The Sun.
London, England, 1851-02-06 00:00:00

SHORT WHIST.

In cuttidg, the ace is lowest. In cutting out, the
highest goes out, the stranger comes in. In cutting
for partners, the two lowest play with the two highest
and the lowest deals. If two persons cut the same
cards (two deuces or two queens, e. they cut
again.

2. The dealer's partner makes the cards, and gives
them to his right hand • the dealer shuffles them
again (supposing two packs).
3. If we win before the adversaries have scored a
point, it is a treble game, if they have one or two, a
double if three or tour a single. The game is five.
4. If we are at four we cannot count honours.

5. The rubber is the beat of three games. The
games are marked by fish put up, one for a single,
two for a double, &c., and two added for the rubber.
Thus two singles and a treble is a rubber of one, a
double and two trebles 'a rubber of six, &c:
6. Finessing is chiefly practised third hand. If I
have first and third best, I finesse the third best, (i. e.
play the third best) for the chance of left hand not
having the second best. Finesses are best in trumfe,
and when Atrong in trump.
7. Tenace, the advantage of position, chi( fly ob-
tained, fourth hand. When 1 am finirttl bend, if I
have first and third (e. g., acP, queen,) I make both.
8. To trump out is to lead trumps. To ruff, i. e. to
tromp.
9. Mark well the trump card ; attend to the board,
attend also to the score; and when playing for the
odd trick seldxn finesse, play single card, in short
play a forward game.
10. When I have many trumps of course it is pro-
bable my adversaries have few, consequently in this
case I play a backward game in other suits as if they
were trumps, for they are not likely to be ruffed.
11. Return partner's lead immediately ; first, when
you win with ace and can return an honour (49) ;
sellodly, when he has trumped out. Obs. 9or 10
is an equivocal lead not absolutely to be returned;
in general your partner's lead may be returned at a
future time.

12. Never play a i for a 5, or 7 for 6, &c.
13. Partner wins my winning card with best ; he
commands the suit : with second best; he has no more.
14. Endeavour at least to remember trumps, and
commanding cards.
15. When winning cards are between me and my
adversaries, I play an obscure game : the contrary
where partner has a good hand.
16. If partner refuses to trump a winning card
against him, I play my best trump.
17. When I am, or when my partner is, weak in
trumps, I discard from my numerous suit and keep
guard on adversaries' suit. When lor partner strong
in trumps, preserve the numerous or strong suits ;
in general discard from partner's suit, but keep a small
one to lead when trumps are out.
18. If you are in doubt about a trick win it.
19. If you have a moderate hand sacrifice it to
your partner.
20. When a partner discards to his partner's lead,
it is to show his strong suit.
_ _ _ _

21. I remain with fit, 3d, and 4th trumps, I play
the latter.

22. How to establish a long suit.—Ace, three
trumps, and a long suit ; I pass two rounds, but
always win the 3d round ; ace, king, and two, with
a long suit; pass one round, or lead a small, but win
the 3d round. Then your long suit forces out the
best trump, if you have it not, and your 13th trump
brings the long suit in again, and establishes it.
With ace, king, 4, the ace and king : with king,
queen, 4, the king : (supposing still a long suit) to
ensure three rounds of trumps. This is difficult when
left hand is very strong in trumps. When partner
is strong in trumps he protects your long suit. When
trumps are out, a commanding card will bring in
your long suit, and therefore preserve one.
23. The 13th trump is very material. With ace,
4, and the 13th trump ; pass the king and queen.
24. Lead through the strong suit and up to the
weak.

25. Small card turned up, keep it till last, unless
adversary leads trumps, and throw it away even be-
fore a smaller.

26. Be cautious about ruing or over-ruing when
strong in trumps, unless your partner (a good player)
visibly forces you; this caution is less necessary
when you have no long suit. Ruff even uncertain
cards when weak in trumps.
27. Ruff your adversary's strong suit immediately.
28. Force your partner if he plays ill. Force your
partner to obtain a saw, which is always desirable,
and fur this purpose lead the single card before
forcing.
29. Force your partner when you suppose him
weak in trumps on these grounds-Ist, that you or
the adversaries are strong in them ; 2dly, that he
leads a single card (vide 40) ; 3rdly, that he ruffs and
wins, and does not trump out.
30. Strong in trumps, i. e. honours and three, or
one honour and four : but less than this allows you to
force your partner.
31. Never force adversary but when he is strong in
trumps.
32. If a good player refuses (to trump) he is pro-
bably strong in trumps, with one strong and another
weaker suit, from which he throws away (vide 26).
33. Under-play. I have best and second best of left
hand lead ; I make one of them, and play a small in
order—lst, that partner may make the third best ;
2dly, that I may command left hand's suit.
34. If your king makes it does not follow that
partner has ace.
35. Keep the commanding card of adversary's lead,
never of partner's.
36. Odds 2 to 1 against another player having a
card named. Odds sto 4 that he has one of two
cards named (not in your own hand of course).
37. When strong in trumps inform your partner o
it soon (vide 30).
38. Rules for a child.—Follow suit. Return part-
ner's lead. Play lowest second hand, and highest
third hand.