Now study the following table, and realise that the wrappers have been previously steamed and then re-gummed, and that the cards have been packed in rotation (face upwards) reading from left to right:—
7 0 5 9 0 2 6 0 4 1 3 6 0
8 0 1 2 6 9 0 8 7 0 9 7 0
4 9 0 2 5 0 4 8 0 3 2 0 8
1 1 3 5 5 3 4 0 0 0 6 0 7
(0 represents tens and court cards.)
Cut the cards as often as you please, and the sequence and consequence remain unimpaired; before testing this, however, it must be understood that we refer to experienced players who know when to draw and when to stand, and it will be found that the dealer never loses, but for decency occasionally ties.
“Lightning shuffling,” whereby the artiste (!) appears to dislocate every card whilst really disturbing none is added to complete the illusion.
Here, then, is a problem worthy of such Solons and “system-mongers” as Messrs. Wells, Rosslyn, and others, who, having found disciples, are invariably in pawn within a week.
There is, however, one system one should invariably follow: avoid play, as a private enterprise, however alluring the surroundings, unless you are perfectly confident—and how can one be?—that the gentleman who takes the bank and his familiars have not been educated up to the “Coup de Jarnac.”