Euchre’s Alsatian Origins and the Swiss Connection
The Alsace Region: A Crossroads of Cultures
Nestled between France, Germany, and Switzerland, Alsace is a region steeped in history, cultural fusion, and—of particular interest to us—a rich tradition of card playing. This unique region, now part of France, has long been influenced by its Germanic and Swiss neighbors. The people of Alsace historically spoke Alsatian, a dialect closely related to Swiss German, and their traditions reflect a blend of German, French, and Swiss influences.
Given its location at the crossroads of Europe, Alsace has been a melting pot of language, food, architecture, and yes—card games. This is where Euchre likely first took root before spreading across the Atlantic, eventually becoming one of America’s most beloved trick-taking games.
The Birthplace of Euchre
Historical evidence suggests that Euchre evolved from Jucker, a game played in Alsace and southwestern Germany in the 18th century. The game later spread to the United States via German immigrants, particularly those who settled in Pennsylvania and the Midwest. The name "Euchre" itself may derive from the Alsatian or Germanic word "Jucker", meaning joker—a nod to the trumping mechanics central to the game.
Interestingly, Euchre also became a favorite among Swiss card players, especially in regions where Swiss-German dialects are spoken. The influence of Jass, Switzerland’s national card game, is evident in the evolution of Euchre’s trick-taking mechanics and trumps.
The Brünig-Napf-Reuss Line and Its Connection to Alsace
Switzerland has its own internal linguistic and cultural boundaries, most notably the Brünig-Napf-Reuss line. This divide separates High Alemannic Swiss German (spoken in Zurich, Lucerne, and central Switzerland) from Low Alemannic Swiss German (spoken in Bern, Basel, and Aargau).
Much like Alsace, where linguistic and cultural influences from Germany, France, and Switzerland intermingle, Switzerland itself is divided by dialect and cultural nuances. In both Alsace and Switzerland, these regional differences extend to card games, which vary depending on whether one is closer to France, Germany, or the Alps.
Playing Cards: Alsace, Switzerland, and the U.S.
Different regions use different card decks, which has influenced how games like Euchre, Jass, and Skat developed.
Alsace & Germany: Traditionally use German-suited cards with suits of Hearts, Bells, Acorns, and Leaves.
Switzerland: Uses a variation of German-suited cards, with Roses, Bells, Acorns, and Shields in its Swiss-Jass deck.
United States: Uses the French-suited deck (Hearts, Diamonds, Clubs, and Spades), which was standardized by the British and later became dominant in American Euchre.
Early versions of Euchre played in the U.S. likely incorporated Jokers or Bowers as unique trump cards, which were influenced by the special Ober and Unter face cards in Germanic decks.
Other Card Games Rooted in Alsace and Switzerland
The tradition of trick-taking card games runs deep in the region. Aside from Euchre and Jass, other notable games with Alsatian or Swiss-German connections include:
Jass - This is the national card game of Switzerland, but it has strong Alsatian and southwestern German influences and is played in Swiss-American communities like New Glarus today.
Piquet – A French trick-taking game that was widely played in Alsace.
Belote – A close relative of Piquet, still popular in France and Alsace.
Skat – A German card game influenced by Alsatian and Swiss traditions.
Binokel – A game related to Pinochle, played in Alsace and parts of Germany.
These games share mechanics with Euchre, particularly in how they determine trumps and how players use strategy to control the flow of tricks.
Alsace, Switzerland, and New Glarus, Wisconsin: A Full-Circle Connection
New Glarus, Wisconsin—the headquarters of the World Euchre Federation and the World Euchre Championship—has deep ties to Switzerland, and by extension, to the gaming traditions of Alsace. Founded by Swiss immigrants in the mid-19th century, New Glarus has preserved Swiss-German culture, including its love for card games.
Euchre’s Alsatian-Swiss-German heritage makes its home in New Glarus particularly fitting. The game, much like the town’s European roots, represents a bridge between the old world and the new, carrying forward a tradition that started in the heart of Europe and continues to thrive in America’s Midwest.
Whether you're playing Euchre in Wisconsin, Switzerland, or Alsace, you’re part of a centuries-old tradition that unites card players across time and borders.
Want to learn more about Euchre’s deep history? Stay tuned for more insights, and don’t forget to sign up for the World Euchre Championship in New Glarus!
