THE AMERICAN HOYLE; OR, GENTLEMAN'S HAND-BOOK OF GAMES: CONTAINING ALL THE GAMES PLAYED IN THE UNITED STATES, WITH RULES, DESCRIPTIONS, AND TECHNICALITIES, ADAPTED TO THE BY "TRUMPS." Illustrated with numerous Diagrams and Engravings. TO WHICH IS APPENDED AN ELABORATE TREATISE ON THE DOCTRINE OF CHANCES. NEW YORK: DICK & FITZGERALD, PUBLISHERS. 186 In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New York. M'CREA AND MILLER, STEREOTYPERS. C. A. ALVORD, PRINTER. 1462 79 PUBLISHERS' PREFACE. THE fact that no complete work on the popular games of this country has ever been published, together with the constantly increasing demand for such a work, induced the publication of the present volume. In it will be found all the Games common or fashionable with the American people, besides some which, though popular in particular localities, have not yet achieved a national reputation. Hitherto our market has been supplied exclusively with reprints of Seymour, Hoyle, Bohn, and other English works, which do not at the present time meet the requirements of the American public, being in a great measure treatises upon Games either obsolete here, or adapted to the European rather than the American methods of playing. We need scarcely say, that many of our most popular Games are peculiarly American, while those of foreign origin have become so changed by American modifications, as to make the European rules and descriptions quite as likely to mislead as to instruct. The task of collecting materials for the present work was confided to a gentleman of literary ability, having a thorough knowledge of Games, and possessing considerable reputation as a successful amateur player. Having a large circle of skilful amateur and professional friends, the editor availed himself of their valuable counsel upon all doubtful points; and it has been his aim to simplify all the descriptions, technicalities, rules, and illustrations, and adapt them to the American style of playing. The French game of BÉSIQUE, which has recently become so popular in this country, is given with the several variations in vogue with our players. The article on EUCHRE is from the pen of an accomplished player, and a prominent member of one of our best clubs. The extended |
