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Cover of Vigorish

Vigorish

Written by John Berryman

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Science FictionShort storiesPsychic ability

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About this book

"Vigorish" by Walter Bupp is a science fiction novella published in the early 1960s. The story revolves around a world infused with telekinetic (TK) abilities and psi powers, particularly focusing on gambling and the complications that arise from it. Set in an environment where both abilities alter the landscape of conventional gambling, the book explores themes of deceit, power struggles, and the intersection of human emotion with extraordinary capabilities. The narrative follows Wally Bupp, a skilled telekinetic surgeon who is reluctantly drawn back into the world of gambling to help the Lodge, a secret society of TK practitioners, resolve issues at a casino called the Sky Hi Club. The casino is plagued by a mysterious thief manipulating the games with psi powers, leading Bupp to partner with an enigmatic woman named Pheola, who claims to possess precognitive abilities. As they dive deeper into the casino's underbelly, they discover treachery from within, including deceitful partners intent on ruining them. The stakes rise as Bupp employs his TK powers to counter the threats, while Pheola grapples with her own abilities and the repercussions of a broken vow. Ultimately, the story builds to a thrilling confrontation that tests their skills and the very fabric of their characters.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Vigorish, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • Mysterious
  • Suspenseful
  • Tense

In Walter Bupp's science fiction novella "Vigorish," a world where telekinetic (TK) and psi powers are common sets the stage for high-stakes gambling and intricate deceit. The narrative follows Wally Bupp, a gifted TK surgeon reluctantly pulled back into the shadowy world of gambling by the Lodge, a secret society of psi practitioners. Tasked with uncovering a mysterious thief at the Sky Hi Club casino, Bupp partners with Pheola, an enigmatic woman claiming precognitive abilities. As they navigate the casino's treacherous underbelly, they uncover deep-seated betrayals and confront the moral complexities of wielding extraordinary power, leading to a thrilling showdown that tests their resolve and unique skills.

“In a world where luck could be bent, 'chance' was merely a word for the untrained.”

Key themes

Deceit and Betrayal
This theme is central to the narrative, particularly within the high-stakes world of psi-infused gambling. The initial mystery of the 'mysterious thief' evolves into the revelation of 'deceitful partners' operating from within, highlighting how trust is easily broken and how extraordinary abilities can be used to facilitate elaborate schemes of fraud. It explores the moral corruption that can arise when power is unchecked and avarice takes hold, affecting not only enemies but also those presumed to be allies.
The Ethics of Power
The presence of TK and psi powers forces a deep examination of ethical boundaries. The story questions who is entitled to wield such power, how it should be regulated (e.g., by the Lodge), and the moral implications of using it for personal gain versus collective good. Wally Bupp's internal struggle between his surgical profession and his involvement in gambling highlights the constant tension between responsible use and potential abuse of extraordinary abilities.
Trust and Skepticism
In a world where minds can be read, objects moved by thought, and futures foreseen, the concept of trust becomes incredibly fragile. The narrative explores the inherent skepticism required to navigate such a world, especially when dealing with partners whose abilities could be used to deceive. Wally and Pheola's partnership is built on an uneasy foundation of shared goals, constantly tested by the possibility of manipulation, both external and internal, and Pheola's own ambiguous past.

Worth discussing

How do TK and psi powers alter the fundamental nature of gambling, and what does this say about human ethics?

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