The study of Euchre and it's functions as it relates to the game, player or situations. (I was going to write a book back in the Early 2000's about this subject and call it "The Psychology of Euchre") Anyways I'm going to talk briefly here today about a few thoughts I have been having in these matters. Just a few, not an entire books worth.
It is important to understand the game of euchre. Why people play a certain way, why they make a certain plays and why not to make certain plays. When someone passes, you have to understand why they are passing? Are they trying to euchre the opponents, did they have a callable hand, why are they passing at such and such score ect..... Understanding the mindset, playstyles and understanding of not only your opponents but more importantly your Partner. Will help you as a player make the correct decisions and best plays possible for you and your team. And to also take necessary gambles when they arise. Euchre is about trust and trusting your partner. This comes in many forms. Trusting your partner to pick up, lets say a bauer. Trusting your partner and laying off that they will take the trick. Trusting your partner will understand you turned down lets say black as a dealer. More often than not when good players do this they will be favorable in red. The majority of the time. Not all the time. It is something to keep in mind though. This will help you make decisions when naming trump or even passing.
Understanding the game has many, many, many facets or aspects to it. Regardless of what your skill level is in Euchre. One needs to have this fundamental euchre acuity and determination to really try to fully understand what and why something is being played for or made. Then make the necessary adjustments. Euchre really is about adjustments. Knowing when to veer from typical play and when adhere to it. From making the correct save in stopper's against a loner by watching what your partner plays. To underleading your Right bauer with a lower trump on opening lead. Knowing the possibilities of what may lie in everyone's hand so that you avoid that euchre or you insure that point or even March. Sometimes even the visualization of what's in the opponents and partners hand based on your hand, what's been ordered/picked up and the tendencies of all players on said orders. Could very well be the difference maker in getting that stopper, or perhaps making that March. However that leads us to more to the paying attention to the cards and details of every played card. Remembering what was turned down or ordered up. Remembering how many trump is left or what is possibly left. Same goes for non-trump suited cards. These are all very important things to consider and are essential to playing euchre at it's highest levels and giving yourself and your team the best chances at winning.
You always want to be thinking, observing and paying attention. If you fail in anyone one of these. You could be losing out on key information and this will impair your decision making and you may make a mistake at a key time and cost your team some points. If one keeps making these mistakes they will add up and it will cost you and your team and can be the difference maker. So pay attention. Always analyze what's being played, who's played what and what you need to do and what you need to LET YOUR PARTNER DO(again going back to trust). So you can achieve your goal of that sought after euchre, march or point. Every point counts sometimes you can overcome mistakes and other times those mistakes will cost you like I said before.
So know your partners tendencies. Know your opponents tendencies to the best of your ability. Make calls that will benefit your team, because it is a team game. Sometimes you have to call for your partner and not just play your hand. Other times you have to just play your hand but I'm a stickler for being team oriented and keeping your partner in mind when especially when calling. Euchre is a thinking game. There are roughly 42,504 combinations that any one player will hold in their hand. Not every situation plays the same way either so be on the look out when these not so typical hands start to come and play out. Make the most of what you can and always, always, always ask if you could have played it better. Most of the time the answer will be yes. Learning to recognize situations and to adjust on the fly will be one of the things that makes you an excellent euchre player.
Tbolt65
Edward
The Psychology in Euchre
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Very nicely written Ed. I would only add that you as a player at the table always knows six cards, leaving 18 unknown and now the possible five card hands are 8568.
I am traveling on Friday out of town, can't make our game.
IRISHWOLF
I am traveling on Friday out of town, can't make our game.
IRISHWOLF
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It will be awhile yet. No specific date set, and need to let this COVID 19 stuff settle down.
Irishwolf
Irishwolf
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Ok Irishwolf, thanks.
Tbolt65
Edward
Tbolt65
Edward
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Yeah, 7pm ET might be too early for me on Friday also.....closer to 8 might be fine,