>> Of course the rules have probably been revised since Thomas
>> Shauff? drew up the bit I quoted 75 years ago.

Could be! The rules for most everything else have changed in the interim (mostly for the better, I guess).

>> A 'royal pair' is the same as in poker - 4 of a kind.

New one for me -- never heard that term before. Good name for it, though.

>> I guess the rules you quoted are the same as I played under -
>> maybe there is no difference between US and UK now?

Probably not. The good rule changes usually get adopted by everyone and the bad rules get abandoned.

>> I've played on and off for over 20 years and never saw
>> the 5 card running flush for it to be an issue.

I first learned to play about 50 years ago from my Dad. Then didn't play for 30 years after I left the Navy in 1971. Now Glenda and I play fairly often. I've never seen the five card straight flush, either (in cribbage or poker! ).

>> Someone put us out of our misery and work out how you score 23 please.

Here's one way:

Hand -- 5 5 J J
Starter -- 5 of same suit as one of the jacks

Makes:

3x 1st Jack + 5 = "15" six = 6
3x 2nd Jack + 5 = "15" six = 12 total
Three 5's = "15" two = 14 total
Three 5's trips also = six = 20 total
Pair of J's = two = 22 total
"Right" Jack (as we call it) matching suit of starter card = one = 23 total

----- jim o\-S