This game, which is of considerable antiquity, is available for two, three,
four, or more persons, but is usually played by four, when two of the
players act as partners against the other two. It is, however, equally
available for four players acting independently, in which case each scores
his individual points, whereas in the partnership game, as with only two
players, the lesser number of points is taken from the greater, and the
difference only is scored by the winner. With three players it is also
necessary to score independently, although in all these independent
scorings it is sometimes decided that the lowest scorer shall not reckon
anything, while the number of his points is deducted from those of each of
the others; as, for instance: suppose _A_ made 1 point, _B_ 2, _C_ 3 and
_D_ 5; _A_ would not score anything, while _B_ would score 1, _C_ 2, and
_D_ 4. Similarly, if _A_ made 2 points, _B_ 2, _C_ 2 and _D_ 5; _D_ would
be the only one to score, and he would count 3.
It is usual to play with the full pack of fifty-two cards; there is however
no reason why the smaller pack of thirty-two should not be used, but in
that case the hands would be of shorter duration.
Assuming that four persons intend to take part in the game, and that they
decide to play in pairs, the first question to settle will be as to who
shall be partners, and who the first dealer. This is arranged by each of
the four [98] players taking a card from the top or other part of the pack,
when those who draw the two lowest cards have to play against the drawers
of the two highest. The lowest of the four (ace counting as lowest)
becomes the first dealer. In the event of a tie, which prevents the
decision being thus made, only those whose cards are alike draw a second
time. The partners sit opposite to each other, and the cards of each
player are kept distinct until the hands are completed by the entire pack
having been played through.
The cards having been shuffled and cut, the dealer distributes four cards
to each of the players, dealing them one at a time. He also places four
other cards face upwards in the middle of the table. It is usual to
deal these latter one at a time when going round with the regular hands,
but they may be taken all at one time from the top of the pack, after the
players have received their cards. The player on the left-hand side of the
dealer then plays a card from his own hand, and takes with it every card of
the same denomination among those exposed on the table, as well as all that
will combine and make the same number. For instance, a ten not only takes
every other ten, but also nine and ace, eight and two, seven and three,
six and four, or two fives, two threes and a four, and other combinations.
If the player is able to pair or combine any of the cards, he places them
with his own card face downwards on the table in front of him; but if he is
not able to pair or combine, he must add a card, face upwards, to those
already exposed on the table. The next player does the same, and so on
round the table until the four cards in hand have either been paired,
combined, or added to the exposed stock on the table. The original dealer
then distributes four fresh cards to each of the players, but does not
expose any on the table as in the first round. The same proceeding [99]
is repeated until the whole pack has been exhausted, the player who is last
able to pair or combine any of the exposed cards taking all the remaining
cards off the table, and scoring one point for thus "sweeping the board,"
as it is termed. If a player is able to sweep the board at any other time
during the progress of the game, he also scores a point, and the following
player has to commence a new board by laying out a card.
The whole of the cards having thus been played, the partners combine their
winnings, and the counting of the cards commences, the various points of
the game being as follow:
The winner of Great Cassino (the ten of
diamonds) reckons ... ... ... ... 2 points.
The winner of Little Cassino (the two of
spades) reckons ... ... ... ... ... 1 point.