This section is from the book "Facts Worth Knowing", by Robert Kemp Philip. Also available from Amazon: Inquire Within for Anything You Want to Know.
The game of matrimony is played with an entire, pack of cards, by any number of persons from five to fourteen. It consists of five chances, usually marked on a board, or sheet of paper, as follows:-

This game is generally played with counters, and the dealer puts what he pleases on each or any chance, the other players depositing each the same quantity, except one - that is, when the dealer stakes twelve, the rest of the company lay down eleven each. After this, two cards are dealt round to every one, beginning on the left; then to each person one other card, which is turned up, and he who so happens to get the ace of diamonds sweeps all. If it be not turned up, then each player shows his hand; -and any of them having matrimony, intrigue, etc, takes the counters on that point; and when two or more people happen to have a similar combination, the eldest hand has the preference; and, should any chance ot be gained, it stands over to the ext deal. - Observe: The ace of dia-nonds turned up takes the whole pool, ut when in hand ranks only as any other ace; and if not turned up, nor any ace in hand, then the king, or next superior card, wins thechance styled best.
 
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