Taking Chances

A collection of short, anecdotal tales from the turf and gambling world that recounts schemes, near-misses, and colorful characters involved in horse racing, wire-tapping operations, poolroom swindles, and poker games. Narratives range from brief vignettes to longer incidents that reveal odds, hustles, and the caprices of luck, portraying trainers, bookmakers, cardsharps, and petty crooks as they attempt coups, suffer losses, or profit from small cons. Recurring themes include the lure of quick gain, the mechanics of betting frauds, camaraderie among rogues, and the thin margin between triumph and ruin.