Cassell's Book of In-door Amusements, Card Games, and Fireside Fun

by Various

RULE OF CONTRARY.

Almost any number may play at this game if, instead of being supplied with a pocket-handkerchief, as is generally the case, a small tablecloth be used instead. All stand round, and each person takes hold of the cloth with one hand. One person acting as leader, while holding the cloth with the left hand, pretends with the right hand to make mysterious characters on the cloth, at the same time pronouncing the following rigmarole:—"Here we go round by the rule of contrary. When I say 'Hold fast,' you must let go. When I say 'Let go,' you must hold fast." Then crying either "Let go" or "Hold fast," the party must do exactly contrary to what they are told; any one who should fail to do so must pay a forfeit.