If you get to Charlie's in time for 5PM cards on Sunday, well, it's going to be you and a few lonely drag queens. The rest of us will be there in time for 6PM cards, so don't forget, sign-up begins around 5:30PM, and play starts at 6PM. Be there, or be trapezoidal.

Your weather for the week, provided by the meteorologists at WFLD-TV Fox Chicago.

TUESDAY - 44 / 35 Sunny
WEDNESDAY - 60 / 52 Thunderstorms
THURSDAY - 64 / 50 Thunderstorms
FRIDAY - 62 / 47 Thunderstorms
SATURDAY - 63 / 49 Partly Cloudy
SUNDAY - 66 / 55 Sunny

A special shout-out goes to ECC member Paul Zehren, who recently played his 100th night of Euchre since our year began on July 1. Perhaps we can all get together and get Paul a boyfriend...or a gerbil.

Saturday, April 14 Next Variation Night

Congratulations to the following recent winners:

Wednesday, March 7 - Tom Tibbie with a 53!
Saturday, March 10 - Geoff Dankert with a 51!
Sunday, March 11 - Phil Forbes with a 53!
Wednesday, March 14 - John Romalis with a 51!
Saturday, March 17 - Scott Dillavou with a 52!
Sunday, March 18 - Eric Walbruch with a 52!

You have just one more night to catch Chicago's premiere a capella swing trio, Nocturne (featuring ECC member Brian Harder), presenting Swingin' Night Music on Wednesday March 21 at Davenport's Piano Bar and Cabaret located at 1383 N. Milwaukee Avenue. The show will begin at 8:00pm. Tickets are only $10 and reservations can be made at 773-278-1830.

Formed in 2003, Nocturne is a three-man a cappella swing trio that specializes in period music from the 30's and 40's. Clever arrangements and detailed harmonies give each song a fresh new sound while still respecting the beautiful melodies that were originally written. Visit their web site at www.my space.com/nocturnetrio or call Brian Harder at 773-680-5023.

"I'm going to ride The Marv right out the door!"

ECC member Dan Hansen. Sometimes you can just make up your own jokes for these.

Dear Hoyle: I dealt and picked up the upcard to make diamonds trump. Why on earth did our opponents lead the 9 of diamonds? It made no sense, and we ended up getting set. Really pissed me off, I have to say. – Confused?

Dear Confused:
You answered your own question there, kiddo, when you revealed that the strategy successfully got you set. This lead is very risky and can throw an entire table into confusion, but it's a great idea if you, the leader, have a lot of aces. By pulling out trump (even your partner's), you make your aces very valuable, and hopefully will flummox the trump-caller enough that you'll set him. Or the whole thing can blow up in your face and you'll be branded the guy who has no idea how to play cards. Your choice.

If you have a question about Euchre strategy, ECC club rules, relationships or just life in general, send an e-mail to resident expert Hoyle at euchrechicago@yahoo.com. We promise all e- mails are anonymous, and the answers may just surprise you.