nd Spades, when trumps_.--5, knave, ace of hearts, ace of
trumps, king, queen, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.

A simple method of remembering the order of the cards is to notice that the
highest of the minor ones are the best in the red suits, and the lowest in
the black ones.

A pool is made up by each player contributing two or three coins
or counters for the purpose, the dealer paying an additional stake.
The pool thus formed goes to the player who succeeds in winning three
tricks in one hand; but if neither player succeeds in doing so, the game
is said to be "spoilt," and the amount remains in the pool, the players
contributing for the next round only one coin or [104] counter, and paying
that number into the pool each deal until one of the party succeeds in
winning three tricks, when he takes the total amount in the pool, and
a new one is started by each player contributing the full stake as at
the commencement. The dealer pays the sum agreed for the deal each time,
no matter whether the pool was won, or the game spoilt, the previous round.

If there are only two players engaged, or with four, if it is agreed that
two of the players combine against the other two, there can be no spoils,
as one must win three of the tricks, and thus secure the pool, each round.

To determine the first dealer, the cards are dealt round as in "Nap"
(see p. 9), when the player to whom the first knave falls becomes dealer.
He shuffles the pack, has it cut by the player on his right-hand side,
and proceeds to distribute five cards to each player, dealing them in
regular order from left to right, and either first two and then three to
each player, or first three and then two. The top card of the undealt
portion of the pack is turned up for trump, and if it proves to be the ace,
the dealer has the option of "robbing," as explained hereafter; and if it
is not the ace, any one holding that card must rob before he plays, before
his turn comes round.

If the dealer makes a misdeal, or deals out of order, or exposes a card,
he loses his turn of dealing, and the next player in order takes his place;
or it may be agreed that in case of a misdeal the dealer shall have the
option of dealing again after paying a second stake for dealing into the
pool. The deal is an advantage, and in case of a slip in the distribution
of the cards, it will generally be found best to pay the penalty and deal
again.

The game is opened by the player on the left-hand