Spades Standings | Recent Spades Activity

Back In Fashion

ARLINGTON, VA - Spades has been the predominant game of choice in Northern Virginia for upwards of a year now, so it came as somewhat of a surprise when Euchre was suggested as an option some weeks back. Once considered the jewel of the card-playing crown, Euchre fell on hard times after its heyday in 1995. Since then, Hearts and Spades have stepped to the fore. No one has ever been able to understand the reasons behind Euchre's untimely demise, but it quickly faded from the collective consciousness. Yet just as none were aware of the impetus for its disappearance, none can easily explain its mysterious return. For better or worse, though, Euchre is back, and early results indicate that it may be here to stay.

When the Gunslinger strode into town for two weeks in mid-May, the subject of Euchre first reared its ugly head. Due to its somewhat complex nature and tendency to elicit duplicity from participants, the players gathered that day were somewhat tentative. It only seemed natural, however, to allow Euchre to return while in the presence of the man who brought it into being in the first place. With Avon, Lone Star, Godking, and Vixen present, return it did, and the same energy which once pervaded card tables in Washington returned with a vengeance.ed: Minus an occasional tutorial along the way in college.) As these four brave players began to familiarize themselves with the process, the games took on some old dynamics and some new ones. Avon's patented boldness returned - it was a characteristic numerous friends and foes alike had come to count on. Star's daring made only token appearances, potentially hibernating with the migration to Spades. And Godking's Spades bravado surfaced in Euchre, leading some at the table to speculate that certain things never change.

Early results were as expected when a pair of more experienced players play a pair of lesser experiences ones, as Lone Star and Avon rolled over their competitors, three games to none. Godking and Vixen clearly learned some important items, however, as they returned two weeks later to split two games against Lone Star and new player Puff Daddy. With some out-of-town legends returning in the coming weeks, the cards may once again hit the table, and do not be surprised if Euchre is called for. As they say, old habits die hard, and Euchre is one of the oldest habits of all.

Submitted 6/17/99.

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