As mentioned in the case of Nap, any divergence from the plain game must
be carefully settled by the company before play is commenced, and failing
any special agreement it is understood that the rules of the simple game
are to be adhered to.
[26]
_CLUB LAW_.
This is the most common variation, and its object is to force a number of
loos, especially when a large number of players are engaged in the game.
When it is adopted, all the players have to stand on their own cards,
whenever the card turned up for trump proves to be a club. In that case
the miss is withdrawn, and is added to the undealt portion of the pack
without being exposed.
_UNLIMITED LOO_.
In this variation the penalty to be paid for a loo varies with the amount
in the pool, and becomes the same as the total stakes of the previous
deal. By the adoption of this variation a considerable sum may be lost
in a very few minutes, and, in consequence, it is not often played outside
the regular gambling clubs. Of course the amount goes on increasing by
rapid strides until a single occurs, when a fresh start is made with only
the stake of the dealer to fight for. At unlimited loo the amount payable
for the deal remains unaltered, no matter how much was in the pool the
previous round.
_MIXED LOO_.
This is played on the same lines as the unlimited variation, except that
a limit is fixed, beyond which the loo does not go. For instance, suppose
the original stakes to be 3_d_. for a deal, and 6_d_. for a loo--limited to
2_s_. 6_d_., a player would be looed the amount in the pool, up to the
limit, but if the amount exceeded the 2_s_. 6_d_., he would not be called
upon for a larger sum.
[27]
_FIVE-CARD LOO_.
This is the old-fashioned game, and we may go back to old books for a
description of it. It is said to be a much more amusing game than
three-card loo for a company not inclined to play for high stakes,
but is not suitable for more than six players, even if five should not be
regarded as the limit. Each of those engaged in the game has five cards
dealt him, either first three, and then two, or one at a time, the latter
method being by far the best, and the following card is turned up for
trump. There is no miss, but each player has the liberty of changing,
for others from the pack, all or any of the five cards dealt him, or of
throwing up the hand altogether. If he decides to change any of his
cards, the player, whose turn it is to declare, places the cards he wishes
exchanged, face downwards, on the table, and the dealer gives him a like
number from the top of the pack. No second exchange is allowable,
nor can a card once put out be taken back into the hand; neither may a
player who makes an exchange afterwards throw up his cards; he must play
them out. The knave of clubs generally, or sometimes the knave of the
trump suit, as agreed upon, is the highest card, and is styled _Pam;_
the ace of trumps is next in value, and the rest in succession,
as in the three card variation, where the cards rank in the ordinary way:
ace, king, queen, knave, ten, nine, etc., down to the two. Those who play
their cards, either with or without changing, and do not gain a trick,
are looed. When a flush occurs, that is, five cards of the same suit,
or four cards of a suit with Pam, the holder of the flush--who does not
declare it until all the players have settled whether they will stand or
not--besides taking the amount in the pool, [28] receives from each of the
players, whether they stood or not, the amount of a loo, and the next deal
becomes a single, there being no payments to the pool, beyond the dealer's
fee. A flush in trumps is superior to a flush in any other suit, but if
there is more than one flush--neither of which is of the trump suit--then
the flush which includes Pam wins, or if neither contains that card then
the elder hand, that is, the player nearest the dealer's left hand, scores
the flush, and the holder of the other flush takes nothing; he, however, is
exempt from the loo, which is payable by the other players. When the ace
of trumps is led it is usual for the player of it to say, "Pam, be civil,"
in which case the holder of Pam must pass the trick, if he can do so
without revoking; but if he has no trump he may win the trick with Pam.
_IRISH LOO_.
This is virtually the same as the five-card variety, except that three
cards only are dealt to each player, and Pam is unknown.
_THIRTY-TWO CARD PACKS_.
As described in connection with Nap, Piquet or Bézique cards may be used
for Loo, but in that case the number of players must, of necessity,
be more limited, only 32 cards being available. In all other respects the
rules applicable to the full packs apply.
[29]
_HINTS TO PLAYERS_.
_I_.--_Declaring_.
In deciding whether to stand on one's own cards, or whether to take the
miss, the amount in the pool is a matter for special consideration.
With a heavy stake to fight for, a player will run greater risks than
when a small amount is available. Therefore, the first question to
decide should be the amount per trick in the pool, as compared with the
amount to be paid if one is looed.
It is unwise to stand on any hand that does not contain a trump; but if
the cards are very high ones, and the amount in the pool warrants it,
the risk may be taken.
With very few exceptions a player should stand on two trumps,
however small, but the first player should have a tolerably high card,
in addition to two small trumps, other wise the hand is a risky one.
An honour in trumps and high cards in other suits are generally safe,
especially for the player who has to lead; indeed, the first player may
stand on almost any single trump, if his other cards are high ones of
different suits--queens at least.
King of trumps with small cards in other suits is generally safe,
although cautious players throw up such a hand. Very much depends on
the amount in the pool, although we should not reject such cards under
any conditions.
Queen or knave of trumps with small cards of other suits are matters
which must be left to individual opinion--based on the number of players
and the stake to be played for. They are undoubtedly risky hands, but
if one only stands on certainties half the amusement and all the
excitement vanishes.
After a few rounds have been played, a fair opinion can [30] be formed as
to what cards are likely to make a trick, and if the sum in the pool is
considerable, risky cards may be kept, or the miss taken at an early stage,
although it must not be overlooked that the other players will likewise
stand on risky hands, and, as a consequence, there will be more
competition, with fewer chances of securing a trick.
The first hand should seldom take the miss, nor should either of the other
players if each of those in front of him has decided to stand on his own
cards, as it may be assumed that in such cases there is strength. With
five playing, two of whom have thrown up, miss may be taken, but with three
players standing on their own cards, miss should not be attempted.
_II_.--_Playing_.
The laws of the game define what shall be led with two or three trumps,
or with ace only (or king only, if ace is turned up), and therefore the
only hints necessary are when the leader has but one trump.
With one trump and high cards of other suits, the trump should be led if
several players remain in, but if only two or three are standing,
either of the others should be led, the higher of the two for
preference.
With one high trump and small other cards, we prefer leading the
smallest, relying on the second and third tricks for opportunities of
making our single trump.
[31]