depend upon the average number of cards likely to come under or exceed
twenty-one; for example, if those in hand make fourteen exactly, it is
seven to six that the one next drawn does not make the number of
points above twenty-one; but if the points be fifteen, it is seven to
six against that hand; yet it would not, therefore, always be prudent
to stand at fifteen, for as the ace may be calculated both ways, it is
rather above an even bet that the adversary's first two cards amount
to more than fourteen. A natural Vingt-un may be expected once in
seven coups when two, and twice in seven when four, people play, and
so on, according to the number of players.