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A Euchre tournament is about to kick off in Kelowna where the best pair of Euchre players in the city will be determined.

Hosted by JCI Kelowna, all levels of card players are encouraged to join the fun competition.

“I’m originally from Ontario and we played at the cottage growing up,” David Kemp with JCI Kelowna said. “At first we couldn’t find anyone to play in the Okanagan but it’s gearing up.”

A popular trick-taking card game played in pairs, Euchre is believed to have originated in the early 19 century in the states and spread to Ontario where it became a part of life, especially at cottage, university break rooms and family gatherings, according to a JCI Kelowna.

Kemp said many Ontarians living in the Okanagan play the game, and more Okanagan residents are learning. The chapter recently hosted a “learn to play Euchre” night.

“We put it out there to have a social and teach our own members how to play and people were grabbing their parents and grandparents to come out to learn,” Kemp said.

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In Euchre, two pairs of players play against each other, winning rounds and trying to be the first to score 10 points. The deck is modified to use only the ace, king, queen, jack, 10 and 9 of all suits. There are five rounds of play and the object of every round is to win the “trick” for the round, and the play includes bidding, strategy and cheating.

JCI Kelowna is one chapter of a worldwide organization of young people who work to improve their communities. The Kelowna chapter has been around since 1935.

“We are focused on creating leadership opportunities and personal development for those ages 18 to 40,” Kemp said. “It’s about supporting good active citizens in the community who go out and create a great place.”

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The Kelowna Euchre Tournament is on April 1 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the German Canadian Harmonie Club with proceeds going to JCI Kelowna to support the work they do in the community.

Each team is guaranteed five games, with prizes for first, second and third place. Drinks and a barbecue dinner will be served for an additional cost.

Tickets and sponsorships are available here. 

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