[CHAPTER XII.]
APPLICATION OF THE PRECEDING PRINCIPLES.
Arrangement of the pack—Coups de piquet—How to repique and capot an adversary—How to repique and capot an adversary although he has shuffled the cards—Abstraction and substitution of cards—Coup d'écarté—Jeu de règle—Lansquenet—Baccarat—Vingt-et-un, &c. &c.
ARRANGEMENT OF THE PACK.
It is a well-known fact that, by the aid of the principles which I have herein laid down, a clever Greek will gain at every game, by giving himself the cards which are favourable to his interest.
But it must not be believed, that these sharpers are so unskilful as to cheat always by sleight of hand. They would very soon be discovered.
These intelligent rogues husband their resources, and act with prudence. They usually only deal themselves what is called a "jeu de règle," or hand which is sure of making three tricks; and their adroitness and tact, coupled with this slight advantage, is sufficient to ensure to them the favours of fortune.
In most cases, the Greek only uses his arts according to the circumstances required. The more able player he is, the less is it necessary to call cheating to his aid. If he finds he has an indifferent player for his opponent, he only plays the regular game, and reserves his rogueries for another occasion. But, as it often happens that the proverb, "a new hand always wins," is verified, he takes care to be on the defensive, and to use his weapons if required.
For this reason, it is quite impossible to give an exact definition of the play of a Greek; but as I am anxious to enlighten my readers on his marvellous powers, I will just give one example of the haute école, or high school, as they say at the Cirque Olympique (the Astley's of Paris).
It is the greatest coup that it is possible to make at piquet.