D.6, S.5, C.Q, D.Q, H.Q, H.10, C.10, H.6, C.3, H.J, H. ace, H.5, H.8, H.K,
S.Q, H.4, C.2, D.2, H.7, S.J, S.3, H.3, D.3, S.6, H.2.
_What is the highest score that can be made by laying out the above cards
in serpentine order?_
A few trials will suggest the following arrangement, with two straight
flushes, intersecting in the ace of hearts, whereby a total of 78 may be
secured:-- {270}
+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
| H.8 | H.5 | C.3 | H.6 | C.10|
+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
| H.K | H.A | H.J | H.Q | H.10|
+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
| S.Q | H.4 | C.2 | D.Q | C.Q |
+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
| S.6 | H.2 | D.2 | H.7 | S.5 |
+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
| D.3 | H.3 | S.3 | S.J | D.6 |
+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
The rows count a straight flush (30), threes (6), a pair (1), threes (6);
the columns count a straight flush (30), two pairs (3), pair (1), pair (1).
Total, 78.
But the correct solution is as follows (abandoning one of the straight
flushes):--
+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
| H.8 | H.5 | C.3 | H.6 | C.10|
+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
| H.K | H.A | H.J | H.Q | H.10|
+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
| S.Q | S.J | S.3 | D.Q | C.Q |
+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
| H.4 | H.7 | H.3 | D.6 | S.5 |
+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
| C.2 | D.2 | D.3 | S.6 | H.2 |
+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
The rows count a straight flush (30), threes (6), a straight (12), threes
(6). The columns count fours (16), full hand (10), pair (1). Total, 81.
* * * * *
{271}