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SHORT WHIST.
This game has lately come so much into fashion, that it cannot but find a place here, though little need be said of it. It differs from the common Whist,
1. In half the number of points, five, instead of ten, constituting the game ; and hence the appellation given to it of short.
2. As to honours, which are never called, though always counted, except at the point of four, which answers to the point of nine in the other game, and tricks in like manner have at this precedence of honours.
3. As to the stakes, respecting which eight points may be gained; as a game here may not merely be a single or a double, but a treble one. It is a single game, if the losing partners do not mark three points ; double, if they mark but one or two points, as may be agreed upon ; and treble, if they do not mark a point; and two points are allowed for the rubber.
The laws and penalties as to both games are the same.
Five, instead of ten, constituting the game at Short Whist, brings it much more within the sphere of chance than Long Whist, for by presenting a more extended field to the operation of your cards, it neutralizes the good skill of a fine player, reducing his advantage over an inferior adversary in the ratio of one half.
The odds are likewise considerably altered. It is full 5 to 6 in favour of the dealer for the game, and 6 to 5 for the rubber; while in the old game it is only 21 to 20, an advantage in the long run that will triumph over the most consummate skill. |
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