Never urge any one who seems to be unwilling to play a game of cards. They may have conscientious scruples in the matter, which must be respected.
If you have no scruples of conscience, it is not courteous to refuse, when a game cannot be made up without you.
You may refuse to play if you do not understand the game thoroughly. If, however, you are urged to try, and your partner and opponents offer to instruct you, you may accede to their requests, for in so doing, you will acquire a better knowledge of the game.
Married and elderly people take precedence over young and unmarried people, in a game of cards.
It is the privilege of the host and hostess to suggest cards as a means of amusement for the guests. The latter should never call for them.
"Whist" is a game of cards so-called, because it requires silence and close attention. Therefore in playing this game, you must give your whole attention to the cards, and secure at least comparative silence. Do not suggest or keep up any conversation during a game, which will distract your own mind or the mind of others from the game.
Never hurry any one who is playing. In endeavoring to play their best, they should take their own time, without interruption.
Betting at cards is vulgar, partakes of the nature of gambling, and should at all times be avoided.
Never finger the cards while they are being dealt, nor take up any of them until all are dealt out, when you may take your own cards and proceed to play.
In large assemblies it is best to furnish the cards and tables, and allow guests to play or not, at their option, the host and hostess giving their assistance in seeking for people disposed to play, and in making up a game. In giving card parties, new cards should be provided on every occasion.