“The fault is not in ‘Smithy,’ as you call him, but in you yourselves, in not giving that attention to the game that your friend ‘Smithy’ does. A good, honest, and successful poker player is one who not only follows the rules of the game—with such variation as circumstances seem to require—but always has his eyes open, his head clear, and knows all that is going on in the party with whom he is playing. He sees [44] ]and remembers their bets before they discard; he never forgets the number of cards discarded, and he soon learns their general style of playing; the probabilities of their bluffing, etc., etc. This gives him an advantage over all others who are not so observing, and causes him many times to ‘throw up’ a very large hand, instead of ‘calling.’ He who says, ‘I know I am beaten, but I will call on principle,’ as a rule will be the loser. Therefore, by closely watching the game, and remembering what takes place, you will acquire that knowledge necessary for success. Remember, my boy, in giving this picture of a good poker player, your uncle does not advise you to continue to play the game. He only wishes to give you such instruction, should you play, as will enable you not only to protect yourself, but make you a stronger player—remembering the old adage, that ‘Whatever is worth doing at all, is worth doing well.’
SEE [PAGE 35].
“A very common error of an inexperienced player, is to ‘start off’ in the game very rashly, [47] ]‘going in’ on ‘ace high,’ or even drawing five cards; and also of crowding his bad luck during the game, and especially just before the time for closing, in trying to ‘get hunk.’ This is all wrong, and will surely bring losses and defeat. Play every hand, whether first or last, as though it was your only hand, and with all the care and coolness that I have mentioned of a good player—or of your friend Smithy.”
“Thanks, dear uncle! I have been delighted while listening to you. Of course I was aware of some of the points you have given me; still, the most are entirely new, instructive, and amusing, and explain many things that until now have been dark to me. They also prove to me that there has been cheating in games in which I have played, and explain how some wonderfully large hands have been made—some of which I did not feel satisfied with at the time. Now, while your conversation is fresh in my mind, if you will excuse me I will go to my room and write out a set of rules for [48] ]directing and governing the playing in our club, which I know all the members will be pleased with.”
“Well, I think no objection will be raised, unless by those of the class I have named; who, as I have said, are found in nearly every club.
“Now having given you so much advice about looking out for the wrongs and irregularities of other players, I can not have you leave without impressing something very important upon your mind, namely: ‘Above all, watch yourself.’ It is an old saying that ‘one’s greatest enemy is one’s own self.’ Under no circumstances, therefore, remain in the game after midnight. All players have a right, in accordance with the rules of gaming, to leave off playing at midnight; and no gentleman can object to it. Whether you are ahead, therefore, or behind, QUIT WHEN THE CLOCK STRIKES TWELVE. By so doing, your head will be clear and all right for business on the morrow—remembering that there is another [49] ]evening coming, for its share of recreation and rational amusement.
“Finally.—
I would advise you to quit the game entirely. From what I have said, you must see clearly that it has a great many more drawbacks than advantages. It has cost your Uncle George much money and time,—more than he ought to have given it,—especially during his younger years in the West and South. Nearly every day’s paper has reports of ruined characters, caused by enjoying ‘a little quiet game,’ or ‘a little game of draw.’ It is impossible to keep those who have a predisposition to cheat out of the games, even of the most fashionable and respectable class of players. Therefore, I say, it would be better for you to quit it entirely.