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Perhaps the most misunderstood thing in euchre is donating (aka blocking, safety). Well let's start with the definition of a block. A block is a call to order up trump to your opponents knowing there is little chance of making a point. The only reason to call is to stop a lone. It may seem odd to be ordering up when you know you are going to lose. but good euchre players employ this tactic all the time. When applied properly, donating can be the difference between winning or losing a game. If not done correctly it can cost your a game. The trick is knowing when. A lot of knowing when will come from experience, but here are some general guide lines.

Times to call a block and things to consider;

1) If the score is 9 - 6 or 9 - 7 your favor, and your team is not dealing, a block is almost mandatory. A block is not needed when you have a lone stopped in the turned-up suit. (Such as holding the right, the left protected, or Ace protected ie:Ace-X-X) When blocking, the worst that will happen is you will give them two points, but you will have next deal, and that gives you favorable odds of winning the game. If they go out on a lone it's to late, you've already lost.

2) Many times you may want to block when a jack is turned up and in your hand are all low cards with either no trump or one maybe two low trump.

3) Think about blocking when You hold a lay down lone (or something close) in the opposite color of the suit as the turn-up. (It has been said "if there is one lone out there, then there is another somewhere"). This is especially true if a jack is turned-up.

4) When considering a block, think about the score, would them getting a lone hurt you? What would giving up two points do?

Times when you most likely should not call a block

1) You should not block from the 3rd seat, It is the job of your partner (1st seat). To block from the 3rd seat is like telling your partner you don't trust his ability to play the hand. Blocking from both seats will also cause you to call way to many blocks, giving away points unnecessary.

2) Blocks are not a good idea at scores of 7 - 7, your just giving them the advantage

3) Most times it is not good to block at low scores like 0 - 1 for example

3) It is best not to block when your are losing, they have enough points already, don't help them by giving them more

As with most things in euchre these guidelines are not absolute. Let your experience and intuition guide you.
When calling a block most experienced players agree, the best lead is a trump. It gets them out of the way and maybe, just maybe you can squeeze out a point. One last thing, When someone blocks you, think about discarding one of your boss cards to keep a sure losing trick. Let them think they called a block for nothing. (just don't tell anyone about this tip)