Advance (1872)

Advance is a card game for two players, first described in the 1872 edition of Hoyle's Games. It is a trick-taking game derived from the older game of Euchre, simplified for two players and modifying the scoring system.

Gameplay:

The game is played with a standard 32-card piquet deck (A, K, Q, J, 10, 9, 8, 7 in each of the four suits). The cards rank in their natural order.

1. Dealing: Each player is dealt five cards. The remaining cards are placed face down to form the stock. The top card of the stock is turned face up to determine the proposed trump suit.

2. Trump Selection: The non-dealing player has the first option to accept the proposed trump suit. If they accept, they say "I take it up" and the dealer discards one card face down and picks up the proposed trump card. If the non-dealing player rejects, they say "I pass." The dealer then has the option to accept the proposed trump. If the dealer accepts, they must discard one card face down and take the proposed trump. If both players reject the proposed trump, the non-dealing player has the option to name a new trump suit (but cannot name the suit that was originally proposed). If the non-dealing player passes a second time, the dealer is forced to name the trump suit. The proposed trump card is then discarded.

3. Play: The non-dealing player leads to the first trick. Players must follow suit if able. If unable to follow suit, they may play any card. The trick is won by the highest card of the suit led, or by the highest trump if any trumps are played. The winner of the trick leads to the next trick.

4. Scoring:

   • Each trick won is worth one point.
   • A player who wins all five tricks ("marching") scores two extra points, for a total of seven points.

5. Winning: The first player to reach seven points wins the game.