Card game for sharks and sailors

[Muireann Maguire]

Dear fellow Seelangers,

I have a question about the correct translation of a Russian card game -
indeed, about whether it even has a direct English equivalent. The game in
question is АКУЛЬКА (akul'ka), which I understand is also known as ДАМКА
(damka), after consulting this website: 
http://azartgames.gambler.ru/CardsGames/DetskieGames/Damka.htm
If akul'ka/damka originated with English mariners, as this website suggests,
surely there's a similar game with an English name. Unfortunately it's been
too long since I played any card games with sailors. My dictionaries are no
help, ignoring akul'ka and assuring me that damka refers to a king piece in
chequers or draughts. However, my source is quite explicit that a card game
is meant: 

'Долго мы не знали, что  с ним делать  и смотрели на него  со  странностью,
пока  я не проиграл  его   Настеньке  в   карточную  игру  Акульку' (poka ia
ne proigral ego Nasten'ke v kartochnuiu igru Akul'ku')

I would welcome any suggestions on- or off-list!

Muireann Maguire (email mm504 at cam.ac.uk)

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