Subject
Casinos -- Fiction Books
Best books
Jack McKenty
$1,000 a Plate
"$1,000 a Plate" by Jack McKenty is a science fiction short story written in the mid-20th century. The narrative is set on Mars and revolves around the challenges faced by the Mars Observatory due to frequent fireworks displays that disrupt their astronomical observations. The story explores themes of cooperation, creativity, and the unintended consequences of one's actions, particularly as it relates to the dangers of entertainment overrunning scientific endeavors. In the story, Dr. Morton and his team of scientists are frustrated by the annual Marsy Gras celebrations and the resulting skyrocket trails that ruin expensive photographic plates crucial for their research. As a solution, Dr. Morton devises a plan to manipulate the local casino owners into agreeing to halt fireworks displays by offering them horoscopes that predict their gambling success. Initially met with success, their plan faces a setback when they are ordered to cease their unscientific practices. In a twist, they resort to creating their own fireworks, leading to comedic mishaps that include the destruction of a casino owner's home. Ultimately, this unexpected outcome positively affects Dr. Morton's research ambitions while simultaneously enhancing the local gambler’s reputation, culminating in a humorous yet insightful commentary on the interplay between science and entertainment.
Randall Garrett
House Operator
"House Operator" by S. M. Tenneshaw is a sci-fi short story published in the mid-20th century. The narrative revolves around a skilled gambler named Rafferty who enters the Ganymede Casino, desperate to recover from a significant loss in order to pay off a gambling debt. The story explores themes of chance and skill, highlighting the dynamics of poker as a classic game against the backdrop of futuristic gambling technologies. In this tale, Rafferty faces off against Steel, a house operator at the casino who is a surprisingly adept poker player. Initially confident in his abilities, Rafferty quickly finds himself entangled in a battle of wits as he tries to read Steel's enigmatic demeanor. Despite winning several hands, Rafferty ultimately realizes that Steel is not only a formidable opponent but also shows an uncanny ability to adapt and counter Rafferty's strategies. The game culminates in a loss that leaves Rafferty with just enough chips to escape to another planet, while Steel proves to be a master of poker, capable of besting even the most seasoned players. The story concludes with a twist, revealing that Steel is a robot, adding a layer of complexity to the nature of competition and the essence of skill in the game.
Walter Frith
The Sack of Monte Carlo: An Adventure of To-day
"The Sack of Monte Carlo: An Adventure of To-day" by Walter Frith is a fictional novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around Vincent Blacker, a Lieutenant in the H.M. Militia, who devises an outrageous plan to raid the gambling tables at the iconic Monte Carlo casino. Motivated by love, particularly his desire to win back his wife’s family estate for her, Blacker enlists the help of various colorful characters while grappling with the moral implications of their reckless scheme. At the start of the novel, Vincent Blacker shares the inception of his bold idea while lounging in bed one morning. He explains the motivations behind the planned heist, including the substantial amount of money believed to be present at Monte Carlo and his desire to see the wealth redistributed to charitable causes. As he introduces his past with Lucy Thatcher, his love interest, and their intertwined fates, he sets the stage for the upcoming adventure with hints of camaraderie and mischief. The beginning establishes a lighthearted, yet daring tone as Blacker prepares to assemble his crew and embark on what could be a disastrous yet thrilling escapade.
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