01How it works
Ordering up as the dealer’s partner gives your own team an extra trump, because the turned card goes into your partner’s hand. Tables that think this is too easy require the orderer to play alone, with the dealer still picking up the card and then sitting out.
Under the standard rules there is no such requirement: the dealer’s partner orders up, the dealer picks up and discards, and both play.
02What the numbers say
In our simulation data, calls by the dealer’s partner succeed more often than calls from any other seat, because the dealer’s pickup adds a trump to the making team. That is the advantage this house rule is designed to remove.
03Questions
- Can you order up your partner in euchre?
- Yes, under standard rules. Some house rules require the dealer’s partner to go alone if they order up the dealer.
- Why would you order up your partner?
- The turned card goes to your team, so a hand that is borderline in your seat becomes a solid call with your partner’s extra trump.
04Related rules
- Defending aloneWhen a maker goes alone, one defender may also declare alone. Their partner sits out, and if the lone defender takes three or more tricks, the defenders score 4 points instead of 2.
- Stick the dealerIf every player passes in both rounds of bidding, the dealer may not pass a second time. The dealer must name a trump suit, other than the suit that was turned down.