Whenever a new pack of cards is introduced for use, and the first deal shows an unusual number of good hands, or even at any time during the game, whenever an unusual number of good hands are out at the same time, or two unusually large hands are out against each other, it is well not to bet all one has on his hand, though he holds four aces; for the cards may have been ‘put up,’ and he to his sorrow, but too late, might find a straight flush against him. This is called ‘Ringing in a Cold Deck.’
“I have in my pocket a slip taken from one of our daily papers giving a description of a game where a ‘cold deck’ was ‘rung in’ for the purpose of robbing one of the party; but, as it [41] ]resulted, without success, for the gentleman upon whom the attempt was made evidently was an experienced player. I’ll read it to you:
“‘Mr. Guggenheimer, Mr. Rosenbaum, Mr. Levi, Mr. Cohen, and Mr. Einstein were engaged in a little after-dinner game of “draw,” at the residence of the former gentleman. The host had occasion to leave the room for a short time, and when he returned the cards had been dealt for a new hand, and he was included, his approaching footsteps being heard. Mr. Guggenheimer raised the five cards allotted to him, and could scarcely believe his eyes when four kings were revealed. He inspected them carefully, but the entire quartette of monarchs were there.
“‘“Who doled these cards?” inquired Mr. Guggenheimer. “Jakey Einstein,” replied Mr. Rosenbaum.
“‘Once more Mr. Guggenheimer gazed at the tempting array, and not one of the kings had got away. It was his turn to bet; he took a [42] ]last, long, lingering look—heaved a deep sigh, and gently murmured, “I pass.”’
“Sixteenth.—
Finally, my boy, your Uncle George must say that you stand a very poor chance of holding your own, and no chance of winning, if, in your party, there should be two or three playing, who are ‘in together’; for you play one hand against the best one of two or three others, as the case may be. There are many and ingenious ways in such cases of giving each other information as to the value of each other’s hands. From toe and knee knocking, position of the fingers in holding the cards, position of the cards when laid upon the table, the use of a letter, syllable, word, or sentence; the question you ask, and manner of asking; the position of your segar or toothpick in your mouth, etc., etc., etc. These parties have a sort of a telephono-graphosto kind of information, which, many times, it is impossible to detect.
“I will now try to picture to you a successful, and yet strictly honest, and liberal poker player; [43] ]one with whom many would rather play and lose, than to play with others and win. You have undoubtedly often heard this remark in your club: ‘Well, there is no use in playing with “Smithy,” for he always wins. I know he is a square, nice man, a liberal player, and one of the best fellows, socially, in the club; but we can’t beat him, and yet we have to play with him.’ Now, my boy; I will explain why this is so; and I may say, the language of the Old Roman will apply here very well:
“The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars,
But in ourselves, that we are underlings.’