The observation is a tax upon the
faculties; but I am sure, quite sure, that the thing can be done,
and is, when done, of material service; although, of course, the
knowledge can be turned to account only by an expert player, with
a partner who can understand the game which he wishes to play.
Whist is, decidedly, one of the fairest of games; but for that
very reason, it is open to the greatest over-reaching, or, if you
like, cheating.
With regard to dice, of course, they were and, doubtless, are
still loaded. Such were formerly called 'dispatches,' because
they would 'in five minutes dispatch L500 out of the pocket of
any young man when intoxicated with champagne.'
Roulette and Rouge et Noir tables were and are so arranged as
always to make the bank win at the will of the attendant,
regulating them with a touch.
At Hazard, they used 'low or high dice,' that is, with only
certain numbers on them, high or low,--a pair of which every
sharper always had in his possession, changing them with great
dexterity. They also used 'cramped' boxes, by which they
'cogged' or fastened the dice in the box as they dropped them IN,
and so could drop them OUT with the required face upwards.
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