thesuntimesnews.com · Doug Marrin · September 8, 2026
Michigan Lawmakers Deal Euchre a Shot at Becoming the Official State Game - The Sun Times News
# Michigan Lawmakers Deal Euchre a Shot at Becoming the Official State Game
September 8, 2026
Doug Marrin
Here’s a political move perhaps all of us can agree on and this one comes with bowers, trump and the occasional argument over whether someone should have gone alone.
House Bill 6308, introduced Aug. 27, would designate euchre as the official game of Michigan, adding another symbol to its long list of official state designations. The legislation itself is uncharacteristically clear and straightforward: “Euchre is designated as the official game of this state.”
The bill has broad bipartisan sponsorship, with more than 60 representatives listed as sponsors, and was referred to the House Committee on Government Operations.
For many Michiganders, the proposal may simply put an official label on a game that has long been part of the state’s culture.
Euchre is generally played by four people divided into two teams, using a shortened deck containing the nine through ace in each suit.
A Game with European Roots
Pinning down exactly where euchre originated is more complicated than playing it.
Card-game historian John McLeod traces euchre to a game called Jucker, formerly played in Alsace, a region along the modern French-German border. The game reached the United States in the early 19th century and became particularly popular in the Midwest and Northeast.
That history also gave rise to some familiar euchre terminology. The word “bower” comes from the German Bauer, meaning “farmer” or “peasant.”
The joker was introduced into American card decks during the mid-1800s for use as the highest trump in euchre, originally known as the “best bower.” The word “joker” itself is believed to have developed from “Jucker” or “Euchre.”
House Bill 6308 still has several steps ahead before anyone can officially declare euchre Michigan’s game. It must advance from committee, pass the House and Senate and be signed by the governor.
But first, lawmakers must decide whether to pick it up or pass.
Featured photo: A hand of euchre cards. Michigan lawmakers are considering a bill that would designate euchre as the state’s official game. Photo: iStock
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