DEAR SUN SPOTS: On March 25, there was a request for the rules to a card game where the 7 could be split, the 4 moved backward, etc. We often play this game, which we simply call Marbles. It’s played with two decks of cards, four marbles for each player and a wooden board with holes for the marbles to move around the board.

I can provide the written instructions to anyone who is interested. I have also made some of these games if anyone is in need of the board itself. I can be reached at evelpaul@roadrunner.com. — Paul Cyr, 754-2864 (through April 8), 946-7187 (as of April 9)

DEAR SUN SPOTS: In response to the card game question, it sounds very much like the French Canadian game Tock. My wife and friends play often. The game board can only be purchased in Canada as far as we know. If you’re interested in rules only, a Google search will give you results. We have altered them somewhat to our liking. — Gary Girouard, RECYKALER@earthlink.net

DEAR SUN SPOTS: We recognized the game with marbles and cards Wally asked about. We have a homemade game, called “Tuck,” given to us by a family member years ago. It has a playing board with indentations in it that looks something like a Parcheesi board, around which each player moves four marbles. You move your marbles around using playing cards dealt out a hand at a time.

The number of cards dealt varies. With two players, you deal five cards each for two hands, then switch to four (so that it comes out even) until the deck is used up. Then a new dealer deals.

Wally remembers correctly that a 7 can be split between two marbles, a 4 means go backward, and an ace and king move a marble out onto the board and into play. The other “special” card is a jack, with which you can switch places with another player.

Otherwise, the cards are used at face value for moving marbles (jack = 11; queen = 12; king = 13). I found a reference to the game at AskYahoo, where someone had made a similar inquiry. The response also indicated a homemade game with similar rules to ours. It’s a very fun game, enjoyed by players of all ages! Too bad it isn’t commercially available. — S.T., Auburn

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The card game mentioned in the March 25 column is called Tock. If played by four people, five cards are handed out on the first deal and four cards on subsequent deals. An ace can be played for a starter or 1, and a king can be played for a starter or 13, a queen is 12, a jack can switch or play 11, a 7 can split, and a 4 goes back. (official rules may vary a bit from this).

The game board is produced by Bojeux, and a four-player version can be bought for approx $18.95 through www.jigsawjungle.com (toll free 1-877-758-6453). They also make six- and eight-player boards.

Tock is very similar to Sorry but more geared for adults. We were introduced to the game several years ago and love it. — Ron Fournier, rjf@midmaine.com

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Back in 2008, I was working in the downtown Lewiston area and would go to lunch at Patrick’s Deli on Lincoln Street. When they were forced to move out of the building, did they ever reopen in a different location? Their food was awesome. Thanks for your informative column. — Laurieann226@aol.com

ANSWER: Sun Spots asked the foodies in the newsroom, and they said that there were plans to open Patrick’s again in a building that was renovated but that hasn’t happened. At least not yet. Maybe your letter will inspire action.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: There will be an indoor yard and craft sale at Holy Trinity Church on Frost Hill Avenue in Lisbon Falls on Friday, April 15, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday, April, 16, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Lunch will be available. Call Pat Tardiff at 353-5035 or Katie Carville at 355-9056 for more information. Thank you. — P. Tardiff, Lisbon Falls

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