2026 Euchre Tournament Rules & Format

Hosted at The Legacy Hotel – WEMSA 2026 Conference

Get ready for an evening of cards, laughs, and friendly competition at the WEMSA Euchre Tournament! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time player, this tournament is the perfect way to relax, mingle, and show off your card skills after a full day of sessions.

This singles-format tournament will feature two leagues, one for Experienced Players and one for Novice Players, so everyone can play at their own comfort level. Rotating partners keep the action lively, and every round brings new teammates, new rivals, and plenty of chances for redemption.

Please remember that this event is intended for entertainment and community building—patience, good humor, and sportsmanship are all part of the deal!

Schedule:

  • Location: The Legacy Hotel, Green Bay (1st Floor Atrium)

  • Check-In & Warm-Up: 6:30 PM

  • Tournament Begins: 7:00 PM

  • Estimated Duration: 3-3.5 hours

💰 Game Entry

  • Buy-In: $20 per player (cash or card accepted at check-in).

  • The total pot will be split among the top three finishers:
    🥇 1st place – 50% of the pot
    🥈 2nd place – 30% of the pot
    🥉 3rd place – 20% of the pot

  • Players can register for the Euchre Tournament through their Conference Registration. If you’re already registered for the conference, simply log in and modify your schedule to add the tournament.

  • You may also sign up and pay on site; however, spots cannot be guaranteed for on-site registration. We recommend adding the tournament to your registration in advance to secure your seat at the table!

🃏 Game Format

  • Players must register for one of two divisions:

    • Experienced League – For regular players comfortable with strategy and full tournament play.

    • Novice League – For casual or newer players who want to play in a more relaxed environment.

  • All games are singles play — no fixed partners.

  • Games consist of four players per table, playing 12 hands per game (three trips around the table).

  • Each player will play multiple games with rotating partners and opponents throughout the evening.

  • Each game’s scores are recorded and turned in after completion.

  • The player with the highest combined total score at the end of all games will be declared the winner of their league.

Deck Setup, Objectives, and Scoring

🂡 Deck Setup 🂡

 

  1. Each game is played using a 24-card deck consisting of the Ace, King, Queen, Jack, 10, and 9 of each suit. No jokers are used.

  2. Games are played with four players per table, forming two temporary partnerships for the duration of each 12-hand game.

  3. Partnerships change each game according to the tournament rotation schedule.

  4. Each player is responsible for maintaining the integrity of the deck. If cards are damaged, missing, or duplicated, the dealer must notify a tournament staff member before starting the hand.

  5. All cards must remain visible on or above the table at all times. Players may not conceal cards below the table line.

 

🎯 Objective 🎯

 

  1. The goal is for each temporary partnership to win as many “tricks” as possible during a hand.

    • A trick consists of four cards—one played by each player in turn.

    • The highest card of the lead suit wins the trick unless a trump card is played, in which case the highest trump wins.

  2. The partnership calling trump must take at least three tricks to score points.

  3. The defending team earns points if the calling team fails to take at least three tricks.

  4. Players may declare a “Loner” hand, playing without their partner, to attempt a higher score.

  5. Sportsmanship and good pace of play are expected at all times—remember, this is a social event as much as a competition!

 

🏆 Scoring 🏆

 

  1. Points per Hand

    • Win 3 or 4 tricks: 1 point

    • Win all 5 tricks: 2 points

    • Loner wins all 5 tricks: 4 points

    • Loner wins 3–4 tricks: 1 point

    • Loner wins fewer than 3 tricks: Euchre (0 points)

  2. Euchres (Bumps)

    • If the team calling trump fails to win at least three tricks, their opponents score 2 points, and each losing player must contribute $1 to the “Bump Cup.”

    • If a player declares a Loner and fails to win at least three tricks, opponents still score 2 points, and that player must contribute $2 to the Bump Cup.

  3. Bump Cup Fund

    • The Bump Cup will be placed at each table. Players are responsible for adding their required contributions during gameplay.

    • All Bump Cup proceeds will go toward fun prizes and giveaways later in the evening.

  4. End of Tournament Scoring

    • Each player’s points from all games are totaled.

    • The top three scorers in each division (Experienced and Novice) will receive a portion of the prize pot:

      • 🥇 1st Place – 50% of pot

      • 🥈 2nd Place – 30% of pot

      • 🥉 3rd Place – 20% of pot

    • In case of a tie for a prize position, a one-hand sudden death round will determine placement.

 

🎴 Card Rankings 🎴

 

  1. Trump Suit (Strongest to Weakest):

    • Right Bower – Jack of the trump suit

    • Left Bower – Jack of the same-color suit

    • Ace, King, Queen, 10, 9

  2. Non-Trump Suits (Strongest to Weakest):

    • Ace, King, Queen, non-trump Jack, 10, 9

  3. The “Right Bower” (Jack of trump suit) is the highest card in the game, followed by the “Left Bower” (Jack of the other same-colored suit).

 

🃏 Deal & Trump Determination 🃏

 

Deal Procedure

  1. The dealer must shuffle the deck and offer the player to their right the opportunity to cut. The cut may be declined.

  2. The dealer distributes five cards to each player in a clockwise manner using one of the following approved sequences:

    • (a) Two cards to each player, then three cards to each, or

    • (b) Three cards to each player, then two cards to each.
      No other methods of dealing are permitted.

  3. The remaining deck is placed in front of the dealer, and the top card is turned face up.

  4. If a player exposes a card during the deal, it constitutes a misdeal, and the dealer must reshuffle and redeal.

  5. Misdeals caused by repeated error may result in a warning or point penalty, at the discretion of the tournament director.

Trump Determination

  1. Starting with the player to the dealer’s left and moving clockwise, each player may choose to accept or pass on the turned-up card as trump.

  2. If any player orders up the dealer, the dealer picks up the card, discards one from their hand, and that suit becomes trump.

  3. If all four players pass, a second round of bidding occurs, during which players may name any other suit as trump (other than the one that was turned down).

  4. If all players again pass, the dealer must “stick the dealer” by naming a trump suit.

  5. Any player ordering trump must have at least one card of that suit in hand (having only the Left Bower is acceptable).

  6. Dealers who pick up trump are not required to hold a trump card prior to pickup.

♠️ Gameplay ♠️

 

  1. Opening Lead

    • The player to the dealer’s left leads the first card.

    • Play continues clockwise.

    • Each player must follow suit if possible. If unable to follow suit, the player may play any card (including trump).

  2. Winning Tricks

    • The highest card of the suit led wins the trick unless a trump card is played, in which case the highest trump wins.

    • The winner of each trick leads the next card.

  3. Playing and Exposed Cards

    • A card laid is a card played. Once released, it cannot be taken back.

    • Cards accidentally exposed during the deal or play do not cause a misdeal or forfeiture of a trick but may result in a warning if repeated.

  4. Reneging (Failure to Follow Suit)

    • Players must follow suit when able. Failure to do so (reneging) constitutes a “bump.”

    • When a player reneges:

      • Their team forfeits 2 points, and

      • Each player on that team must put $1 into the Bump Cup ($2 total).

    • If a player reneges during an opponent’s Loner attempt, the penalty doubles to 4 points, with the same Bump Cup payment.

  5. Surrendering or Tossing Cards

    • Players must complete every hand.

    • Tossing or discarding cards prematurely—without playing them—is considered a bump, and each player on that team must contribute $1 to the Bump Cup.

  6. Finishing Hands

    • All cards must be played until a hand is complete to avoid confusion or advantage.

  7. Sportsmanship During Play

    • Players should maintain a respectful and social environment. Excessive talking, distracting gestures, or commentary on ongoing play is discouraged.

    • Players may not coach or signal partners in any way, verbal or nonverbal.

♣️ Rotation & Tournament Progression ♣️

 

  1. Divisions

    • The tournament will run two divisions:

      • Experienced League – For players who regularly play or have advanced knowledge of Euchre.

      • Novice League – For those newer to the game or who play casually.

    • Each division will operate independently, with its own tables and standings.

  2. Table Assignments

    • Each player receives an assigned starting table and player number at check-in.

    • Players will rotate tables after each 12-hand game based on the tournament schedule provided at the event.

  3. Partner Rotation

    • In each game, the first two players to draw matching color suits (red or black) are partners.

    • Partners and opponents change every round to keep play balanced and social.

  4. Dealer Determination

    • For the first hand of each game, the dealer is determined by drawing cards; the lowest card deals first.

    • Suit order for resolving ties: Spades (♠), Hearts (♥), Diamonds (♦), Clubs (♣).

    • Thereafter, deal rotates clockwise each hand.

  5. Game Duration & Flow

    • Each game will consist of 12 hands (three trips around the table).

    • Approximately 15 minutes per game are planned, with a few minutes between rounds for rotation.

    • After the fourth game, a 15–20 minute intermission will take place for refreshments and breaks.

  6. End-of-Game Reporting

    • Each table will have one designated scorekeeper.

    • At the end of each game, both teams must agree on the final score and total Bump contributions.

    • A table runner or staff member will collect completed score sheets for tabulation.

♥️ Additional Rules & Player Conduct ♥️

 

  1. General Expectations

    • This tournament is designed for fun, community, and lighthearted competition.

    • All players are expected to treat others with respect and maintain a positive, friendly attitude.

  2. Electronics & Distractions

    • Cell phones and other devices must be silenced during play.

    • Taking calls or texting at the table is not permitted.

  3. Cheating & Unsportsmanlike Conduct

    • Any form of cheating, signaling, or unsportsmanlike behavior will result in disqualification.

    • Strong suspicion of cheating may result in forfeiture of points or removal from future tournaments.

  4. Disputes

    • If a dispute arises, players must politely notify their table runner or a tournament judge.

    • The decision of the tournament director(s) is final.

  5. Pace of Play

    • Each game is expected to last no more than 15 minutes.

    • Please play efficiently and be ready for rotation when announced.

  6. Fair Play & Inclusion

    • Players of all skill levels are welcome. Patience with newer players is expected.

  7. Gambling & Side Bets

    • Only the official $20 buy-in and Bump Cup contributions are allowed.

    • Private wagers or side bets are not permitted.

  8. Photographs & Promotion

    • By participating, players grant WEMSA permission to use photographs and names for promotional purposes related to the tournament and future events.

  9. Organizer Rights

    • The tournament director reserves the right to adjust table assignments, timing, or rules as needed to ensure fairness and efficient gameplay.

  10. Have Fun

  • This event is for enjoyment above all else. Be kind, keep it lighthearted, and remember—at WEMSA, we take our fun as seriously as our Euchre!