Left Bower vs Right Bower in Euchre: What New Players Get Wrong

If you’re new to Euchre, there’s one rule that causes more confusion than anything else: the Left Bower.

Most beginners understand that the Jack of the trump suit is powerful. But what they often get wrong is how the other Jack behaves once trump is called.

If you’ve ever hesitated mid-hand wondering, “Wait… is this card trump?” — you’re not alone.

Let’s clear it up.

What Is the Right Bower?

The Right Bower is simple.

It is:

  • The Jack of the trump suit

  • The highest card in the entire game

If Hearts are trump, the Jack of Hearts is the Right Bower.
If Spades are trump, the Jack of Spades is the Right Bower.

It always stays in its printed suit and it always outranks everything else.

No confusion here.

What Is the Left Bower?

This is where new players get tripped up.

The Left Bower is:

  • The Jack of the same color as trump

  • The second-highest card in the game

If Hearts are trump:

  • Jack of Hearts = Right Bower

  • Jack of Diamonds = Left Bower

If Spades are trump:

  • Jack of Spades = Right Bower

  • Jack of Clubs = Left Bower

Here’s the critical rule:

The Left Bower changes suits.

It is no longer considered part of its original suit. It becomes trump.

That’s the part beginners forget.

The Most Common Mistake

A new player holds the Jack of Diamonds.
Hearts are trump.

Someone leads Diamonds.

The beginner plays the Jack of Diamonds thinking, “I’m following suit.”

But that card is not a Diamond anymore.

It is a Heart.

It is trump.

That means:

  • You did not follow suit

  • You may have illegally played

  • You may have accidentally won a trick you didn’t intend to

In card game terminology, playing a non-trump suit when you actually hold a trump card (like the Left Bower) is called reneging, and it usually results in a points penalty for your team.

In Euchre, the Left Bower always counts as trump, no matter what symbol is printed on it.

Trump Ranking Order (When Trump Is Called)

Once trump is selected, the ranking becomes:

  1. Right Bower (Jack of trump)

  2. Left Bower (Jack of same color)

  3. Ace of trump

  4. King of trump

  5. Queen of trump

  6. 10 of trump

  7. 9 of trump

After that, the remaining suits follow normal ranking.

Remember: the 2 through 8 are not used in a standard Euchre deck.

Why This Rule Exists

Euchre is designed to create big swings and dramatic moments. Making both Jacks the two strongest cards gives the game personality and momentum.

It’s also what makes Euchre faster and more explosive than many other trick-taking games.

When someone lays down the Right Bower, it’s often followed by laughter, groans, or someone saying, “Read it and weep.”

How to Remember the Left Bower Rule

Here’s the easiest way to lock it in:

If it matches the color of trump, it is trump.

Red follows red.
Black follows black.

That’s it.

If you memorize that one sentence, you’ll avoid the most common beginner mistake in Euchre.

Final Takeaway

The Right Bower is obvious.

The Left Bower is powerful.

But only if you remember it changes suits.

Master that rule, and you’ve already cleared the biggest hurdle in learning Euchre.

If you’d like to practice in a relaxed, welcoming environment, join us at CHSEuchre.com or connect with our Charleston Euchre Club Facebook group for weekly free play and tournament updates.

Play cards. Make friends. Have fun.

Comments

Post a Comment

Have a question or comment? Drop it below — we’d love to hear from you!

Popular Posts

Euchre Terms & Phrases Every Player Should Know

Image
Whether you're brand new or brushing up on your strategy, learning the lingo makes the game more fun — and helps you fit right in at the table. Here’s a quick glossary of commonly used Euchre terms you’ll hear around the Charleston Euchre Club. 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. Euchr...
Read more

Join Charleston’s Growing Euchre Community – Weekly Free Play at Local Breweries

Image
Looking for something new and fun to do in Charleston? The Charleston Euchre Club is your home for cards, community, and connection. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just rediscovering the game, we host free weekly Euchre nights designed for all skill levels. No RSVP, no partner, and no experience required — just show up ready to play! Most of our casual nights draw 16–24 friendly players — the perfect mix of laughter, strategy, and energy. The club continues to grow every week as more people discover the joy of Euchre. Bring a friend, come solo, or invite the whole family — you’ll always find a welcoming table. Weekly Schedule: Tuesday Free Play  – 6:30–8:30 PM at Indigo Reef Brewing Co. (Charleston) Thursday Free Play  – 6:30–8:30 PM at Edisto River Brewing Co. (Johns Island) đŸ‘‰ Stay in the loop with the latest updates, last-minute announcements, and club news by joining our Facebook group and visiting  CHSEuchre.com . Come play cards, make friends, and be part of Ch...
Read more

Why Charleston Is Becoming the Southeast’s Euchre Capital

Image
It started with a few card tables at a local brewery. Now it’s a thriving community that meets two times a week, draws dozens of players, and hosts competitive tournaments with real prizes. If you haven’t played Euchre in a while—or have never played at all—Charleston might just be the perfect place to start. The Charleston Euchre Club is leading a quiet card game renaissance in the South. While Euchre has deep roots in the Midwest, it's quickly finding a second home here in the Lowcountry thanks to a mix of friendly people, fun venues, and smart, simple gameplay that hooks newcomers fast. Why Euchre? ✓ Fast-paced and social ✓ Easy to learn, hard to master ✓ Rotating partners keep things fair and fun ✓ No commitment — just show up and play Euchre is one of the best games for building connection and community, and that’s exactly what’s happening every week in Charleston. Where to Play in Charleston Tuesdays @ Indigo Reef Brewing Co.  (6:30–8:30 PM) – Casual open play Thursdays @ Edi...
Read more