// lose some cards, but keep at least two
    if ( cards_in_deck(deck) > 2 )
    {
        const int num_lost = std::min(cards_in_deck(deck)-2, random2(2) + 1);
        for ( int i = 0; i < num_lost; ++i )
            _deck_lose_card(deck);
        if ( num_lost == 1 )
            mpr("A card falls out of the deck.");
        else if ( num_lost > 1 )
            mpr("Some cards fall out of the deck.");
    }