Bargain Basement

Rules: Instead of dealing the face-up cards directly to players, place three face-up cards out. The receiving player can take the first for free, the second for five cents, or the third for ten cents. After he makes his selection, the remaining cards "slide down", with the five-cent sliding into the free slot if open, and the ten-cent into the five. The ten-cent slot is filled from the deck, and the next player chooses. At the end of the round, the visible options remain available for the player who gets to choose first next time. After the final up round, the remaining two cards are burned to the bottom of the deck.

Analysis: Another favorite, inspired by the old "automatic markdowns" made famous in Filene's Basement's downtown store. Pay attention to what the other players are choosing, which will often tell you a lot about what they're trying to do. Never pay for a card if you expect to fold anyway.

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Madison Avenue: Similar to Bargain Basement, but the person downstream from you can pay 10 to choose your card for you. If they don't, you get to choose for free.

Saks Fifth Avenue: Bargain Basement, but you may call for a rank or suit. Deal cards one at a time until that is faced, five cents per card. If you reach fifty cents, you stop, but get to choose anything faced. All but the last three are burned. Shuffle discards if necessary.

Stirling Cooper: Like Bargain Basement, but the cards are 5, 10, 15, and the player ahead of you always buys your card. (The Dealer buys the first player's card.)