Though each geographical region has its own rules and mannerisms for the game, the general objective and format is consistent throughout the world. Euchre is a trick-based game (no, not the "Pick a card, Any card" type of trick). A trick is defined as a group (of cards) formed in a round of play into which each player contributes one card. To better explain, other popular trick-based card games include Hearts (recently growing in popularity due to the Microsoft Hearts Network), Spades, Pinochle and Bridge (the latter two popular amongst the 80-120-age bracket, heh-heh). Even the ever-popular War is to some extent a trick-based game. An abridged deck of 24 to 33 cards is utilized. Euchre has been traditionally played by 4 players (normally referred to by their positional names: North, East, West and South), though variations allow from 2 to 6 players in a game. Games can be played in either an across-the-table partnership (North-South & East-West) or in a solo competitor contest (every player for themselves). Each player (except in the 2-player version) is dealt 5 cards. The mainstay of the game: take as many of the 5 tricks as possible! New hands are then re-dealt and played until one player or team reaches the goal (in points).