This method of playing the game is sometimes varied as follows: Instead of dealing five cards to each player, the whole of the pack is distributed, equally; or as nearly equal as possible, among the players, each of whom starts with five coins or counters, as in the other game. The player on the dealer's left-hand side, whom we will call _B_, as above, has to lead, and he keeps on playing one card after another until the opponent on his left (_C_) can pair one of them. When _C_ succeeds in doing this, he says "Snip," and _B_ has to pay a stake into the pool, while he remains in [94] active until the game has proceeded right round the table. Play now rests between _C_ and _D_. If _D_ can pair _C's_ card with which he snipped _B_ he does so, and calls "Snap," when _C_ has to pay two stakes to the pool; if then _E_ can also pair the card, he cries "Snorum," and _D_ has to pay three stakes to the pool. If, however, the players cannot pair, then _C_ has to keep on playing out his cards until _D_ can pair one, in which case _C_ is snipped, and the game proceeds as just described. The game goes round until all have played their cards, when the pack is again shuffled, and a new deal started upon, the game being won and the stakes secured by the player who holds out the longest with his five stakes, as in the other game.
This variation may be altered again by agreeing that an unlimited number of coins or counters may be used, and that the player who first succeeds in getting rid of his cards shall be the winner of the pool. By this system each deal becomes complete in itself, but it will not be found a very desirable innovation if many players are engaged, as in that case the cards are so divided that it becomes an easy matter to clear a hand.
It is sometimes agreed that the dealer shall turn up the top card of the undealt portion of the pack, and if then the first player can match it, the dealer has to pay the penalty for Snip. A much better way of playing this variation, however, is for the pool to pay the penalty for this first Snip. In that case the player takes one counter out of the pool and adds it to his own stock.
We have already mentioned that our reason for adopting the above title is to distinguish this method of playing the game of Snip-Snap-Snorum from the one just described, and it will be evident to those who study the two systems that we are quite justified in introducing a distinctive name for the one we are now about to deal with, which, as we have said, has little or nothing--beyond former title and use of similar terms--in common with the other.