3 Player Euchre: How to Play Cutthroat Euchre
Quick answer
3 player euchre, also called cutthroat euchre, uses the normal 24-card deck. Each player gets 5 cards and plays for themselves. Whoever calls trump plays alone against the other two, who join forces for that hand.
The maker scores 1 for 3 or 4 tricks and 3 for all 5. If the maker is euchred, each opponent scores 2. First to 10 wins.
Deal five cards each and turn one up
Use a standard euchre deck: 9 through ace in each suit. The dealer gives 5 cards to each player in packets of 2 and 3, turns the next card face up, and leaves the rest face down.
- Dealer5 cards
- Player on the left5 cards
- Player on the right5 cards
- Up-card1 card, face up
- Kitty (not used)8 cards, face down
Calling trump works the same as with four
The player to the dealer's left speaks first. In round one each player may order up the up-card or pass; the dealer may pick it up. If all three pass, the card is turned down and each player may name another suit. If everyone passes again, throw the hand in and deal again. Many tables play “stick the dealer” here instead.
Bowers rank the same way: the jack of trump is highest, then the other jack of the same colour.
The maker always plays alone against two
There are no fixed partners. The player who calls trump becomes the maker and plays alone. The other two players are partners for this hand only: they try to stop the maker from winning 3 tricks. Next hand, the alliance may change.
The player to the dealer's left leads the first trick. Follow suit if you can; the highest trump wins, or the highest card of the suit led.
The maker scores 1 or 3; a euchre gives each opponent 2
| Maker's tricks | Maker scores | Each opponent scores |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 2 |
| 1 | 0 | 2 |
| 2 | 0 | 2 |
| 3 | 1 | 0 |
| 4 | 1 | 0 |
| 5 | 3 | 0 |
The march is worth 3 here, not 2 as in the four-player game. Some older rules instead set a euchred maker back 2 points rather than paying each opponent. Each player keeps their own score; first to 10 wins.
Other three-player versions
- Seven cards each: some players deal 7 cards to each of the three players, leaving 3 in the kitty. The maker then needs more tricks, and scoring is adjusted. Agree on the numbers first.
- Buck euchre: a different game for three or four players, also called dirty clubs. Everyone starts at 15 points and counts down by one for every trick won.
Our online game is the four-player partnership game, with computer partners if you are short of people.
If you like Euchre, try
Pinochle
2–4 players · 45 min · Rewards practice
Bid, meld and take tricks with the 48-card deck. Partners or two players.
Canasta
2–6 players · 60 min · Learn in a game or two
Meld sevens of a kind with your partner. Red threes are a bonus.
Cribbage
2–4 players · 20 min · Learn in a game or two
Race your pegs to 121. Count fifteens, pairs and runs.
Questions people ask
Can you play euchre with 3 people?
Yes. In three-handed or cutthroat euchre, everyone plays for themselves. Whoever calls trump plays alone against the other two, who team up for that hand only.
How many cards do you deal in 3 player euchre?
Five each, from the usual 24-card deck. One card is turned up, and the other 8 stay face down in the kitty.
How do you score cutthroat euchre?
The maker scores 1 point for 3 or 4 tricks and 3 for all 5. If the maker is euchred (fewer than 3 tricks), each opponent scores 2.
What is the difference between cutthroat euchre and buck euchre?
Cutthroat or three-handed euchre is regular euchre with each player on their own. Buck euchre (also sold as "dirty clubs") is a different game where everyone starts at 15 and counts down; some people also call it cut-throat euchre.
How many points do you play to in 3 player euchre?
Usually 10, the same as the four-player game. Each player keeps their own score.