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The Ghost In My Machine

Stories of the Strange and Unusual

The Most Dangerous Games: The Gambler’s Game

February 16, 2015 by Lucia

Previously: The Doors of Your Mind.

Not to be confused with the excellent Ichor Falls short story “The Gambler,” The Gambler’s Game, which arrived on the Creepypasta Wikia circa 2010, is neither as long as many of the other games and rituals we explored, nor as involved: All it requires is a pack of cards and an hour or so of your time. But although the game is short and sweet, the stakes are high; what would be the point of playing if they were not?

Old playing cards strewn across a table

It’s common knowledge that the Devil loves to gamble; however, it hasn’t been confirmed whether the Gambler of this game is he — or whether the name of the game might refer to the player him or herself instead. Whoever or whatever your opponent may be, though, be warned: He plays for keeps.

[Like what you read? Check out Dangerous Games To Play In The Dark, available from Chronicle Books now!]

As always, play at your own risk.

Players:

  • One principal.

Requirements:

  • A pack of playing cards.
  • A quiet room.
  • A table.
  • Two chairs.

Instructions:

  1. Begin whenever you feel the need.
  2. Take up your pack of playing cards, go to your quite room, and seat yourself at the table. You should be facing the second chair across the table.
  3. Shuffle the cards. Shuffle them thoroughly, and shuffle them well. Do not attempt to mark or stack the deck; cheating will not be tolerated.
  4. Choose your game and deal yourself a hand.
  5. Begin the game by facing the second chair and saying the words, “Let’s play.” You may feel a slight chill; if you do, do not be concerned. If you do not, however, do not proceed.
  6. Deal the Gambler his hand; then play your first move. When it is the Gambler’s turn, you must help him play by laying down cards randomly from his hand. Do NOT look at his hand before it is on the table. Again, cheating will not be tolerated.
  7. Play the game to its conclusion, alternating turns as required.
    • If you win: Take the top card of the deck and draw its edge across the pointer finger of your right hand. If you draw blood, that hand will henceforth have the power to win any gamble, whether it’s a throw of the dice or the luck of the draw. Use it wisely, and sparingly.
    • If the Gambler wins: He will claim his prize — and before you ask, no, there is nothing you can do to dissuade him from doing so.

Additional Notes:

Any game will do, although Blackjack is preferred. It should be noted that games whose outcomes rely solely on luck make poor choices, indeed.

If possible, use a new and previously unopened pack of cards; the Gambler is mistrustful, and he may not look kindly upon an old or well-worn deck.

Should the Gambler win, he will not be quick about claiming his prize; nor will it be clean. You have only yourself to blame, however. After all, you were the one who decided to tempt fate.

A Word of Advice:

It is NOT recommended that you play this game.

There’s a reason you don’t come across many people with lucky hands in this world.

The Gambler’s Game: FAQ.

***

Support The Ghost In My Machine on Patreon for behind-the-scenes access and other bonus content. You can also follow on Twitter @GhostMachine13 and on Facebook @TheGhostInMyMachine.

[Photo via]

Filed Under: Games Tagged With: card games, chance, luck, The Gambler, The Gambler's Game, The Most Dangerous Games

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Nunya says

    January 18, 2021 at 2:51 am

    Hey, are you able to play with someone spectating? It’s to make sure that the player isn’t cheating. Would this make the gambler mad?

    Reply
  2. IvyGreen says

    June 27, 2020 at 10:02 pm

    Imagine playing Slapjack with”The Gambler”

    Reply
  3. 3##3 says

    January 16, 2019 at 3:07 pm

    Your life is mine.

    Reply
  4. the hierophant says

    August 4, 2018 at 8:53 am

    I really liked this (and the whole website, found it recently!) but this would actually be ridiculously easy to win if you played blackjack seeing as your opponent can’t hit or call. I’m assuming I must be missing something. would you get some sort of signal perhaps? maybe tell him to like knock once for a card and twice to stop? otherwise you’d have just about a guaranteed win against your opponent and this would be TOTALLY worth it to play.

    Reply
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