[1] This is the old-fashioned rule, but at the present day the Whist rule
of "lowest card deals" is frequently followed.
[2] See note on last page.
[3] For the accepted Laws of All-Fours, see _The Book of Card and Table
Games_ (Routledge).
[4] Pronounced _Back[)a]rah_.
[5] The number is not absolute, sometimes four packs, sometimes two only,
being used; but three is the more usual number.
[6] For the Laws of _Baccarat Banque_, and some suggestions for play, see
_The Book of Card and Table Games_.
[7] Some players do not score _brisques_ till the close of the hand. The
better rule, however, it to score them when the trick is won.
[8] In some circles, when the Whist tricks are reached, the ten reverts to
its Whist rank, _i.e._ below the knave, but the practice is not
recommended.
[9] _Carte blanche_ is scored at the outset of the game, and before the
player has drawn a card. He must prove his title by exhibiting his nine
cards, one after another (as rapidly as he pleases), face upwards on the
table. Should the first card he draws not be an honour, he may show the
card, and again score _carte blanche_, and so on, as often as this may
happen; but _carte blanche_ cannot be scored after the player has once held
a court card.
[10] The first marriage scored is necessarily in trumps.
[11] It will be observed that this rule is directly contrary to that
prevailing at ordinary Bezique.
[12] Roughly, the value of all the brisques in the four packs. There are
actually 32, which at ten each would be 320; but as the odd 20 are not
reckoned, this reduces the value to 300.
[13] As a matter of fact, this arrangement is no guarantee whatever against
pre-arranged fraud. For the methods employed by card-sharpers at this game,
see _Les Filouteries du Jeu_ (Cavaille). Tit. "Les Petits Paquets."
[14] Court cards, though they all count as of the same value--_i.e._
"ten"--retain their distinctive rank for pairing purposes. Thus a knave can
only be paired with a knave, and so on.
[15] A single fifteen is spoken of as fifteen two, two fifteens as fifteen
four, three as fifteen six, and so on. Four (fifteen eight) is the largest
number of fifteens that can be made with four cards.
[16] If the knave and start be of different suits, the score is
twenty-eight. With four fives in the crib, and the knave turned up, the
value of the show will be twenty-eight only, but the dealer will already
have scored "two for his heels," so that the total value is thirty.
[17] The score is made up as follows. Each of the sixes combines with each
nine to make a fifteen, giving fifteen four. Again, each of the threes
combines with the two sixes, bringing the score to fifteen ten. The pair
and pair-royal make it eighteen.
[18] If the three tenth cards make neither pair nor sequence, the score
will be fourteen only.
[19] In the case supposed, it would be very unwise for A to pair the eight,
as, in the event of B's holding a second eight, he would make a
"pair-royal" and "go" simultaneously.
[20] There is no authoritative code of Cribbage Laws, and there is
considerable divergence of opinion on sundry minor points. For the rules
generally accepted, the reader may be referred to the _Book of Card and
Table Games_ (Routledge), tit. "Cribbage."
[21] De la Rue & Co.
[22] The elder hand may "propose," _i.e._ ask for cards, as often as he
pleases. If the dealer is not content with his own hand, he will give
cards, but after the first proposal, it is entirely at his own option
whether or not to do so.
[23] For some further rules, defining the position and obligations of
bystanders betting on the game, see the work of "Cavendish" referred to at
p. 53.
[24] A still higher trump is sometimes by agreement introduced in the shape
of a blank card, backed like the rest of the pack which in this case
consists of thirty-three cards. This is known as the "Joker," or "Best
Bower," and takes precedence even of Right Bower. If the "Joker" chance to
be turned up, the card next in order decides the trump suit.
[25] Under the more modern practice the player having the later call _can_
play alone in place of his partner. Only a very strong hand, however, would
justify his doing so.
[26] There is no English Code of Laws for Euchre. The accepted American
Code was compiled in 1888 for the Somerset Club, Boston, Massachusetts, by
Messrs. H. C. Leeds and James Dwight. It will be found reprinted at length,
by their permission, in the _Book of Card and Table Games_.
[27] This is usually done by dealing a preliminary round, face upwards, the
first knave turned up entitling the holder to the deal.
[28] As, for instance, where the player holds the seven and nine of trumps,
the eight having been turned up; the seven and nine are then of equal
value.
[29] Sometimes the preference is given to the elder hand, irrespective of
the value of the cards.
[30] The words between brackets apply of course to three-card loo.
Sometimes the dealer is allowed, after dealing one card to each player, to
deal three together for a miss, but the practice is irregular.
At five-card Loo the _Ecarte_ method of dealing (first by threes, and then
by twos, or _vice versa_) is sometimes adopted.
[31] For an instructive series of illustrative hands at Napoleon, see the
_Book of Card and Table Games_.
[32] A having made seven out of twelve.
[33] See in particular the excellent treatise on the game by "Cavendish,"
published by Messrs. De La Rue & Co.
[34] For the authorised Laws of the Game, in its modern form, see _The Book
of Card and Table Games_, or the treatise of "Cavendish" before mentioned.
[35] As the game is sometimes played, the dealer, and not the Age, puts up
the _ante_, but the contrary is the more usual practice.
[36] This being a compulsory stake on an unknown hand, it is prudent to
make it as small as possible.
[37] The Age, as a rule, goes in, even with poor cards; if he passes, he is
bound to lose the half stake already put up, and it is, therefore,
generally worth his while to risk the other half.
[38] Should B have already thrown up his cards, the privilege does _not_
pass to C. There is a maxim on this point, "The Age never passes."
[39] Some players on a second round only allow the jack-pot to be opened by
a pair of queens, or better; on a third, only by a pair of kings, or
better; and on a fourth, only by a pair of aces, or better; but the
practice is not recommended.
No player, even though holding the needful cards, is bound to open the
jack-pot unless he pleases.
[40] Strictly speaking, each dealer in rotation should himself dress the
board, but it will be found more convenient to depute some one player to do
so throughout the game.
[41] By some players the dealer is allowed the privilege of looking at the
extra cards (sometimes, but incorrectly, themselves spoken of as "the
stops"), and to act as a kind of referee as to whether a given card is a
stop or otherwise, but the practice is not recommended.
[42] The Misere is now introduced into Napoleon. See p. 96.
[43] For more minute information, and for a number of illustrative hands,
see _The Book of Card and Table Games_.
[44] The right to deal is usually decided by a preliminary deal of faced
cards, the first ace, or first knave, as may be agreed, having the
preference.
In some circles, after the cards are cut, the dealer is allowed to look at
the bottom card, and if such card prove to be an ace or tenth card, he also
looks at the top card. If the two form a "natural," he is entitled to
receive double the _minimum_ stake all round.
This privilege is known as the _brulet_, from the fact that it is dependent
on the nature of the bottom card, which is always, in the French phrase,
_brule_ (literally, "burnt") _i.e._ thrown aside when reached in the course
of the deal, and not dealt to any player.
The _brulet_ has never been recognised as an essential part of the game,
and is now generally abandoned.
[45] Some players risk the maximum stake on a seven, but we question the
expediency of doing so.
[46] This amount is the same as is paid for an ordinary Vingt-Un, _i.e._
one made with more than two cards. Sometimes, by agreement, a "natural"
receives double the amount of an ordinary.
[47] Many players habitually stand at fifteen, and if the dealer is a
reckless player, with a tendency to overdraw, it may be good policy to
stand upon an even smaller figure. "Cavendish" is in favour of standing, as
a rule, on fifteen.
[48] Pronounced like _pony_.
[49] _Example._ A three, two sixes, and a knave are drawn. The two sixes
draw again, and the lower plays with the three. Suppose, at the second
draw, the two sixes draw a king and a queen, the queen plays with the
three.
If at the second draw, a lower card than the three is drawn, the three
still retains its privileges as original low, and has the deal and choice
of cards and seats.
[50] _Example._ Three aces and a two are drawn. The three aces draw again.
The two is the original high, and plays with the highest of the next draw.
Suppose, at the second draw, two more twos and a king are drawn. The king
plays with the original two, and the other pair of twos draw again for
deal.
Suppose, instead, the second draw to consist of an ace and two knaves. The
two knaves draw again, and the higher plays with the two.
[51] _Vide_ Law 26.
[52] _Vide_ Law 29.
[53] After the two packets have been re-united, Law 30 comes into
operation.
[54] _Vide_ also Laws 36 and 41.
[55] _Vide_ also Law 28.
[56] The pack being perfect. _Vide_ Law 41.
[57] Except as provided in Law 36.
[58] It is not usual to call the trump card if left on the table.
[59] _Vide_ Law 75.
[60] _E.g._, If a single is scored by mistake for a double or treble, or
_vice versa_.
[61] _Vide_ also Law 40.
[62] _Vide_ Law 81.
[63] The more complicated forms of the so-called "American" leads are not
set out, as they never gained general acceptance.
[64] This penalty is not affected by a double.
[65] Pronounced _tray_, _kater_, _sank_, and _size_, respectively.
[66] This applies more particularly towards the close of the game. The
leaving of a blot at the outset, when five out of six of the points in the
adversary's table are still open, is a comparatively unimportant matter.
[67] This leaves a blot on the deuce point in your outer table, but this is
a trifling disadvantage as compared with the gain of at once securing four
points side by side. There are only three throws, six ace, cinque deuce,
and quatre trois, that will enable the adversary to hit the blot; and your
next throw will in all probability enable you to place it beyond the reach
of danger, either by playing another man on the same point, or by
transferring the solitary man to one of the points already made.
[68] For further information as to the game and its chances, see the
article on Backgammon in _The Book of Card and Table Games_ (Routledge), of
which the present paper is an abridgment.
[69] For a description of other forms of the game, see _The Book of Card
and Table Games_ (Routledge).
[70] See p. 296.
[71] Throughout these rules, "coloured balls" mean the six balls (not Red)
specified in Rule 2.
[72] _Vide_ page 290, Definition 4.
[73] For fuller information on the subject of the game, see Mr. L. Hoffer's
excellent treatise on Chess in _The Book of Card and Table Games_
(reprinted separately in the Oval Series, Routledge. 1''s.''), of which
this section is a much condensed abridgment.
[74] For the meaning of these letters and figures, see Chess Notation (p.
343).
[75] This is possible in case of a check with Queen, Rook, or Bishop, but
not in case of check with a Knight or pawns.
[76] From the Italian _Gambetto_, "a trip up."
[77] With two Bishops checkmate can be forced, whilst with two Knights only
checkmate cannot be given against the best defence.
[78] Intending to establish a centre at once.
[79] Considered the best reply. Black develops a piece and attacks a pawn.
[80] Or 8. ... Kt takes P; 9. Kt takes Kt, P to Q 4; 10. B to Q 3; P takes
Kt; 11. B takes P, Kt to K 2, &c.
[81] If 11., Kt takes R, Black would proceed with 11. ... Q to K 2; 12. Kt
to B 7, B takes P; ch.; 13. R takes B, P takes R; ch.; 14. K takes P, Kt to
Kt 5; ch.; 15. K to Kt 3, Q to B 3; 16. Q to B 3, Q to Kt 2, &c., with a
powerful attack.
[82] A safe defence, though troublesome for a time.
[83] The best move, White threatening with 11. P to Q 5 to win a piece.
[84] 12. B to K 2 is a sounder move.
[85] The best move. 12. ... P to Q R 3 may also be played; but not 12. ...
P to Q R 4, because it weakens the pawns on the Queen's side for the End
game.
[86] Because Black threatens 15. ... Kt to K 4, and after 16. ... B or Kt
takes Kt; 17. P takes Kt, Q to Kt 4: ch., winning the K P.
[87] This move is inferior to 9. P to K 5.
[88] The best move. 11. ... Kt to B 3 would be inferior.
[89] Black gives up a pawn for a temporary counter-attack: It is a safer
defence than 5. ... Kt takes P.
[90] The only right square for the Bishop, because it secures a retreat for
the Knight on both sides, as will be seen by the sequel.
[91] If 7. ... P takes B, White gets the piece back with 8. Kt takes Kt, P
takes Kt; 9. R to K sq., &c.
[92] Here again, if 8. P takes B, White replies 9. Q to Q 5, &c.
[93] As before, if 9. ... P takes B; 10. Q to Q 5 follows.
[94] The original move upon which the opening was based. But it is unsound,
as the two specimens given sufficiently prove. The alternative continuation
is 3. ... B to K 2; 4. P to Q 3, followed by 5. Kt to B 3, &c.
[95] If 6. ... R takes Kt, then 7. Q to R 5: ch., K to Q 2; 8. B takes Kt,
R takes B; 9. Q takes P: ch., and wherever the King moves the Queen mates.
[96] If instead of the text move 11. ... P to B 5, White wins with 12. R to
K sq.
[97] Threatening 9. Q to Kt 5; ch., K to Q 3; 10. B to B 4: ch. and 11. Q
to K 5: ch., &c.
[98] 10. ... P to B 4 would be immediately fatal.
[99] If 12. ... K takes B, then 13. Q takes K P: ch., K to Kt 4; 14. Kt to
B 3. ch., K to Kt 3; 15. Q to Q 4; ch., &c.
[100] If 15. ... Q takes Q: then 16. R to R 4: ch., K moves; 17. Kt mates
either at Kt 3 or at Kt sq. accordingly.
[101] Attacking the Rook.
[102] 11. P to K Kt 3 would be bad, because of 11. ... P takes P; 12. Q
takes P, R to B sq.: ch.; 13. K to Kt 2, Q to R 4, threatening 14. ... B to
R 5, winning.
[103] Not 12. P takes P, because in such case Black replies 12. ... P to Kt
6, and wins.
[104] If 7. Q to B 3, Black replies 7. ... P to Kt 7: ch.; 8. K takes P, P
to K B 3; 9. B takes Kt, R takes B; 10. Q takes P, B to K 2; 11. Q to K B
3, R to B sq., with the better position.
[105] Meaning _Flank_.
[106] The work of which the present article is an abridgment. The Openings
here given will be found treated in this book at much greater length, with
others scarcely less valuable, and a fund of general Chess information.
[107] In England it was formerly the custom to play on the white squares,
but the Scottish practice of using the black squares is now generally
adopted. So far as the course of play is concerned, the one plan is as good
as the other; and in all treatises on the game the men are, for
typographical reasons, shown on the _white_ squares. This involves a
corresponding alteration of the position of the board, which is shown with
a _white_ bottom square on the left hand.
[108] A player may be huffed for not taking the full number of men he
should have taken by the play adopted. Thus if he takes one man only, where
by the same play, duly continued, he could have taken two, he is liable to
the huff. If, however, he has the choice of two moves, by one of which he
would take a larger number of men taken than by the other, he is under no
obligation to adopt that move.
[109] See p. 469, footnote.
[110] This is a more common method of play at "Trente et Quarante" (see p.
468).
[111] A German mathematician is said to have calculated the percentage in
favour of the Banks to be 1.28 per cent.
[112] It must be remembered that as the player is at liberty to withdraw
half his stake when there is a _Refait_, he is really paying a premium of 1
per cent. to insure only _half_ his stake.
[113] If there were no limit every one could win at Monte Carlo, by the
simple method of doubling up after each loss. Hence sans maximum, zero does
not prevent the Bank from losing.
[114] Most system players try to win a percentage of their capital per
diem. Having done so, they retire from the table. By "_grand coup_" is
meant this amount of daily winnings. There is no reason why a player should
not play his system _ad infinitum_. He, however, instinctively knows the
grave risk he is running by continuing his game, and is generally very
pleased to retire after having made a certain daily profit.
[115] In the series shown on p. 457, had a player been fortunate enough to
have played a "_Labouchere_ reversed" on Black, he would have won 890
units.
* * * * *
Transcriber's note:
Corrections made to printed original:
P. 41 (Score for Three tenth cards in sequence and two
fives):--"17", printed as "11" in original.
P. 127 (in "a flush or sequence lacking one card"):--"card",
printed as "care" in original.
P. 354 (in "The Kt here attacks Black's K P"):--"Black",
printed as "White" in original.
P. 371 in "he cannot play 20. ... R takes R" the first R
is missing in printed copy and has been restored by
considering the position.