The Rules of Whist.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXII, Issue II, 9 January 1904, Page 22

The Rules of Whist.

[We reproduce the following verse at the request of several of our subscribers.) If you the modern game of whist would know, From this great principal its precepts flow: Treat your own hand as to your partner’s joined, 'And play not one alone, but both combined. "Y our first lead makes your - partner understand What is the chief component of your hand; And hence there is necessity the strongest That your first lead be from your suit that’s longest. In this with aee and king, lead king, thru ace; With king and queen, king also has first place; With ace, queen, knave, lead ace and then the queen; With aee, four small ones, ace should first be seen; With queen, knave, ten, you let tho queeii precede; In other cases you the lowest lead Ere you return jour friend’s your own suit play, But truinos you must return without delay. When you return your partner’s lead take pains To lead him back the best your hand contains If you receive not more than three at first; If you have more you may return the worst. But if you holed the master card you’re bound In most eases to play it second round. Whene’er you want a lead ’tis seldom wrong To lead up to the weak or through the strong. If second hand, your lowest should he played, Unless you mean “trump signal” to be maue; Or if you’ve king or queen, or ace and king, Then one of these will be the proper thing. Mind well the rule of trumps; you’ll often need them; .When you hold five ’tis always right to lead them. Or, if the lead won’t come in time for you, Then signal to your partner so to do. Watch also for your partner’s trump request. To which, with less than four, play out your best. To lead through honours turned up is bad play, Unless you want the trump suit cleared away. When second hand a doubtful risk you see, Don’t trump it if you hold more trumps than three: But, having three or less, trump fearlessly. When weak in trumps yourself, don’t force your friend, But always force the adverse strong trump hand. For sequences stern custom has decreed. The lowest you must play if you don’t lead. When you discard weak suit you ought to choose. For strong ones are too valuable to lose.