in the game being to secure Great Cassino,
Little Cassino, the four aces, the majority of spades, and the greater
number of cards, a few rules will at once suggest themselves to guide
the play of the hands. [100] Secure the Cassino cards on the first
opportunity, also aces and spades, after which aim to make as many
combinations as possible, leaving the pairs until last, unless they be
the ten or the two, which are always best got off the board as early as
possible, so as to prevent the opponents making the Cassinos if they
have them in hand.

When three players are engaged, it is sometimes agreed that the two lowest
shall add their points together, and subtract them from the highest.
In such a case, if the two lower numbers together either amount to or
exceed the higher, then neither party scores. This method will not be
found desirable in actual play, as it leads to so many hands resulting
in a negative score.

If a card is exposed by the dealer in the first round, other than those
dealt for the exposed hand, then the deal is forfeited, but the exposure of
a card at a subsequent period does not disqualify the dealer, the player
being compelled to take the exposed card, although it is best to impose
some penalty for the fault.

[101]

MY BIRD SINGS.

This game may be played by any number of persons up to thirteen, if a
full pack of cards be used; or by any number up to eight with the smaller
pack of thirty-two cards. A pool is formed by each player contributing a
counter or coin, the dealer paying one extra. Four cards are then dealt
to each player, and all have the right to look at their hands.

The object of the players is to secure a flush, four cards of one suit;
or four cards of different suits; and when either of these combinations
is secured, the player says: "My Bird sings," and he becomes the winner,
and thereby entitled to the amount in the pool.

There are two methods of conducting the game: either by each player in
turn throwing out a card from his hand, or by allowing the opponent on
his left-hand side to take one.

The competitor on the dealer's left is the first to play, and, supposing
his "Bird" does not already "sing," and the first-named method is adopted,
he throws out one of his cards, face downwards, on the table. The player
on his left adds this card to his own four, and if his "Bird" does not
"sing," he in like manner throws one of his cards out for the next player;
the same