The game is played in a Partnership format, with two Teams opposing each other. The pack consists of 24 cards in four suits - from the nine through the Ace. The Joker is not used.

Dealer of the first hand is determined by dealing out the cards until someone receives the first Jack. The dealer shuffles the cards, and offers the deck to the first player on his right. Five cards are then dealt to each player in a clockwise fashion and in sets of twos and threes. Players may agree to a deal of one card at a time. The remaining four cards are placed in the middle of the table, and the top card is turned up to determine trump (for that hand). If a card is exposed during the deal, or an incorrect number of cards is dealt, then the deal is voided.

SCORING AND GAME LIMIT

The game limit is ten points; that is, the first Team to reach ten points is the winner. Scoring is accomplished as follows:

Note: One of the players is designated as the Scorer for each game by mutual consent or a "cut" of the cards.

Note: The Scoresheet must be signed by all 4 players in order to sanction the results (before scores are officially recorded).

DETERMINING OR "MAKING" TRUMP

When the trump is designated (upturned card), the Eldest player (person to the dealer' s left) has the option of ordering up the upturned card into the dealer' s hand if he (the Eldest player) wants that suit for trump. The dealer then takes up the trump into his hand and discards one card, face down into the middle pack. If the Eldest hand does not want the upturned suit as trump, he may pass. Then the dealer' s partner may "assist" by asking his partner (the dealer) to take the upturned card into his hand. Or the partner of the dealer may pass in which case the third player, or "Pone", (person to the right of the dealer) may order the upturned card into the dealer' s hand, while accepting that suit as trump. If all three players pass, the dealer may accept the upturned card for trump (in which case he makes the aforementioned exchange), or he may "turn it down"(if he does not want that suit for trump).

If all four players pass, then the Eldest hand has the first opportunity to name trump by calling any suit other than the original suit (turned up card.) If the Eldest hand passes, then each player in rotation has the same choice. Four more passes result in an "abandoned" deal, and the deal now rotates to the left. Any player who "makes" trump may opt to play "alone", and his partner is now inactive for the rest of the hand. Either defender may also defend "alone". Once a card is played, the final choice is official.

RANKING OF CARDS

• The trump suit is ranked from high to low as follows: Right Bower (Jack of Trump Suit); Left Bower (Jack of same color Suit); Ace; King; Queen; Ten; Nine



• The suit of the same color is ranked: A-K-Q-10-9



• Other suits are ranked: A-K-Q-J-10-9



• Three cards are always an "unknown" quantity, as they repose in the middle pack of 4 cards

THE PLAY OF THE HAND

The player to the left of the dealer makes the opening lead of any card, and the other players follow in rotation. Suit must be followed if possible; otherwise any card may be discarded, or a trump may be played. The highest trump always wins the trick, or highest card in the first led side suit. The winner of the previous trick now leads to the next trick, until the entire hand is played out. Suffice to say, the side that makes trump must take at least three tricks or suffer a "set" or "Euchre" (refer to scoring section).

IRREGULARITIES AND PENALTIES

• Revoke
  If a player trumps or discards when able to follow the suit led, this is a Revoke. If it is corrected before the next trick is led, this is "Renounce", and the incorrectly played card becomes a Penalty card. (and must be played at first legal opportunity). If the next trick is led to, the Revoke is now established and the penalty is loss of bid and credit to the opponents for their bid.
  
  Note: This Rule applies to this event only.



• Bid or declaration out of turn
  If a player bids out of rotation, the incorrect bid is cancelled and now reverts to the proper position. However, the opponents do have the right to accept the improper bid, in which case said bidder's call will count, and the other three players will proceed in rotation.



• Lead out turn
  If a player leads out of turn, said lead may be accepted by either or both opponents (who have the right to consult). The incorrect lead may be rejected, in which case the card becomes a Penalty Card (and must be played at the first legal opportunity). If the opponents are "damaged" by the improper lead, the Director will adjudicate accordingly.



• Deal out of turn
  If a player deal when it is not his/her turn, and it is discovered before the upcard is turned, the deal is voided, and reverts to the proper position. If the upcard has been turned, the deal is official, and the hand is played out. The deal reverts to the proper position for the next hand.

The Director must be called in the event of any irregularities or Penalty situations. Please do not make your own rulings!

Good Luck and have an enjoyable Tournament!

FORMAT FOR MSO EVENT - AUGUST 2000

All Teams are guaranteed four qualifying Rounds, which are progressively Swiss-Paired, as in Chess Tournaments. First Round Pairings are randomized. Then, Teams with identical or similar records are paired together after every Round. Playoffs are single-elimination, and Teams are seeded according to their qualifying round performance. Pairings will always be posted at least 10 minutes in advance of each round.

The Director will have the discretion to modify the above Format in order to accommodate additional players, or to adhere to the Posted schedule for the Tournament.