The Probert Encyclopaedia of Recreation

WHIST

Whist, originally called Whisk, is an old card game known to have been played in the early 17th century, played by four person forming two pairs. Whist is played with a standard 52-card deck, the entire deck being dealt out, the last card being turned over and defining the trumps. The dealer then picks up and adds this card to his own hand. Play follows the usual order, the player at the dealer's left playing first, with each player following suit if they can, and endeavouring to win tricks by playing the highest card or trump, the winner of each trick leading the next round of play.
Research Whist