This method of playing the game is sometimes varied as follows: Instead
of dealing five cards to each player, the whole of the pack is distributed,
equally; or as nearly equal as possible, among the players, each of whom
starts with five coins or counters, as in the other game. The player on
the dealer's left-hand side, whom we will call _B_, as above, has to lead,
and he keeps on playing one card after another until the opponent on his
left (_C_) can pair one of them. When _C_ succeeds in doing this, he says
"Snip," and _B_ has to pay a stake into the pool, while he remains in [94]
active until the game has proceeded right round the table. Play now rests
between _C_ and _D_. If _D_ can pair _C's_ card with which he snipped _B_
he does so, and calls "Snap," when _C_ has to pay two stakes to the pool;
if then _E_ can also pair the card, he cries "Snorum," and _D_ has to pay
three stakes to the pool. If, however, the players cannot pair, then _C_
has to keep on playing out his cards until _D_ can pair one, in which case
_C_ is snipped, and the game proceeds as just described. The game goes
round until all have played their cards, when the pack is again shuffled,
and a new deal started upon, the game being won and the stakes secured
by the player who holds out the longest with his five stakes, as in the
other game.
This variation may be altered again by agreeing that an unlimited number of
coins or counters may be used, and that the player who first succeeds in
getting rid of his cards shall be the winner of the pool. By this system
each deal becomes complete in itself, but it will not be found
a very desirable innovation if many players are engaged, as in that case
the cards are so divided that it becomes an easy matter to clear a hand.
_TURN-UP SNIP_.
It is sometimes agreed that the dealer shall turn up the top card of the
undealt portion of the pack, and if then the first player can match it, the
dealer has to pay the penalty for Snip. A much better way of playing this
variation, however, is for the pool to pay the penalty for this first Snip.
In that case the player takes one counter out of the pool and adds it to
his own stock.
[95]