They do not play for coin.

( But memories, humiliation, secrets. Trades that leave coin purses fat and the soul withered, and players lesser than they once stood. It is in the way of such things: the currency of something that matters must always exceed the gain.

He does not question that the house always wins. This, a young woman has taught him already, playing at cards, is the way of this world. )

The cost should not cripple you.