Having lived some of the characters in this novelette, it was fascinating to get an inside view of what goes on behind the scenes of those private gambling games and at the track. It was amazing how Mr. DeSimone was able to add insight to games I have played and discuss the professionals of this trade in a manner that had me wishing there were additional stories to be told. You realize the odds of winning when sitting in a card game with professionals and get to understand ways to improve the odds--you also see how at times the deck can be stacked against you and the meaning of the house always wins and who is part of the house. It was a study of the players and the game of poker along with how some share in the game and a look at the sport of kings from a hustlers view