The compleat gamester, or, Instructions how to play at billiards, trucks, bowls, and chess together with all manner of usual and most gentile games either on cards or dice : to which is added the arts and mysteries of riding, racing, archery, and cock-fighting.

Of Gaming in General, or an Ordinary described.

GAming is an enchanting witche∣ry, gotten betwixt Idleness and Avarice: An itching Disease, that makes some scratch the head, whilst others, as if they were bitten by a Tarantula, are laughing themselves to death: Or lastly, it is a paralytical di∣stemper, which seizing the arm the man cannot chuse but shake his elbow. It hath this ill property above all other Vices, that it renders a man incapable of prosecuting any serious action, and makes him always unsatisfied with his own condition; he is either lifted up to the top of mad joy with success, or plung'd to the bottom of despair by misfortune, always in extreams, always in a storm; this minute the Gamester's countenance is so serene and calm, that one would think nothing could disturb it, and the next minute so stormy and tempestuous that it threatens destructi∣on to it self and others; and as he is

transported with joy when he wins, so losing he is tost upon the billows of a high swelling passion, till he hath lost sight both of sense and reason.

I have seen some Dogs bite the stones which boys have thrown at them, not regarding whence they were flung; so I have seen a losing Gamester greedily gnawing the innocent Box, and some∣times tearing it to pieces as an accessa∣ry to his throwing out; nor must the Dice go unpunished for not running his chance, and therefore in rage are thrown on the ground to be kickt to and fro by every body; and at last lookt upon no other than the fit com∣panions of every saucy Skip-jack.

Then fresh Dice are called for, as thinking they will prove more kind than the former, or as if they believed that some were good natur'd, others bad, and that every Bale produced a different disposition. If these run cross too, the Box-keeper shall not go with∣out a horrid execration, if for nothing else but that he lookt strictly to the cast, it may be conceiving that his very eyes were capable of making them

turn to his disadvantage. This rest∣less man (the miserable Gamester) is the proper subject of every mans pity. Restless I call him, because (such is the itch of play) either winning or losing he can never rest satisfied, if he wins he thinks to win more, if he loses he hopes to recover: To this mans con∣dition the saying of Hannibal to Mar∣cellus may be fitly applied, that nec bonam, nec malam fortunam ferre po∣test, he could not be quiet either Con∣queror or Conquered. Thus have I heard of some who with five pounds have won four hundred pounds in one night, and the next night have lost it to a sum not half so much; others who have lost their estates and won them again with addition, yet could not be quiet till they lost them irrecovera∣bly.

And therefore fitly was that questi∣on propounded, Whether men in Ships at Sea were to be accounted among the living or the dead, because there were but few inches betwixt them and drown∣ing. The same quaere may be made of great Gamesters, though their estates

be never so considerable, Whether they are to be esteemed poor or rich, since there are but few Casts at Dice betwixt a rich man (in that circumstance) and a beggar.

Now since speculation will not be convincing, unless we shew somewhat of the modern practice; we must there∣fore lay our Scene at an Ordinary, and proceed to action: Where note, an Or∣dinary is a handsom house, where eve∣ry day, about the hour of twelve, a good Dinner is prepared by way of Ordinary, composed of variety of dishes, in season, well-drest, with all other accommoda∣tions fit for that purpose, whereby ma∣ny Gentlemen of great Estates and good repute, make this place their resort, who after Dinner play a while for recreation, both moderately and commonly, with∣out deserving reproof: But here is the mischief, the best Wheat will have Tares growing amongst it, Rooks and Daws will sometimes be in the company of Pigeons; nor can r••al Gentlemen now adays so seclude themselves from the society of such as are pr••tendedly so, but that they oftentim••s mix company,

being much of the same colour and feather, and by the eye undistinguish∣able.

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Th••se Rooks can do little harm in the day time at an Ordin••ry, being forc'd to play upon the S••uare, although now and then they m••ke an advantage, when the Box-keeper goes with him, and then the Knave and Rascal will violate his trust for profit, and lend him (when he sees good) a Tickler shall do his business; but if discovered, the Box-keeper ought to be soundly kickt for his pains: Such practices, and some∣times the Box-keepers connivances, are so much us'd of late, that there is no∣thing

near that fair play in an Ordi∣nary, as formerly.

The day being shut in, you may pro∣perly compare this place to those Coun∣tries which lye far in the North, where it is as clear at midnight as at noon∣day: And though it is a house of Sin, yet you cannot call it a house of Dark∣ness, for the Candles never go out till morning, unless the sudden fury of a losing Gamester make them extinct.

This is the time (when ravenous beasts usually seek their prey) where∣in comes shoals of Huffs, Hectors, Set∣ters, Gilts, Pads, Biters, Divers, Lif∣ters, Filers, Budgies, Droppers, Cross∣byters, &c. and these may all pass un∣der the general and common appellati∣on of Rooks. And in this particular, an Ordinary serves as a Nursery for Tyburn; for if any one will put himself to the trouble of observation, he shall find, that there is seldom a year wherein there are not some of this Gang hang as pre∣tious Iewels in the ear of Tyburn: Look back and you will find a great many gone already, God knows how many are to follow.

These Rooks are in continual mo∣tion, walking from one Table to ano∣ther, till they can discover some unex∣perienc'd young Gentleman, Casheer or Apprentice, that is come to this School of Virtue, being unskill'd in the quib∣bles and devices there practised; these they call Lambs, or Colls: Then do the Rooks (more properly called Wolves) strive who shall fasten on him first, fol∣lowing him close, and engaging him in some advantageous Bets, and at length worries him, that is, gets all his money, and then the Rooks (Rogues I should have said) laugh and grin, saying, the Lamb is bitten.

Some of these Rooks will be very importunate to borrow money of you without any intention to pay you; or to go with you seven to twelve half a Crown or more, whereby without a very great chance (ten to one or more) he is sure to win: If you are sensible hereof, and refuse his proposition, they will take it so ill, that if you have not an especially care they will pick your pocket, nim your gold or silver but∣tons off your Cloak or Coat; or it

may be draw your silver-hilted Sword out of your belt without discovery, e∣specially if you are eager upon your Cast, which is done thus; the silver buttons are strung, or run upon Cats guts fastned at the upper and nether end; now by ripping both ends very ingeniously (as they call it) give it the gentile pull, and so rub off with the buttons; and if your Cloak be loose 'tis ten to one they have it.

But that which will most provoke (in my opinion) any mans rage to a just satisfaction, is their throwing many times at a good Sum with a dry fist (as they call it,) that is; if they nick you, 'tis theirs; if they lose, they owe you so much with many other quillets: some I have known so abominably im∣pudent, that they would snatch up the Stakes, and thereupon instantly draw, saying, if you will have your money you must fight for it; for he is a Gen∣tleman and will not want: however, if you will be patient, he will pay you a∣nother time; if you are so tame to take this, go no more to the Ordinary; for then the whole Gang will be ever and anon

watching an opportunity to make a Mouth of you in the like nature. If you nick them, 'tis odds, if they wait not your coming out at night and beat you: I could produce you an hundred examples in this kind, but they will ••arely adventure on the attempt unless they are backt with some Bully-Huffs, and Bully-Rocks, with others whose for∣••unes are as desperate as their own. We need no other testimony to confirm the danger of associating with these An∣thropo-phagi or Man-Eaters, than Lin∣colns -Inn-Fields whilst Speerings Ordi∣nary was kept in Bell-yard, and that you need not want a pair of Witnesses for the proof thereof, take in also Co∣vent-Garden.

Neither is the House it self to be ex∣empted, every night almost some one or other, who either heated with Wine, or made cholerick with the loss of his Money, raises a quarrel, swords are drawn, box and candlesticks thrown at one anothers head, Tables overthrown, and all the House in such a Garboyl, that it is the perfect Type of Hell. Hap∣py is the man now that can make the

frame of a Table or Chimney-corner his Sanctuary; and if any are so fortu∣nate to get to the Stair-head, they will rather hazard the breaking of their own necks than have their Souls pusht out of their bodies in the dark by they know not whom.

I once observed one of the Despera∣does of the Town (being half drunk) to press a Gentleman very much (at play) to lend him a Crown, the Gentle∣man refus'd him several times, yet still the Borrower persisted, and holding his head somewhat too near the Casters elbow, it chanced to hit his nose, the o∣ther thinking it to be affront enough to be denied the loan of Money without this slight touch of the nose, drew, and stepping back (unawares to the Gen∣tleman) made a full pass at him, inten∣ding to have run him through the bo∣dy; but his drunkenness ••i••guided his hand, so that he ra•• him ••nly through the arm: this put the house into so great a confusion and fright, that some fled thinking the Gentleman slain. This wicked Miscreant thought not this sufficient, but tripping up his heels,

pinn'd him as he thought to the floor; and after this, takes the Gentlemans silver sword, leaving his in the wound, and with a Grand-Iury of Dammees (which may hereafter find him guilty at the Great Tribunal) bid all stand off if they lov'd their lives, and so went clear off with sword and liberty; but was notwithstanding (the Gentleman recovering) compel'd to make what sa∣tisfaction he was capable of making, be∣sides a long imprisonment; and was not long abroad hefore he was apprehend∣ed for Burglary committed, condemned, and justly executed.

—Fatebere tandem Nec Surdum, nec Tiressam quenquam esse Deorum.

But to proceed on as to play: late at night when the Company grows thin, and your eyes dim with watching, false Dice are frequently put upon the igno∣rant, or they are otherwise cheated by Topping, Slurring, Stabbing, &c. and if you be not careful and vigilant, the Box-keeper shall score you up double

or treble Boxes, and though you have lost your money, dun you as severely for it, as if it were the justest debt in the World.

The more subtile and gentiler ••ort of Rooks (as aforesaid) you shall not di∣stinguish by their outward demeanor from persons of condition; these will sit by a whole evening, and observe who wins; if the Winner be bubblea∣ble, they will insinuate themselves into his company by applauding his success, advising him to leave off whilst he is well; and lastly, by civilly inviting him to drink a glass of Wine, where ha∣ving well warm'd themselves to make him more than half drunk they-wheadle him in to play; to which if he conde∣scend he shall quickly have no money left him in his Pocket, unless perchance a Crown the Rooking-winner lent him in courtesie to bear his charges home∣wards.

This they do by false Dice, as High-Fullams 4, 5, 6. Low-Fullams 1, 2, 3. By Bristle-Dice, which are fitted for their purpose by sticking a Hogs-bristle so in the corners, or otherwise in the

Dice, that they shall run high or low as they please; this bristle must be strong and short, by which means the bristle bending, it will not lie on that side, but will be tript over; and this is the newest way of making a high or low Fullam: the old ways are by drilling them and loading them with Quick∣silver; but that cheat may be easily dis∣covered by their weight, or holding two corners between your forefinger and thumb, if holding them so gently between your fingers they turn, you may then conclude them false; or you may try their falshood otherwise by breaking or splitting them: others have made them by filing and rounding; but all these ways fall short of the Art of those who make them: some whereof are so admirably skilful in making a Bale of Dice to run what you would have them, that your Gamesters think they never give enough for their pur∣chase if they prove right. They are sold in many places about the Town; price current (by the help of a friend) eight shillings, whereas an ordinary Bale is sold for six pence; for my part I

shall tell you plainly, I would hav•• those Bales of false Dice to be sold a•••• the price of the ears of such destructiv•• Knaves that made them.

Another way the Rook hath to cheat, is first by Palming, that is, he puts one Dye into the Box, and keep•• the other in the hollow of his little fin∣ger, which noting what is uppermost when he takes him up, the same shall be when he throws the other Dye, which runs doubtfully any cast. Observe this, that the bottom and top of all Dice are seven, so that if it be 4 above, it must be a 3 at bottom; so 5 and 2. 6 and 1. Secondly, by Topping, and that is when they take up both Dice and seem to put them in the Box, and shaking the Box you would think them both there, by reason of the ratling occasioned with the screwing of the Box, whereas one of them is at the top of the Box be∣tween his two forefingers, or secur'd by thrusting a forefinger into the Box. Thirdly, by slurring, that is by taking up your Dice as you will have them advan∣tageously lie in your hand, placing the one a top the other, not caring if the

••ppermost run a Mill-stone (as they use ••o say) if the undermost run without ••urning, and therefore a smooth-table is ••ltogether requisite for this purpose; on a rugged rough board it is a hard ••atter to be done, whereas on a smooth∣able (the best are rub'd over with ••ees wax to fill up all chinks and cre∣••ises) it is usual for some to slur a Dye ••wo yards or more without turning. Fourthly, by knapping, that is when you strike a Dye dead that it shall not stir, this is best done within the Tables; where note there is no securing but of o••e Dye, although there are some who boast of securing both: I have seen some so dexterous at Knapping, that they have done it through the handle of a quart Pot, or over a Candle and Candlestick: but that which I most ad∣mired, was throwing through the same less than Ames Ace with two Dice up∣on a Groat held in the left hand on the one side of the handle a foot di∣stance, and the Dice thrown with the right hand on the other.

Lastly, by stabbing, that is having a Smooth Box, and small in the bottom,

you drop in both your Dice in such manner as you would have them stick∣ing therein by reason of its narrowness, the Dice lying one upon another; so that turning up the Box, the Dice ne∣ver tumble; if a smooth Box, if true, but little; by which means you have bottoms according to the tops you put in; For example, if you put in your Dice so that two fives or two fours lie a top, you have in the bottom turn'd up two two's, or two treys; so if six and an Ace a top, a Six and an Ace at bot∣tom.

Now if the Gentleman be past that Classis of Ignoramusses, then they ef∣fect their purpose by Cross-byting, or some other dexterity, of which they have variety imaginable. A friend of mine wondring at the many slights a noted Gamster had to deceive, and how neatly and undiscoverably he ma∣naged his tricks, wondring withall he could not do the like himself, since he had the same Theory of them all, and knew how they were done; O young man, replied the Gamester, there is no∣thing to be attain'd without pains;

wherefore had you been as laborious as my self in the practice hereof, and had sweated at it as many cold winter mornings in your shirt as I have done in mine, undoubtedly you would have arrived at the same perfection.

Here you must observe, that if these Rooks think they have met with a sure Bubble, they will purposely lose some small sum at first, that they may engage him the more freely to bleed (as they call it) which may be at the second, if not beware of the third meeting, which under the notion of being very merry with wine and good cheer, they will make him pay for the roast.

Consider the further inconveniences of Gaming as they are rank'd under these heads.

First, if the House find you free to the Box and a constant Caster, you shall be treated with Suppers at night, and a Cawdle in the morning, and have the honour to be stiled a Lover of the House, whilst your money lasts, which certainly cannot be long; for here you shall be quickly destroy'd under pre∣tence of kindness as men were by the

Lamiae of old; which you may easily gather if from no other consideration than this; that I have seen three per∣sons sit down at twelve penny In and In, and each draw forty shillings a piece in less than three hours, the Box hath had three pound, and all the three Gamesters have been losers.

Secondly, consider how many per∣sons have been ruined by play, I could nominate a great many, some who have had great estates have lost them, others having good imployments have been forced to desert them and hide them∣selves from their Creditors in some foreign Plantation by reason of those great debts they had contracted through Play.

Thirdly, this course of life shall make you liable to so many affronts and ma∣nifold vexations, as in time may breed destraction. Thus a young fellow not many years since, had by strange for∣tune run up a very small sum to a thou∣sand pounds, and thereupon put him∣self into a garb accordingly; but not knowing when he was well fell to play again, fortune turn'd, he lost all, ran mad and so died.

Fourthly, is it not extreme folly for a man that hath a competent estate to play whether he or another man shall enjoy it; and if his estate be small, then to hazard even the loss of that, and re∣duce himself to absolute beggery; I think is madness in the highest degree. Besides, it hath been generally observed that the loss of one hundred pounds shall do you more prejudice in disquiet∣ing your mind, than the gain of two hundred pounds shall do you good were you sure to keep it.

Lastly, consider not only your loss of time which is invaluable, Nulla ma∣jor est jactura quam temporis omissio, but the damage also the very watching brings to your health, and in particu∣lar to the eyes, confirmed by this Di∣stick.

Allia, Vina, Venus, Fumus, Faba, Lumen & Ignis, Ista nocent oculis, sed vigilare magis.

Garlick, Wine, Women, Smoak, Beans, Fire and Light Do hurt the eyes, but watching more the sight.

I shall conclude this Character with a penitential Sonnet, written by a Lord (a great Gamester a little before his death) which was in the year 1580.

By loss in play men oft forget The duty they do owe To him that did bestow the same, And thousand Millions moe. I l••ath to hear them swear and stare When they the Main have lost; Forgetting all the Byes that were With God and Holy Ghost: By wounds and nails they think to win, But truly 'tis not so; For all their ••rets and fumes in sin They moniless must go. There is no Wight that us'd it more Than he who wrote this Verse, Who cries peccavi n••w therefore, His Oaths his heart do pierce; Therefore example take by me That curse the luckless time, That ever Dice mine eyes did see, Which bred in me this crime. Lord pardon me for what is past, I will offend no more, In this most vile and sinful cast Which I will still abhor.

The Character of a Gamester.

SOme say he was born with Cards in his hands, others that he will die so; but certainly it is all his life, and whether he sleeps or wakes he thinks of nothing else. He speaks the lan∣guage of the Game he ••lays at, better than the language of hi•• Country; and can less in••ure a sol••cism in that than this: he knows no Judge but the Groom-porter, no Law but that of the Game at which he is so ex••ert all appeal to him, as subordinate Judges to the supream ones. He loves Winter more than Summer, because it affords more Gamesters, and Christmas more th••n any other time, because there is more gaming then. He gives more willingly to the Butler than to the Poors-box, and is never more religious than when he prays he may win. He imagines he is at play when he is at Church; he takes his Prayer-book for a Pack of Cards, and thinks he is shuffling when he turns over the leaves. This man

will play like Nero when the City is on fire, or like Archimedes when it is sack∣ing, rather than interrupt his Game. If play hath reduced him to poverty, then he is like one a drowning, who fastens upon any thing next at hand. A∣mongst other of his shipwracks, he hath happily lost shame, and this want supplies him. No man puts his brain to more use than he; for his life is a daily invention, and each meal a new strata∣gem, and like a flie will boldly sup at every mans cup. He will offer you a quart of Sack out of his joy to see you, and in requital of this courtesie you can do no less than pay for it. His borrow∣ings are like Subsidies, each man a shil∣ling or two, as he can well dispend, which they lend him not with the hope to be repaid, but that he will come no more. Men shun him at length as they do an Infection, and having done with the Aye as his cloaths to him, hung on as long as he could, at last drops off.