cards all of the same value,
say, three aces, kings, queens, and so on, downwards (the two remaining,
being odd ones, are of no value). The next is a sequence, as five
following cards, for instance, nine, eight, seven, six, five; it is not
necessary they should all be of one colour, as this, of course, would
constitute a _flush_. Next come two pairs, say, two knaves and two
fives; and, last of all, is a single pair of cards. Having explained the
value of the hands, let us show how you endeavour to get them. The bets
having been made, and the _blind_ made good or abandoned, or given up,
the dealer proceeds to ask each player in his turn how many cards he
wants; and here begins the first study of the game--_TO KNOW WHAT
TO THROW AWAY_ in order to get in others to make the hand better if
possible. Your hand may, of course, be so utterly bad as to make it
necessary to throw away the whole five and draw five new ones; this is
not very likely, as few players will put a stake in the pool unless, on
looking first at his cards, he has seen something, say a pair, to start
with. We will suppose he has this, and, of course, he throws away three
cards, and draws three in place of them. To describe the proper way to
fill up a hand is impossible; we can but give an instance here and there
to show the varying interest which attaches to the game;--thus, you may
have threes in the original hand dealt; some players will throw away the
two odd cards and draw two more, to try and make the hand fours, or, at
least, a full; while a player knowing that his is not a very good hand,
will endeavour to _DECEIVE_ the rest by standing out, that is, not
taking any fresh cards; of course all round the table make remarks as to
what he can possibly have.

It is usually taken to be a sequence, as this requires no drawing, if
originally dealt. The same remark applies to a _flush;_ two pairs or
four to a flush, of course, require one card to make them into good
hands, a player being only entitled to draw once; and the hands being
made good, the real and exciting part of the game begins. Each one
endeavours to keep his real position a secret from his neighbours. Some
put on a look of calm indifference, and try to seem self-possessed; some
will grin and talk all sorts of nonsense; some will utter sly bits of
_badinage;_ while others will study intently their cards, or gaze at the
ceiling--all which is done merely to distract attention, or to conceal
the feel