[.ca] The New Complete Hoyle (ISBN 0385249624)

Terrific Tome for Card and Board Games:
More lurid books have I read, but that goes better unsaid. But still, just the same, these rules of the game is complete from alpha to zed. Stop arguments with your family. Checkers really does have rules. Learn if you must jump the other guy, if you must move the piece you touch, and precisely when a red queen can be placed on a black king. No one who plays games should be without "The New Complete Hoyle Revised." It was great 300 years ago (so I'm told) and is great now. Anthony Trendl

Hoyle rules the game:
Sure you've been there the fight over how to play a particular game, or better yet the boredom on a rainy day when you've played all the Old Maid you can stomach. Whether you are looking to end a game of poker without bloodshed or want new ways to use that deck of cards Hoyle is the answer. Before you while away another boring day get cracking and secure a copy of Hoyle's latest.

Authoritative, yes:
It is true. This book is THE authority when it comes to games of skill or chance, and even games that combine the two (like all games that mean anything to anyone). But this book is too authoritative, almost facistic in its clinging to the rules of each and every game. All games need to grow and expand (or contract) from their traditional settings. This philosophy is not, I suppose by definition, a part of this book. Otherwise ... yes, a perfect book. Of its type.