2 Handed Euchre: How to Play with Two Players
Quick answer
2 handed euchre plays like the four-player game, but each player is on their own. Deal 5 cards each, turn one up, and bid for trump in two rounds. The caller must win at least 3 of the 5 tricks.
Scoring is the same: 1 point for 3 or 4 tricks, 2 for all 5, and 2 to the other player for a euchre. Play to 10, or to 5 for a short game.
Use the 24-card deck, or 32 for more action
The standard euchre deck has 24 cards: 9 through ace in each suit. Older rule books for two players use 32 cards, adding the 7s and 8s as the lowest cards. Both work. With fewer cards in play, a bigger deck makes it harder to guess what the other player holds.
Deal five cards each; most of the deck stays down
The dealer gives each player 5 cards, in packets of 2 then 3 (or 3 then 2), and turns the next card face up.
- Dealer5 cards
- Non-dealer5 cards
- Up-card1 card, face up
- Left face down13 cards, face down
Calling trump: the non-dealer speaks first
- Round one: the non-dealer may order up the up-card or pass. Then the dealer may pick it up or pass.
- If the up-card is taken, the dealer adds it to their hand and discards one card face down.
- Round two: if both pass, turn the card down. The non-dealer, then the dealer, may name any other suit.
- If both pass again, throw the hand in and the other player deals. Or play “stick the dealer” if you prefer no throw-ins.
The bowers work as usual: the jack of trump is highest, then the other jack of the same colour.
Play five tricks; score like the four-player game
The non-dealer leads the first trick. Follow suit if you can. The higher trump wins, or the higher card of the suit led. The winner leads next.
| Caller's tricks | Who scores | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 3 or 4 | Caller | 1 |
| All 5 (a march) | Caller | 2 |
| 0, 1 or 2 (euchred) | Other player | 2 |
There is no going alone: you are already alone. The traditional two-handed game was played to 5 points; many players now play to 10.
With two players, every trick is a duel
- Call lighter. Only 10 of the cards are in play, so two trumps and an ace can be enough.
- Remember what was turned down. It tells you one card the other player does not hold, unless they are the dealer and picked it up.
- Count trumps. Most trumps stay in the undealt cards, so the other player often holds only one or two.
Want a real partner instead? Our online game is the classic four-player version, with computer players filling the other three seats.
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 2 players?
Yes. Two-handed euchre uses the same deal, bidding and scoring as the four-player game, but each player plays alone. Each gets 5 cards.
How many cards do you deal in 2 handed euchre?
Five each, the same as with four. With a 24-card deck, one card is turned up and 13 are left face down.
Do you use 24 or 32 cards for two-handed euchre?
Either. The old rule books (for example the 1911 Britannica) use 32 cards, with the 7s and 8s. Many players today use the normal 24. More cards left over means more surprises.
How do you score 2 player euchre?
Like the four-player game: 1 point for winning 3 or 4 tricks after calling trump, 2 for all 5, and 2 to the other player if the caller is euchred. There is no going alone, since you already play alone.
Who leads first in two-handed euchre?
The non-dealer leads the first trick. After that, whoever wins a trick leads the next one.