When all the stakes are equal, each player throws his cards face upwards on the table, and the player with the best hand takes the pool and all the stakes.
It will be seen thus that there is no play of the cards in Poker, as in most other card games. The best hand exposed wins the game and takes the stakes; and the play of the game consists in estimating the probable value of the opponents’ hands as compared with the player’s own hand. [38]
To resume our illustration (page 36).
C begins play by betting sixpence.
A also bets sixpence, making his stake equal to C’s, and by doing so is said to call C.
B bets one shilling and sixpence, i.e. raises C a shilling. He makes his stake equal to C’s and A’s, and has exercised his right to increase it by a sum not exceeding the limit.
C, whose turn it now is again, adds two shillings to his stake, raising B a shilling.
A will not stake more, so relinquishes the game and his stake, placing his cards face downwards on the table.
B adds one shilling to his stake, making it equal to C’s, and C is therefore compelled to show his hand. It happens to be better than B’s, so C claims B’s stake (two shillings and sixpence) and the pool (five shillings and sixpence); and the game is over.
VALUE OF THE “HANDS.”