The Card Counter

Watch the original version of The Card Counter

Prologue

At the backwaters of a seedy gambling parlor, the stakes seem so much higher than the cards. The sweltering heat of the night penetrates the dense smog of cigarette smoke and creates a tension in the air. It is a place where dreams were made and broken, and the only thing more powerful than luck was the seduction of chance.

This is where our story begins.

The man who walked through the doors of the parlor was John Crane, a gambler with a checkered past. He had seen it all and had been through it all — the highs and the lows, the wins and the losses. He had been here before and he was here to make a name for himself.

It was his last chance. He was determined to be a winner this time, if only to prove to himself that he could do it. It would be a journey filled with danger and uncertainty, but he was determined to seize the opportunity that lay before him.

Chapter 1

John Crane was a man of few words, but they all meant something. He had been through a lot in his life and he was determined to make the most of it. He had come to the gambling parlor with something to prove, and this time he was determined to make it.

The stakes had been laid out on the table and the game was ready to begin. It was a high stakes game and the stakes were high. The stakes were too high for most, but not for John Crane. He knew the risks, but he was here to take them.

He was here to play the game, and he had come to win.

John looked around the room. Tables were filled with players, some seasoned gamblers, others new to the game. He knew he had his work cut out for him. But he was ready. He had been preparing for this day. He was confident he could do it.

The dealer dealt the cards and the game began. The cards were dealt and the bets were placed. The stakes were high and the tension in the room was palpable. John Crane’s heart was racing, but he knew he had to focus on the task at hand.

John was playing a fierce game. He was making like moves and calculated bets. He was up against the best and he was determined to win. He was so focused on the game that he didn’t notice the man sitting in the corner of the room, watching him.

Chapter 2

The man in the corner was Matthew Smith, a former gambler who had seen it all and done it all. He had been a winner, but he had also been a loser. He had been through it all and he had seen it all. He knew the game, he knew the players, and he knew John Crane.

Matthew had been watching John from the beginning. He knew the risks he was taking, but he had faith in him. He knew John could do it. He could see it in his eyes — he was determined to win.

Matthew watched John as he played, and he could see that John was playing a good game. He had the skills to win, but he wasn’t taking any risks.

Matthew decided to approach him. He wanted to offer his help, to give John a chance. He knew if John won this game, it could be his redemption. He wanted to give him that opportunity.

Matthew walked over to John’s table and introduced himself. John was taken aback at first, but then he accepted Matthew’s offer. He knew he needed the help, and he was willing to take it.

Chapter 3

Matthew offered his help, teaching John techniques and strategies to help him win. He also gave him advice about how to manage his money and when to take risks. John listened and heeded his advice.

The game continued and the stakes were getting higher. John was doing well, but he was still behind. He was running out of time, and he knew he needed to make a big move if he wanted to win.

John was feeling the pressure, but he was determined to win. He had faith in himself and in Matthew. He knew he could do this. He just needed one big win, one big gamble.

So, he did it — he went all in. He put all his chips on the table, and he prayed that his luck wouldn’t run out. He knew it was a risk, but he also knew he had to take it.

The cards were dealt and the bets were placed. The tension in the room was mounting. Everyone was watching, waiting to see if John would make it. And, then, it happened. He won.

John had won the game. He had taken a risk and it had paid off. He had won his redemption.

Epilogue

John Crane had come to the gambling parlor with something to prove, and he had done it. He had won his redemption, and he had proven to himself he could do it.

The winnings weren’t much, but it was enough to start over. John had a new lease on life and he was determined to make the most of it.

He had taken a risk, and it had paid off. He was now a winner and he was determined to stay that way.

The End


Scene 1

FADE IN

EXT. GRIMY BACK ALLEY – NIGHT

The street is dark and dank, with a sour smell lingering in the air. A lone figure, JIMMY, stands in the shadows, looking around nervously. He takes a deep breath before making his way to a nearby doorway.

INT. GAMBLING DEN – NIGHT

The smoky, dimly lit room is full of shady figures in the game of poker. Jimmy takes a seat, and a man slides a few chips across the table.

MAN

Welcome back, Jimmy.

JIMMY

Yeah, whatever.

Jimmy’s hands tremble as he reaches for the chips. He forces a smile, trying to portray a sense of confidence.

MAN

You look a little nervous. Something wrong?

JIMMY

Nah, I’m good. Let’s play.

The man raises an eyebrow and leans back in his chair.

MAN

If you say so.

The game begins and Jimmy becomes more and more antsy. He has a few close calls, but eventually the night takes a turn and Jimmy finds himself winning.

Suddenly the door bursts open and light floods the room.

EXT. BACK ALLEY – CONTINUOUS

A cop rushes into the gambling den.

COP

Everybody on the floor!

The players slide from their chairs and hit the ground. Jimmy scrambles to his feet and takes off.

EXT. DESERTED STREET – MOMENTS LATER

Jimmy races down the deserted street, his heart pounding in his chest. He turns a corner and spots a car parked in the distance. He sprints toward it and jumps in.

INT. CAR – CONTINUOUS

Jimmy slams the door shut and locks it. He takes a deep breath and leans back in his seat.

Suddenly the driver’s side window shatters and a hand reaches in, yanking the door open.

EXT. STREET – CONTINUOUS

The figure stands silhouetted in the streetlight with a gun in his hand.

FIGURE

Get out of the car, Jimmy.

Jimmy slides out of the car and stands face to face with his former partner in crime, DANNY. Danny’s face is hard and his voice is cold.

DANNY

You owe me money.

Jimmy takes a step back, his eyes wide with fear.

JIMMY

I…I don’t have it.

Danny takes a few steps closer, his eyes never leaving Jimmy’s face.

DANNY

Really? Because I think you do.

Jimmy swallows hard and takes another step back.

JIMMY

No, I swear. I don’t.

Danny’s face contorts with anger and he raises the gun to Jimmy’s face.

DANNY

I think you better have the money or else.

Jimmy trembles with fear, but then something inside of him stirs and he straightens his back.

JIMMY

You know what, Danny? I don’t have the money right now, but I can get it.

Danny’s brow furrows and he lowers the gun.

DANNY

What do you mean?

Jimmy takes a deep breath and looks Danny in the eye.

JIMMY

I mean…I can get it. I’ll do whatever it takes.

Danny stares at him for a moment, and then a slow smile creeps across his face.

DANNY

That’s more like it, Jimmy. I knew you’d come around.

Danny claps Jimmy on the shoulder and his eyes glimmer with amusement.

DANNY

You’ve got yourself a deal.

The two men walk away, disappearing into the night.

FADE OUT

Author: AI