NOTES
[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 Báckărah.
[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 Bézique.
[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 (Cavaillé). 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 Écarté method of dealing (first by threes, and then by twos, or vice versâ) 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 Misère 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 brûlet, from the fact that it is dependent on the nature of the bottom card, which is always, in the French phrase, brûlé (literally, "burnt") i.e. thrown aside when reached in the course of the deal, and not dealt to any player.
The brûlet 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 versâ.
[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).
[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.