This game takes its name from the four chances or points of which it
consists, namely, "High," "Low," "Jack," and "Game." It may be played
by two or four players, but the same rules apply to each.
The four points, which have been already mentioned, count as follows:
"High," the highest trump out; the holder scores one point. "Low," the
lowest trump out; the original holder of it scores one point even if
it is taken by his adversary. "Jack," the knave of trumps; the holder
scores one point, unless it be won by his adversary, in which case
the winner scores one. "Game," the greatest number of tricks gained by
either party; reckoning for each Ace four toward game, each King three
toward game, each Queen two toward game, each Jack one toward game,
each Ten ten toward game.
The other cards do not count toward game; thus it may happen that
a deal may be played without either party having any to score for
"Game."
When the players hold equal numbers, the dealer does not score.
[Plate 4]
Begging is when the player next the dealer does not like his cards and
says, "I beg," in which case the dealer must either let him score one,
saying, "Take one," or give three more cards from the pack to all the
players and then turn up the next card for trumps; if the trump turned
up is the same suit as the last, the dealer must give another three
cards until a different suit turns up trumps. In playing this game the
ace is the highest card and the deuce (the two) is the lowest.
Having shuffled and cut a pack of cards, the dealer gives six to each
player. If there be two playing, he turns up the thirteenth card for
trumps; if four are playing, he turns up the twenty-fifth. Should the
turn-up be a jack, the dealer scores one point. The player next the
dealer looks at his hand and either holds it or "begs," as explained.
The game then begins by the player next the dealer leading a card, the
others following suit, the highest card taking the trick, and so on
until the six tricks have been won. When the six tricks are played,
the points are taken for High, Low, Jack, and Game.
Should no player have either a court card or a ten, the player next to
the dealer scores the point for the game. If only one trump should be
out, it counts both High and Low to the player who first has it. The
first great thing in this game is to try and win the jack; next you
must try and make the tens; and you must also try and win the tricks.
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