A classic strategy in euchre is Second Hand Low. The strategy is a trust play that allows for a partner a chance to win a necessary trick. It doesn’t always work, but it could mean the difference from winning two points instead of one.

Here is an example of Second Hand Low:

Score E/W: 4 N/S : 4	North (Dealer) Unknown	Trump
West Unknown		East Unknown
	South  void A 10 J Q 9

South declared diamonds trump and is holding:

.

East leads off with the precarious .

There is no way that East believes that the Q will make it around the table, and it is obvious that East is getting rid of a singleton card to become two suited. The question remains for South who is holding the ace. If South trumps the Q, South could potentially ruff a winning A from North’s hand.  Not to mention, South will only be left with one trump. Leaving any remaining tricks defenseless.

South ended up playing the hand low with the 9, leaving a 50% chance of North winning the trick. South will eventually have to play 9 , leaving an entire trick up to North. What better time will South have in order to let North win a trick?

Besides, if North doesn’t win the trick, South will still have two trumsp and an off-suit ace win 3 tricks.