THE ETHICS OF GAMES OF CHANCE.
[To THE EDITOR OF TIER "SPROTATOR."J SIR,—Surely it is not quite correct to talk of whist as a game of chance. I have always regarded it as the finest game that is played, involving the exercise of many more intellectual . qualities than chess does. I can hardly understand the childishness of not being content with the game itself, with- out betting on it; and the same applies in a lesser degree to other games of cards. The type of pure gambling is pitch- and-toss. It is hardly worth while to argue as to the right or wrong of pitch-and-toss ; one who is reduced to finding
amusement in such a manner is only worthy of being pitied, much as one pities a man afflicted with St. Vitus's dance.—I am, Sir, &c., [Whist is merely a game of mixed chance and skill. Surely it derives a great part of its interest from chance, for chance so often reinforces the hand of a poor player as to make him superior to the most refined of all whist-players.—ED. Spectator.]
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