WHIST

card game for four players developed from XVI.-cent. game called ‘trump,’ which in England was elaborated into ‘ruff-and-honors,’ the direct ancestor of w. ‘Long w.,’ in which there were ten points for game, was popular till beginning of XIX. cent. when points were reduced te five; still played in U.S.A. Modern ‘short’ whist is played as follows: after arranging partners by cutting (two highest and two lowest play together), player who draws lowest card deals full pack, and turns up his last card to indicate trumps; dealer’s left-hand opponent leads; players must, if po ible, follow suit, the penalty for ‘revoke’ being deduction of three tricks from offending side, or addition of three to opponent’s score. Five points constitute game, every trick over six scoring; six tricks called ‘book.’ Ace, king, queen, and knave of trumps count as ‘honors’ (separately from tricks); four points for four, two for three; seldom counted in U.S.A. Main rules are—lead from strength, return partner’s lead, when second in hand play low, when third, high. Dummy w., played by three players, with one hand exposed; progre ive w., played by several tables, winners generally moving to next table, losers remaining,