honours. FOR WHICH REASON ALL NICE GAMSTERS PLAY BEHIND
CURTAINS.

'Dealing the cards out by one and one to each person is the best
method of putting it out of the dealer's power to impose on you.
But I shall demonstrate that, deal the cards which way you will,
a confederacy of two sharpers will beat any two persons in the
world, though ever so good players, that are not of the gang, or
in the secret, and "THREE poll ONE" is as safe and secure as if
the money was in their pockets. All which will appear presently.

The first necessary instructions to be observed at Whist, as
principals of the secret, which may be likewise transferred to
most other games at cards, are:--

Brief or short cards,

Corner-bend,

Middle-bend (or Kingston-bridge).

'Of brief cards there are two sorts: one is a card longer than
the rest,--the other is a card broader than the rest. The long
sort are such as three, four, five, six, seven, eight, and nine;
the broad sort are such as aces, kings, queens, and knaves. The
use and advantage of each are as follows:--

'Example:--When you cut the cards to your adversary, cut them
long, or endways, and he will have a three, four, five, six,
seven, eight, or nine at bottom. When your adversary cuts the