But this rarely
happened. The general advantage was with the bank--as must be
quite evident from the explanation of the game--besides the
standing rule that no two cards of the same sort turning up could
win for the players; the second always won for the bank. In
addition to this there were other 'privileges' which operated
vastly in favour of the banker.
However, it was 'of so bewitching a nature,' says our old writer,
'by reason of the several multiplications and advantages which it
seemingly offered to the unwary punter, that a great many like it
so well that they would play at small game rather than give out;
and rather than not play at all would punt at six-penny,
three-penny, nay, a twopenny bank,--so much did the hope of
winning the quinze-et-le-va and the trente-et-le-va intoxicate
them.'
Of course there were frauds practised at Basset by the talliere,
or banker, in addition to his prescriptive advantages. The cards
might be dealt so as not to allow the punter any winning
throughout the pack; and it was in the power of the dealer to let
the punter have as many winnings as he thought convenient, and no
more!
It is said that Basset was invented by a noble Venetian, who was
punished with exile for the contrivance.
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