The phrase 'According to Hoyle' means exactly; correctly; or according to the recognised rules. At one time Edmond Hoyle's book 'A Short Treatise on the Game of Whist' (1742)was regarded as the definitive text on the game and he was also the standard authority on the rules of certain other card games. As a result the phrase 'According to Hoyle' meant according to the highest authority.
FYI. My son, like your daughter Helen, kept a pad of new words, and, now, I send your post via email to him in Afghanistan. He was deployed from Lakenheath. So, thanks, he enjoys your words too.
ReplyDelete