It’s been called “The People’s Card Game.”
It’s the game that introduced the Joker into the modern card deck.
Most importantly, Euchre is as Midwest as it gets.
At Jupmode, we love highlighting the people, places, and things that make our region unique. Today, we’re celebrating a true pillar of Midwestern culture: Euchre.
Let’s learn:
- Why Midwesterners love to play Euchre
- Which Euchre catchphrases are perfect for t-shirts
- Where to find Euchre- and Midwestern-themed apparel and gifts
Why Are Midwesterners So in Love With Euchre?
How did Euchre come to be a Midwestern classic? The game’s history isn’t entirely clear.
Euchre is definitely connected to the German people and language, but it’s not known whether or not Germany is the game’s actual birthplace.
The game seems to have spread from German immigrants in Pennsylvania in the early 1800s. It may have been brought over from Germany, or it could have been created in Pennsylvania.
A second theory proposes that Euchre evolved from a card game called Jucker or Juckerspiel that was played in France’s Alsace region.
Curiously, the game spread far and wide, but its popularity became extremely regional. Today, Euchre remains popular in:
- Great Britain
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Canada
- The American Midwest
The American region where Euchre is most popular has been dubbed the Euchre Belt and consists of these six states:
- Michigan
- Ohio
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Pennsylvania
Plenty of Euchre is played in neighboring states like Wisconsin and New York, too.
Around 200 years ago, Euchre hit the Midwest, and it never left. It’s a game of social strategy and collaboration. It just seems to strike a chord with the Midwestern spirit.
Like most great games, Euchre has its own unique lingo. At Jupmode, when we see a catchphrase, we see a t-shirt. Here are a few of our favorites. Bust these out for your next Euchre night, or gift one to the card shark in your family.
1 - Pick It Up, I’m Going Alone
In the entire card game universe, is there a better catchphrase?
When you know you’ve got the cards to fly solo, there’s no better feeling than uttering these words: “Pick it up, I’m going alone.”
The phrase is just so full of swagger. It sounds like something a superhero might say before running into a burning building to save some kittens.
Of all the apparel designs we’ve created, the “Pick It Up, I’m Going Alone” tee is one of Jupmode’s most enthusiastically reviewed items. People love gifting this item to their Euchre buddy who treats “going alone” like the glorious mission that it truly is.
Here’s what people are saying:
”Such a fun gift for my dad! I waited until he actually said these words in the course of a game then brought out the shirt. Epic family memory created.”
— Kat M., ★★★★★ Verified Jupmode T-Shirt Buyer
”Euchre is our family "thing". We were tickled to see this shirt. We have purchased two! Thank you!”
— Nancy J., ★★★★★ Verified Jupmode T-Shirt Buyer
”The shirt was a birthday gift for my 80-year old Euchre playing father. It was a huge hit!”
— Anonymous, ★★★★★ Verified Jupmode T-Shirt Buyer
”My dad is a huge Euchre nut so he was overly excited for this sweatshirt. Material is soft and high quality.”
— Anonymous, ★★★★★ Verified Jupmode T-Shirt Buyer
Like most Jupmode t-shirts, the “Pick It Up, I’m Going Alone” tee is a poly/cotton/rayon tri-blend. It’s a super soft, comfy, and stretchy shirt—perfect for game nights.
This design is also available on a cozy crew sweatshirt. The “Pick It Up, I’m Going Alone” sweatshirt is a unisex, relaxed fit cotton and polyester blend fleece.
2 - In the Barn
When you’re “in the barn,” you’ve got nine points … just one away from victory.
To anyone unfamiliar with the card game, this “In the Barn” tee might just seem like a farm-themed shirt—but when you sport it at your next Euchre night, there’ll be no mistaking the catchphrase.
This shirt is gray with bubbly cherry-red lettering. You might not catch it at first glance, but look closer to pick out the unmistakable pointed shape of a classic red barn.
3 - Pass on the Bower, Lose for an Hour
Pass on a bower? Not a chance.
The “Pass on a Bower, Lose for an Hour” shirt celebrates the power of the bowers, the highest-ranking trump cards in a Euchre deck.
The bower isn’t just a key aspect of gameplay. It’s also an interesting connection to the game’s German roots. Bower comes from bauer, the German word for a farmer or peasant.
This shirt might be a bit confusing to those who have never sat down for a game of Euchre. However, those who know the game will quickly recognize that they’re in the presence of a true card shark.
Celebrate Midwest Game Nights With a Euchre-Themed T-Shirt
At Jupmode, we make apparel and gifts for people who love the American Midwest.
We carry special themed collections for Michigan, Ohio, and the Great Lakes region.
We’re also suckers for any cultural phenomena that qualifies as Midwestern—such as Euchre.
Is Euchre a long-standing tradition in your family? Do you play a weekly game with friends? Surprise your crew with a set of Euchre Club t-shirts or Euchre Club drink koozies.
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Euchre Club T-Shirt |
Euchre Club Drink Koozie |
”Euchre Club koozie & sweatshirt were the perfect gifts for my Euchre-playing family gift exchange.”
— Anonymous, ★★★★★ Verified Jupmode Buyer
If you come through Toledo, Ohio, visit one of our two retail stores. Elsewhere, you can order your Midwest-themed apparel and gifts online anytime.
We ship via the United States Postal Service (USPS). Shipped items normally arrive within 7–10 days of order placement. Shipping is free for all orders over $75.
Frequently Asked Questions
Stop by the Jupmode blog for more buying guides and Midwestern cultural explorations. See below for answers to a few of our most frequently asked questions, or visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.
Where are Jupmode’s retail locations?
The Jupmode stores are located in Toledo, Ohio at these addresses:
Jupmode Adams Street
(419) 318-2029
2022 Adams Street
Toledo, Ohio 43604 (click here for directions)
(Mon–Fri 11 am–6 pm, Saturday 11 am–4 pm)
Jupmode Cricket West
(419) 573-2666
3142 Markway Road
Toledo, Ohio 43606 (click here for directions)
(Tues–Sat 11 am–6 pm, Sunday 10 am–4 pm)
Does Jupmode apparel shrink when it’s washed?
Most Jupmode shirts are made with a polyester, cotton, and rayon tri-blend. This combination doesn’t shrink much, if at all.
We also use a 50/50 poly/cotton blend for some items. This blend is also mostly shrink-proof.
Additionally, Jupmode sweatpants and sweatshirts are pre-shrunk. Therefore, there’s minimal potential for post-purchase shrinkage. However, some shrinking can occur if you dry your fleece or cotton items with high heat. We recommend hang-drying fleece and cotton items or tumble drying using low heat.
Does Jupmode take custom printing orders?
Jupmode offers custom screen printing and embroidery. We love working on custom orders for local businesses, non-profit groups, schools, and special events.
Learn more about custom orders here.
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