This is a set of signs made with the use of checks. In making these
signs a white check counts one, a piece of silver or a colored check
counts five; often when colored checks or silver are not handy,
matches are used instead. The count of checks corresponds to the size
of the cards. One colored check would denote a pair of fives, or three
fives, when used in a certain way, which I will endeavor to explain
fully. Of course, all these different signs are used between two men,
who are in league with each other in order to cheat a game. The first
sign in this set is the sorting of cards, which means that the hand
is no good. Should this sign not be given, the partner will look for
the sign denoting what is held. When one man wishes to show that he
has a pair, he holds the check or cards in the right hand, slightly to
the left of his body. For instance, a white cheek held in the right
hand, nearly in front of the heart, would denote that a pair of aces
were held. Two checks, a pair of deuces, and so on to eleven, which
signifies jacks; twelve, queens, and thirteen, kings. For two pair,
the head pair is shown, the checks being held squarely in front. For
instance, aces up would be shown by holding one white check up in
front of the body. For three of a kind, the same sign is used, merely
the check is held a little to the right of the body. Three colored and
one white would signify that a straight was held; four colored and one
white would signify that a flush was held; five colored and one white
check would signify that a full house was held; six colored and one
white would mean four of a kind; two colored checks, together in the
palm of the hand, means a straight flush.