuchre.com for full event details and helpful beginner resources.

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