It is pretty safe to assume that every reader of these pages has some
general knowledge of the game of Whist, though comparatively few may be
conversant with the _minutiae_ of Whist practice. Whist is governed by an
elaborate and carefully considered code of laws, which is universally
accepted by all English players. In this instance, therefore, contrary to
our usual course of procedure, we shall begin by stating these laws, which
should be carefully studied, as forming the best possible introduction to
further instruction in the game.