Whist was a wildly popular card game in the late 19th century--so
popular that it was almost one's social duty to become an accomplished
Whist player. Among the most reliable authorities and instructors was
R.F. Foster, who developed a complete hands-on system for learning the
game and becoming a first-class player. Those who follow his system can
become expert in leading, playing the second hand, developing
strategies, seeing signals, and using trumps. Also included are the Laws
of Whist as adopted at the Third American Whist Congress in 1893, the
Laws of Duplicate Whist, and the Etiquette of Whist. "No book has won
more popularity among the Whist-loving community than Foster's Whist
Manual." -- Boston Herald, April 1894 "[Foster's] method of teaching
the beginner is simple, lucid, and progressive, and his rules concise,
yet clear. Not only beginners, but also advanced players might
profitably enter upon his studies." - The Milwaukee Whist Club