Literature

Table talk

How to play

Books: each suit splits into a low book (2–7) and a high book (9–A). All four 8s and both jokers make a ninth book.
Ask one opponent for one card from a book you already hold a card in. If they have it, they must hand it over and you go again. If not, it becomes their turn.
Bluff by asking for a card you already hold. It always misses, but it can mislead the table.
Call a book on your turn when you think you and June hold all six cards between you. If you're right, your team gets the book. If you're wrong, it goes to Basil and Otto.
Out: a player with no cards is out, and their partner carries on alone.
The first team to 5 books wins.