r/euchre

Does our lack of strength in hearts and over-strength in diamonds make this one an order up or still a pass?

I’ve been heeding the advice of Mamba and I75 and trying to donate less. These are the latest 3 hands I’ve donated. When I look at these hands, I see very weak to zero defense. Which of these hands are good or bad donates and why? (Yes, there is a Pink Floyd reference in the title IYKYK)

Edit: in all 3 scenarios, my RHO is a leaderboard opponent

Was subbing for WWE last night and this one got a little crazy. Some “don’t try this at home” loners were had.

I didn’t know if I should “play smart” or “play hand not method” so I just played lucky.

What do you call? What's your plan?

Assume the Kh was turned down

I am objectively better in every other suit. But I dont get to put a void and Right in my partners hand in every other suit.

0-0 Its not shown but Roy orders the Q of diamonds. Always trump in above the ordered card.

0-1. Auto order that I think many in the 2500 are missing. Not all but many. I decide to lead the Right on this hand. 85% chance my partner has 2 trump here. I want to risk that to promote my other ace.

1-1 Is a pass i would have called next on. Spade lead fishing for a trump in by partner to promote my ace guarded or catch a Roy A of spades.

1-2 Auto loner. Only way partner helps is if they hold the right. Its not worth bringing them.

2-2 Again the only way partner helps is with the A of Hearts and if they lead it its possibly not helping at all if dealer trumps it. Not only is partner not helping here i believe i am possibly better without them going for just 2 points. But I am not positive on that.

6-2 next well covered and a reverse next call available. Pass.

7-2 I almost make the dirty spade lead here to give my partner a shot. But my hand has nothing other than that terrible Q doubleton. So I keep it.

7-3 Auto pick up here. I know Roy has some real strength calling from seat 3 here. This Right lead was a big think. The reason for it was simple. I am gonna make Roy earn this. No cheap trump in by seat 1 here. I would have liked to think seat 1 would have lead trump already but I didn't want to risk it. This one is gonna be between myself and Roy.

9-3 At this score vs a J i donate if I cant stop it.

9-5 Partner makes a good pick up. We just dont have the horses.

9-7 Another Big think. I have reasons to pass. I have some stoppers and the Left makes a loner less likely. I regret not ordering this. Its an old discussion on here had plenty of times. The sim will back me up but I dont know if I like the pass.

9-9 Nice stress free hand thank goodness. Did not want this one to get away after a 9-3 lead.

Grit your teeth and pick up or hope partner can do something in another suit?

I passed this. Did not want them making trump at 8-8 with deal going to them.

Banked on seat 3 being nervous to call at 8-8.

We marched spades on partner call.

It worked out but I’m curious if it was the right move long-term.

Sorry Meow! I dont blame you. Thats a super tough call. I dont know what i would do in your spot.

Tonight, I read u/thejoggler44 ‘s comment:

“In my testing, every 3-2 trump/suit distribution is better to call than to pass with the exception of holding next cards. Of course score may affect this too.”

Did I read that correctly? I had to try it. LOL. Was not expecting this result.

I argued for ordering. I made the point that if the right is down its an auto win.

This hand does not have the good diamonds call to follow. So maybe most agree just order the spade.

Glad I didn’t order him up!