Complete Hoyle Encyclopedia of Games

A familiar game can open the door to a whole family of new favorites. In Foster’s Complete Hoyle Encyclopedia of Games, Robert F. Foster brings together the rules and possibilities of the gaming table, from whist and bridge to poker, euchre, and bézique. Explore related games, revisit an old favorite, or discover a different way to put a deck of cards to work.



The scope extends beyond cards to table games and bowling, with dedicated sections on solitaire, banking games, and chance and probability. A glossary, general laws for card games, and an index help readers navigate the terminology and find topics of interest. It is a collection to browse for ideas as well as a reference to consult when curiosity turns to the details of play.



This restored digital edition, prepared by Charles R. Humbertson from the 1922 print edition, brings Foster’s historical compendium to today’s readers. The original work offers a window into the games and conventions of its era, inviting players and collectors to explore a rich tradition of indoor recreation. This edition includes a responsive layout that adapts to smaller screens for easier reading.