Post and Pair - Game Play

Game Play

Three separate stakes are made by each player. After staking at “Post” and then at “Pair”, and getting two cards, the players stake at “Seat”. A third card is dealt upwards and the best of the cards so dealt entitles the holder to the first stake. The order of priority being as above mentioned.

The second stake becomes the property of the player with the best hand. A Pair-royal of Aces is the best hand, and next, a Pair-royal of any three cards according to their value: three Kings, three Queens, three Knaves, etc. If no one has a Pair-royal, the highest pair wins, and next to this, the hand that holds the highest cards.

The third stake goes to the player with the best pair or cards totaling, or most approaching, twenty-one points, that is, two Tens and an Ace, and court cards counting as ten. Any player whose cards fall short of that number is entitled (in due turn) to receive a card or cards from the stock, in the hope of amending his points, but if he overdraws he is out of the game.

The eldest hand may pass and come in again, if any of the gamesters vye it. If not, the dealer may plead it out, or double it.