The nine of trumps comes next, being worth 14 points, and is called “Nell.” The remaining trumps rank as in plain suits. The jack of trumps has the special privilege of being allowed to renege, even when the holder of the jack can follow suit. _=MARKERS.=_ The score is usually kept on a slate. _=PLAYERS.=_ Any number from two to four can take part, but each is always for himself. The rules for two-hand differ slightly from those for three or four. (See Two-hand Jass.) _=CUTTING.
Passing a certain winning card is regarded by most players as an imperative call for trumps. The discard of any card higher than a Seven is known as a single-card-call. Even if it was not so intended, it is assumed that a trump lead cannot injure a player with nothing smaller than a Nine in his hand. _=Answering Trump Signals.=_ In response to partner’s call, a player should lead the best trump if he holds it; one of the second and third best if he holds them; the highest of three or less; the lowest of four; and the fourth-best of more than four. Holding any of the regular high-card combinations in trumps, he should lead them in the regular way in answer to a call. _=After a Force.=_ If the player is forced before he can answer the call, he may indicate the number of trumps originally held by playing them in this manner:-- With 3 or less; trumping with the lowest; leading the highest. With 4 exactly; trumping with the 3rd-best; leading the highest. With 5 or more; trumping with the 3rd-best; leading the 4th-best.
A larger den, opposite to this, is marked out for the Geese. A boy or a girl represents the Fox, and a number of others the Geese. Then the Fox shouts, Geese, Geese, gannio, and the Geese answer, Fox, Fox, fannio. Then the Fox says, How many Geese have you to-day? The Geese reply, More than you can catch and carry away. Then the Geese run out of the den, and the Fox tries to catch them. He puts as many as he catches into his den (S. O. Addy). (_b_) This game is a very general one at Christmas time. It is practically the same as Gled Wylie, and Hen and Chickens, and the Hawk and Chickens of Mr.
” Bézique, by Reynolds & Son. Bézique, by English. Règle du Bésique Japonais. Articles in _Macmillan_, Dec., 1861; _Field_, Jan. 30, 1869; _Pall Mall Gazette_, Jan. 23, 27, 1869; _Once a Week_, Feb. 13, Mar. 20, 1869; _Daily News_, Feb. 10, 1869; _Westminster Papers_, Jan.