When this is done, if the non-dealer throws up his hand he loses a point; if he plays, and the dealer does not lay down another card to it, he gains one point; but if the dealer either win the same, pass it, or put down one of equal value, making what is termed a tie, the non-dealer is still at liberty to put (or play), and his adversary only scores one point.
Such being the state of things, should both players agree to go on, the one who gains all the three tricks, or two out of the three, scores five points, which make game. If both players get a trick, and the third is a tie, neither player scores.
Four-handed Put differs from two-handed in one point—that is, two of the players give each his best card to his partner, who lays out one of his. The game is played as in Two-handed Put.
MATRIMONY.
The simple, amusing game of Matrimony is one that always keeps up its popularity as a pleasant round game. Any number of players may join in it from five upwards, but the greatest success generally attends it when there are many players rather than few.
The five chances of which the game consists have to be marked on a board or a sheet of paper. The lowest card cut has the deal. The first business is to determine what stakes shall be made. For this purpose counters are mostly used, after which the dealer places on each or any chance the sum he intends to venture. The other players then all do the same, though their stakes must all be one counter at least less than the dealer's. If the dealer, therefore, should stake nine, they may not place more than eight counters on the chance.
Having arrived so far in the proceedings, the dealer, beginning with the player on his left, gives two cards, face downwards, to each player; then, beginning again on his left, he gives a third card to each player, face upwards. If the ace of diamonds, which is the best card, be turned up, the possessor of it gains a clear board; but if the same card be merely held in the hand, its value is no greater than that of any other ace. Should the ace of diamonds not be turned up at all, then the king, queen, or next highest card in that suit wins the best chance.
All hands are now turned up, the holders of intrigue, matrimony, &c., taking the stakes placed on these points.