2008 GRAND PRIX EUCHRE - RULES / FORMAT

Please note: There are two consecutive events, The Main Event (Partners) and the Round Robin Event (Singles). The Main Event has a registration time of 4 - 6 PM on Friday evening , and a start time of 7 PM. The Round Robin Consolation event is held on Saturday evening at 7:30 PM.

All players must review these rules prior to the start of the event. If there are any questions, the Tournament Director will be available to clarify any questions.

In the Partners (Main) event, Pairs will draw RANDOMLY for their first Round table assignment. The "Stationary" Team at a given table (designated by the terminology "North / South") stays put, and the other Team (designated by the terminology "East/West") moves to the next HIGHEST numbered table. (One "Tens" game is played for each of sixteen rounds, that is, one game against sixteen different opponents. The schedule must be followed as posted below.

At the end of the qualifiers, the eight best teams, the "Elite Eight", will advance to the playoffs. The basis of this is the Won-Loss records of all teams. Any ties will be broken by Head to Head (if applicable) results, and, if necessary, the total points scored for all games. Playoff games are the best three out of five TENS games. The Finals are the best four out of seven games.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

To determine the first deal of the game, cards will be dealt face up until a player receives any Jack. That player then becomes the dealer; from there, the deal rotates clockwise each hand. Cards must be properly shuffled. The deck is then offered for a "cut" to the player seated to the right of the dealer. Cards may be dealt one at a time, or by the traditional 2's and 3's. It is always Dealer's choice as to the preference of deal style; however, that person's deal style must be maintained during the round. A "Cut Card" will be used in order to conceal the bottom card before the deal commences.

Bidding starts with the Eldest hand (left of the dealer), after the upcard is turned. The only language which is allowed during the bidding phase is:

PASS (OR "I PASS") AND "PICK IT UP" - (Knocking, waving your hand, saying "I'll assist" or "I'll order to you", or "That's Trump" , "Turning It Down", etc., are not acceptable.) A player must consistent with his calls.

ALONE (LONERS) - A team declaring a Loner must clearly state this intention by saying "Alone" or "Stay Home", "I'm going alone." The declaration of a Loner in this manner does not provide any information to the partner. When a Loner is declared, the partner of the Loner bidder MUST drop his hand face down, and move it across the table to his partner. There is no Penalty for stating a Loner as long as the language and declaration is not too excessive!

TRUMP CUBE - You cannot ask "What is Trump"? The dealer will have a trump cube, and when the trump is named by anyone, the dealer will turn the cube to the appropriate suit, and that will show to everyone what the trump is. When the hand is over, the cube is then passed to the left, and the next dealer.

If four passes occur, a second round of bidding commences. The turned down card is placed face up under the kitty. "Stick the Dealer" does not apply, and a redeal will then occur. IF THE SECOND DEAL IS PASSED BY ALL, THEN THE DEALER WILL FORFEIT HIS/HER DEAL FOR THAT HAND. A player may pick it the upcard or request another (eligible) player to pick up the upcard with any holding (a natural trump is not required). The dealer's partner may tell his partner to "Pick It Up" and is not be required to go alone. "Defensive loners" (bidding a Loner of your own against the opponents' Loner) are not allowed.

If three passes come around to the dealer, and the dealer opts to accept the upcard as trump, the dealer must name that suit by calling "Hearts", "Spades", "Diamonds" or "Clubs", whichever suit applies, and placing the trump cube on top of the kitty after the discard is completed. No other language (e.g., "that's trump" or "I'm taking it up") is allowed.

PLAY OF CARDS - Cards are not tossed randomly into the middle of the table, creating a mixed book of cards.

Instead, each player makes their play by placing a card in front of them. For example, imagine a twelve-inch square in the middle of the table. Your card is placed on the edge of that square. Thus, the four cards will be separated and easily identified as to who made what play. The winner of the trick picks it up, placing it face down in the standard fashion, leading to the next trick. Thus, there is no need to ask "who played what".

An official score sheet will be supplied to each player. "Tens" Games - All of the above Rules apply, and the scoring for the Classic game of Tens is used. Scores will be kept manually by EACH team on an Official Score form, which will be signed by a member of each Team upon completion of the Round. One score sheet should be returned to the TD's table. The results will then be posted to the World Series Official Wall Chart.

MORE ON SCORING

Although each game end when either side scores 10 points, it is quite POSSIBLE to score up to 13 points in a game (e.g. - a successful Loner at 9 points will yield a final score of 13 points.) Total points are used as a tie breaker if two teams have an equal number of wins and are vying for an "Elite Eight" Playoff position.

A declaring team scores 1 point if they take 3 or 4 tricks; 2 points if they take 5 tricks (a "Sweep" or "March") ; 4 points if they call a Loner and win all 5 tricks. A defending Team scores two points if they take 3 Tricks (a "Euchre").

MORE ON BIDDING

There are no "Defensive Loners" (same as Defending Alone).

THE SCHEDULE

The Final schedule will be posted prior to the start of Round 1 at 7 PM on Friday night.

IRREGULARITIES and PENALTIES

REVOKE (RENEGE):

Loss of bid and a 2 point penalty. The non offenders are also awarded two points.

REVOKE AGAINST A LONER:

The opponents (side which declares the loner) will score four points and the offending team will be penalized two points. (2 Penalty Points are deducted from the offender's score at the time of the infraction).

MISCELLANEOUS INFRACTIONS:

Lead out of turn - Penalty of two points. The improperly played card is a Penalty card, and must be played or discarded at first legal opportunity.
Prematurely exposed card (out of turn) - Penalty of two Points, and a Penalty card application.
A bid or call out of turn - Penalty of two Points
Tramming is not allowed. However, there is NO penalty on the last trick.

Do not make your own rulings. Please Call the TD or Host.
These rules may seem harsh; however, you are in the World Series of Euchre!