Orders for Players at the Gentile Game of Billiards to Observe

I.

If the Leader touch the end of the Table with his Ball, at the first stroke, he loseth One.

II.

If the Follower intend to hit his Adversaries Ball, or pass at one Stroke, he must string his Ball, that is, Lay it even with the King, or he loseth One.

III.

He that Passeth through the Port hath the Advantage of touching the King, which is One, if not thrown down.

IV.

He that passeth twice, his Adversary not having passed at all, and toucheth the King, without throwing him down, wins two Ends.

V.

He that passeth not hath no other Advantage than the Hazards.

VI.

He that is a Fornicator (that is hath past through the Back of the Port) he must pass twice thro the fore-part, or he cannot have the Advantage of passing that end.

VII.

He that hits down the Port, or King, Hazards his own Ball, or strikes either Ball over the Table, loseth One.

VIII.

He that Hazards his Adversaries Ball, or makes it hit down the King, winneth the end.

IX.

If four Play, two against two, he that mistakes his stroke loseth one to that side he is of.

X.

He that after both Balls plaid, removes the Port without consent, or strikes his Ball twice together, or that his Adversaries Ball touch his stick, hand, or Clothes, or playeth his Adversaries Balls, loseth One.

XI.

He that sets not one foot upon the Ground, when he strikes his Ball shall lose an end, or if he layes his hand or Sleeve on the Cloth.

XII.

A stander-by, tho he betts shall not instruct, or speak in the Game without Consent, or being first asked; If after he is Advertised hereof he Offend in this nature, for every fault he shall instantly forfeit Two-pence for the good of the Company, or not be suffered to stay in the Room.

XIII.

He that Playes a Ball, while the other runs, or takes up a Ball before it lies still, loseth an End.

XIV.

He that removes the Port with his stick, when he strikes his Ball, and thereby prevents his Adversaries Ball from passing, loseth an end.

XV.

All Controversies are to be decided by the standers-by, upon asking Judgment.

XVI.

Whosoever breaks the King forfeits a Shilling, for the Port ten Shillings, and each stick Five Shillings.

XVII.

Five ends make a Game by Day-light, and Three by Candle-light.

Many other Orders there are which concern the House, and thither I refer you for further Infomation; and here take leave to conclude this my School of Recreation.

Utrum horum Mavis accipe, &c.