This is a version of the game suitable for mixed gatherings. The party play
in fours, each pair of partners consisting of a lady and a gentleman. The
first table is known as the "head table," and the last as the "booby"
table, those between being "second," "third," and so on. The head table is
furnished with a bell, and the host provides a supply of cardboard or paper
stars in three colours, say gold, red, and green.
Two packs of cards of different patterns are taken, and a sequence from ace
upwards, equal to the number of tables, is selected from the club and spade
suits of each. These are shuffled, face {85} downwards. The ladies draw
from the one pack, the gentlemen from the other. The lady and gentleman
whose cards correspond play together, and the number of pips gives the
table at which they are to play.
The bell being struck, play begins, and continues till one pair of partners
at the head table has made five points, when the bell is again sounded. All
play then ceases, but the scores already made stand, and decide the result
of the games.
The winners at the head table each receive a gold star, and keep their
seats for the next game. The losers are transferred to the booby table, and
the winners at the second table take their places; being in turn replaced
by the winners at the third table, and so on. The losers at all but the
head table keep their places, but exchange partners with the newcomers at
the table. The winners at the inferior tables receive each a red star, and
the _losers_ at the booby table a green star.
At the close of play the lady and gentleman having the largest number of
stars of a given class each receive a "prize." In the event of a tie for a
gold star prize, the number of red stars held by each player decides. If
this again is a tie, the competitor with the fewest green stars is the
winner.
In the case of ties in points at any table when the bell is sounded, the
holders of the most tricks toward the next hand are the winners.[26]
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