Checkers: A Hard-luck Story

"Checkers: A Hard-luck Story" by Henry M. Blossom Jr. is a tale that begins with a young man named Jack Preston swept up in the thrilling atmosphere of a day at the Chicago races alongside his friend, Murray Jameson, where he reluctantly enters the world of gambling. Jack's initial naivety contrasts sharply with the high-stakes environment and its cast of characters. When Jack decides to bet on a horse named Peytonia, against his own better judgment, he unexpectedly wins, while Murray loses on a seemingly safer bet; this surprising turn of fortune highlights beginner's luck. This sets the stage for a story where chance and its consequences will likely play a major role in Jack's journey.