Examinations is a game in which any number of players, called Students, a Latin word meaning "keen people," play individually and simultaneously against a single player who takes the bank and is called the Examiner, a Latin word which means "weigher-up." It differs from most games in that, while the rules are well-known, and indeed traditional, the method of scoring is kept secret by the Examiner, the score for each game not being announced until play has ceased.

Some general advice of methods of play may not be without profit to players. For more detailed advice, the services of a Coach should be enlisted.