Vocabulum; or The Rogue's Lexicon / Compiled from the Most Authentic Sources

by George W. Matsell

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SHOE-STRING. When a man bets a small amount and runs it up to a large amount, it is called a shoe-string.

SHORT CARDS. By some called short game. A game of seven-up or cribbage. For instance, "Have you been playing faro to-night?" "No." "What then?" "I have been playing short cards."

SKINNING. A sure game, where all who play are sure to lose, except the gamesters.

SLEEPER. A bet won by the bank or a better, which has been overlooked and lies on the table without a claimant.

SPLIT. When two cards come alike. For instance, if two jacks should come out, the banker takes one half of the money.

SQUARE GAME. When cards are dealt fairly, and there is no cheating.

STRIPPERS. Cards cut at the sides for the purpose of carrying on a skinning game.

STUCK. When a man has lost all his money, and is trying on the last throw to retrieve his loss and he is beat, then he is stuck.