After the birds have been shattered and the scores tallied, the Clay Busters are known to head to the clubhouse for a little refreshment and relaxation. Most often, this means cold cans of your favorite barley pop. Occasionally, it means the enjoyment of some of venison. And from time to time, it means enjoying a little 500.
Now for those of you who don't know your Butler County Rules from your Franklin County Rules, we'll keep this simple. 500 is a trump-based game, with partners, that involves bidding and trick-taking. But more to the point, it involves cunning, guile and a heaping helping of smack talk.
And on this recent Tuesday night, the Veteran Iowegians were outgunned by the Novice Wisconsinites. Steeped in their own cultural tradition of Sheepshead (the preferred card game of the Badger State) and Euchre (what you play when you don't have enough people or have had one too many barley pops), the Wisconsin team took two of three games in this battle of wits.
We're proud to share this pastime with our readers, and equally proud to announce that Dane County Rules are forthcoming - likely to include the elimination of the joker and the incredibly lame "No Trump" call - as well as other general improvements to this fine game.
