Whist is a classic English trick-taking card game which was widely played in the 18th and 19th centuries. The game takes its name from the 17th Century whist (or wist) meaning quiet, silent or attentive.
The classic game of whist is a plain-trick game without bidding for 4 players in fixed partnerships. A standard 52 deck of cards is used. The cards in each suit rank from highest to lowest.
Each player is dealt 13 cards, the trump suit for each trick (or round) is indicated by the last card dealt (to the dealer).
The player to the dealer’s left leads to the first trick. Any card may be led. The other players, in clockwise order, each play a card to the trick. Players must follow suit by playing a card of the same suit as the card led if they can; a player with no card of the suit led may play any card. The trick is won by the highest card of the suit led or by the highest trump in it. The winner of a trick leads the next trick.
When all 13 tricks have been played, the side which won more tricks scores 1 point for each trick they won in excess of 6.
The partnership which first reaches 5 points wins the game.
There are variations to the game which also include rules for tournament play.
On Thursday evening, May 16, 2019, the Guilford Garden club hosted a Whist dinner party at the St. George’s Church. Many of the 80 players present were new to the game, and were taught the rules. At the conclusion of 16 rounds, prizes were awarded to the first place and last place teams. Attendees included Guilford Preservation Alliance Board Members Shirley Girioni (President) and Tracy Tomaselli.
The Ladies’ Social Whist Club met on Thursday, December 27, 1906. The members of the club gathered at the home of Mrs. George P. Rolf (Mary M. Storer), who gave as prizes a bureau cover and a set of doilies.
On Monday evening, November 21, 1921, the Music Lovers Club held their weekly whist party at Mrs. Rosses’ lunchroom. At the completion of the game Mrs. Thomas Stannard (Alida Wilcox Kelsey) was awarded the ladies’ first prize, Mrs. Reuben D. H. Hill (Lottie Ward Jacobs) received the consolation prize. Both of those ladies resided on Seaside Avenue. The first gentleman’s prize was won by Mr. Frederick Burdette (a WWI veteran). John Galvin captured the consolation prize. Mrs. Walter Buell (Grace P. Thrall) acted as hostess for the evening.
Compiled by Tracy Tomaselli, 17 May 2019
Sources: Shore Line Times [Guilford, CT] 3 Jan 1907, 24 Nov 1921, U.S. Census Records, Guilford Vital Records
