loo

loo, gambling card game often mentioned in English literature. The name derives from the French lanturlu, the refrain of a popular 17th-century song. Popularity of the game faded in the 20th century.

The players may number from five to about nine, each playing for himself. A standard 52-card deck is used. In the simplest form of the game, three cards are dealt to each player, and the next card is exposed to establish a trump suit. The player to the left of the dealer leads, and one-third of the pool goes to the winner of each trick. The pool is formed by antes before each deal and may be increased by payments for loo (failure to win a trick) and fines for irregularities.