A Society for the Reformation of Poker Players Page #3

"A Society for the Reformation of Poker Players," written by Robert Barr, is a humorous and satirical novella that examines the world of poker and its players. Set in the late 19th century, the story follows a group of poker enthusiasts who seek to reform their behavior and attitudes toward the game, reflecting on themes of morality, vice, and societal norms. Through witty dialogue and clever observations, Barr critiques the gambling culture of his time while also exploring the camaraderie and rivalries that emerge within this unique social circle. The novella offers a lighthearted yet insightful glimpse into the complexities of human nature and the allure of chance.

• Humour
• Novel

								


“I am not afraid to show my hand,” said the gambler, and he put down on
the table four aces.

“There’s the king of hearts,” said Storm, putting it down on the table.
“There’s the queen of hearts, there’s the knave of hearts, there’s the
ten of hearts. Now,” he cried, waving his other card in the air, “can
you tell me what this card is?”

“I am sure I don’t know,” answered the gambler, quietly, “probably the
nine of hearts.”

“It is the nine of hearts,” shouted Storm, placing it down beside the
others.

The gambler quietly picked up the cards, and handed them to the man who
was to deal. Storm’s hands were trembling with excitement as he pulled
the pile of bank notes and gold towards him. He counted out what I had
given him, and passed it to me under the table. The rest he thrust into
his pocket.

“Come,” I said, “it is time to go. Don’t strain your luck.”

“Another five pounds,” he whispered; “sit where you are.”

“Nonsense,” I said, “another five pounds will certainly mean that you
lose, everything you have won. Come away, I want to talk with you.”

“Another five pounds, I have sworn it.”

“Very well, I shall not stay here any longer.”

“No, no,” he cried eagerly; “sit where you are, sit where you are.”

There was a grim thin smile on the lips of the gambler as this
whispered conversation took place.

When the next hand was dealt around and Storm looked at his cards, he
gave another gasp of delight. I thought that a poker player should not
be so free with his emotions; but of course I said nothing. When it
came his time to bet, he planked down a five-pound note on the table.
The other two, as was usual, put down their cards. They were evidently
very timorous players. The gambler hesitated for a second, then he put
a ten-pound note on Storm’s five-pounds. Storm at once saw him, and
raised him ten. The gambler hesitated longer this time, but at last he
said, “I shall not bet. What have you got?”

“Do you call me?” asked Storm. “Put up your money if you do.”

“No, I do not call you.”

Storm laughed and threw his cards face up on the table. “I have
nothing,” he said, “I have bluffed you for once.”

“It is very often done,” answered the gambler, quietly, as Storm drew
in his pile of money, stuffing it again in his coat pocket. “Your deal,
Storm.”

“No, sir,” said the young man, rising up; “I’ll never touch a poker
hand again. I have got my own money back and five or ten pounds over. I
know when I’ve had enough.”

Although it was Storm’s deal, the gambler had the pack of cards in his
hand idly shuffling them to and fro.

“I have often heard,” he said slowly without raising his eyes, “that
when one fool sits down beside another fool at poker, the player has
the luck of two fools—but I never believed it before.”
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