Queer Luck: Poker Stories from the New York Sun

"Queer Luck: Poker Stories from the New York Sun" by David A. Curtis is a collection of short stories written in the late 19th century. The book delves into the world of poker, exploring various high-stakes games and the intriguing characters that inhabit them, often illustrating themes of chance, luck, and moral dilemmas faced by gamblers. The tales unfold in a lively and vivid setting, showcasing the excitement and tension of card games in both private clubs and broader social contexts. The opening of the collection features a tense poker game where five skilled players are deeply engrossed in their high-stakes match, revealing nuances of strategy, psychology, and camaraderie among them. As they grapple with the exceptional luck taking place at the table, the tension rises until one of the players, a lawyer, is confronted with an ethical dilemma regarding a substantial pot won using money that isn't his own. This turns into a moment of personal reckoning, leading him to step away from the game altogether while reflecting on the nature of honor and integrity in gambling. The initial chapter sets an engaging tone for the stories that follow, establishing an atmosphere rich with suspense and moral complexity.