About the title
The cynical, top-class cardsharp Alexei Arbenin has left dozens of people destitute. This man's one weakness is Nina, thanks to whom there is hope that Arbenin will get on the path to reform. After marrying her, Alexei indeed gives up his old pursuits. His former partner in crime, an equally professional card cheat named Kazarin, finds himself on the brink of ruin, having been caught and now owing a large sum to dangerous people. Kazarin turns up at Arbenin's house asking to play just a couple more rounds, and Nina falls in love with him at first sight. Blinded by jealousy and incapable of forgiveness, the protagonist prepares for bloody revenge.