The object of those engaged in the game being to secure Great Cassino, Little Cassino, the four aces, the majority of spades, and the greater number of cards, a few rules will at once suggest themselves to guide the play of the hands. [100] Secure the Cassino cards on the first opportunity, also aces and spades, after which aim to make as many combinations as possible, leaving the pairs until last, unless they be the ten or the two, which are always best got off the board as early as possible, so as to prevent the opponents making the Cassinos if they have them in hand.
When three players are engaged, it is sometimes agreed that the two lowest shall add their points together, and subtract them from the highest. In such a case, if the two lower numbers together either amount to or exceed the higher, then neither party scores. This method will not be found desirable in actual play, as it leads to so many hands resulting in a negative score.
If a card is exposed by the dealer in the first round, other than those dealt for the exposed hand, then the deal is forfeited, but the exposure of a card at a subsequent period does not disqualify the dealer, the player being compelled to take the exposed card, although it is best to impose some penalty for the fault. [101]
MY BIRD SINGS.
¯¯¯¯¯¯
This game may be played by any number of persons up to thirteen, if a full pack of cards be used; or by any number up to eight with the smaller pack of thirty-two cards. A pool is formed by each player contributing a counter or coin, the dealer paying one extra. Four cards are then dealt to each player, and all have the right to look at their hands.
The object of the players is to secure a flush, four cards of one suit; or four cards of different suits; and when either of these combinations is secured, the player says: “My Bird sings,” and he becomes the winner, and thereby entitled to the amount in the pool.
There are two methods of conducting the game: either by each player in turn throwing out a card from his hand, or by allowing the opponent on his left-hand side to take one.