(_a_) Call the preceding player; or
(_b_) Raise the preceding player; or
(_c_) Resign his stake and the game.
If No. 1 had "stood," _i.e._ not bet when it was first his turn to play,
he would have to do so when the turn came round to him again,
or else relinquish his cards and his stake.
When all the stakes are equal, each player throws his cards face upwards
on the table, and the player with the best hand takes the pool and all
the stakes.
It will be seen thus that there is no play of the cards in Poker, as
in most other card games. The best hand exposed wins the game and takes
the stakes; and the play of the game consists in estimating the probable
value of the opponents' hands as compared with the player's own hand.
[38]
To resume our illustration (page 36).
_C_ begins play by betting sixpence.
_A_ also bets sixpence, making his stake equal to _C's_, and by doing
so is said to call _C_.
_B_ bets one shilling and sixpence, _i.e._ raises _C_ a shilling.
He makes his stake equal to _C's_ and _A's_, and has exercised his
right to increase it by a sum not exceeding the limit.
_C_, whose turn it now is again, adds two shillings to his stake,
raising _B_ a shilling.
_A_ will not stake more, so relinquishes the game and his stake,
placing his cards face downwards on the table.
_B_ adds one shilling to his stake, making it equal to _C's_,
and _C_ is therefore compelled to show his hand. It happens to be
better than _B's_, so _C_ claims _B's_ stake (two shillings and sixpence)
and the pool (five shillings and sixpence); and the game is over.
_VALUE OF THE_ "_HANDS_."