PIQUET.
At one time Piquet was one of the most fashionable of our card games, though latterly, perhaps owing to its being rather difficult to learn, it has not been quite so popular. It is played by two persons with thirty-two cards, all the twos, threes, fours, fives, and sixes being dispensed with; the remaining cards possessing the same value as at Whist. In each game the number of points is 101.
Before describing the game it will be most advisable to give the meaning of the technical terms employed.
Talon or Stock.—The eight remaining cards after twelve are dealt to each person.
Repique is when one of the players counts thirty points in hand before his adversary has or can count one; when, instead of reckoning thirty, he reckons ninety, and counts above ninety as many points as he would above thirty.
Pique is when the elder hand counts thirty in hand and play before the adversary counts one, in which case, instead of thirty, the hand reckons for sixty, to which are added as many points as may be reckoned above thirty.
Capot.—When either party makes every trick, which counts for forty points.
Cards.—The majority of the tricks, reckoned for ten points.