Whist

Following the rules for the leads, in opening the game came the rules for the "conventional plays." Second Hand Play.—The old English idea that second hand has nothing to do but to "play low" is not a rule of modern whist. The proper play may be a high card or a low card, depending entirely on the card led, the inferred combination from which led, the cards of that suit held, the strength or weakness of trumps. There are three things for second hand to do of importance in the order named: (a) Win the trick as cheaply as possible; (b) prevent third hand from winning too cheaply; (c) retain com mand of opponent's suit as long as advisable.

(I) On a high card led, play the lower one of any two higher cards in sequence, or ace alone on an honour led. (2) On a low card led, play a high card if holding any combination of that suit from which you would lead a high card, otherwise play low.

Third Hand Play.

In the play of third hand the main point to have in mind is that the suit led is your partner's and you are to assist in establishing it as follows : (1) Win the trick if neces sary and as cheaply as possible ; (2) prevent fourth hand from winning too cheaply, thus forcing out the adverse high cards; (3) get rid of the high cards of that suit as soon as possible to prevent blocking your partner's long suit; (4) with four exactly of your partner's suit retain the lowest one to return to him when his suit is established, which will enable him to re-enter and bring in his long suit.

Fourth Hand Play.

It is the duty of fourth hand, with few exceptions, to win the trick as cheaply as possible, unless already won by your partner. Exceptions occur during the progress of the hand, when it becomes desirable to win or not to win, accord ing to the position of the cards, either to get the lead, or to throw it for advantage.

The Trump Suit.

The trump suit has been very aptly termed the artillery of the hand, and the proper manoeuvring with this ordnance requires the greatest courage and generalship on the part of the players. However, the student will gain a sufficient knowledge of the elementary tactics required from a careful study of the following rules:— ( i) Lead trumps from six or more without regard to value.

(2) Lead trumps from five if they include two honours, or if you hold one good plain suit.

(3) Lead trumps from four if you have two strong suits, or if your own or partner's long suit is established.

(4) Lead trumps from three or less to stop an actual of im pending cross-ruff (meaning that each partner is ruffing or trump ing the other's suits, led alternately for that purpose) or when you can draw two of your opponent's trumps for one of yours, your partner having none.

(5) When strong in trumps give the trump signal, which is made by the high-low play, at first opportunity.

(6) With four or more trumps echo your partner's call or lead.

(7) Always return your partner's trump lead, or lead to his trump call at first opportunity.

(8) With four or more do not trump a doubtful trick. Your passing and discard will give your partner valuable information.

(9) With three trumps or less trump freely, using your short trumps to make all the tricks possible.

(Io) Do not force your partner if weak in trumps yourself, but always force the adverse strong hand.

i) Being the commanding suit there is no necessity for anxiety in "making" the high cards, as in plain suits, and you play a more backward game, generally leading fourth-best.

(r2) The rule for leading is this. If the trump suit contains at least three honours or the ten with two face cards, or any seven cards, lead as in plain suits; otherwise lead fourth-best.

General Rules.

(i) Open the game by leading trumps if strong enough. If not strong enough in trumps, lead from your best long suit. If your only long suit was opened by right oppo nent, lead from your best short suit.

(2) Never lead a singleton as an original lead. It is more im portant to give correct information to your partner than to try to deceive opponents. A singleton may be led later if weak in trumps.

(3) Always lead from the top of a sequence.

(4) It is advisable to lead through the strong hand and up to the weak hand.

The Discard.

(i) The first discard should be from your weakest suit unless trumps are led or declared against you, in which case the first discard should be from your best protected suit.

(2) The discard after the first should be made to protect and strengthen the hand as much as possible.

(3) The discard of the best card of a suit signals that you hold entire command of that suit.

(4) The discard of the second best signals that you have no more of that suit.