A brilliant collection of the best short stories about playing poker from writers such as Anthony Holden, Patrick Marber, Neil Pearson, and Jennifer Tilly—and an introduction by Al Alvarez.

Poker has grown into one of the most popular sports in the world, with millions playing online, while the drama it creates has made it a natural subject for filmmakers and writers such as John Steinbeck. Now Anthony Holden, author of the poker classic Big Deal, has brought together some of the best original new writing on poker in this wonderful collection of superb short stories.

He Played For His Wife… And Other Stories features contributions from Patrick Marber, Jennifer Tilly, Neil Pearson, David Flusfeder, and Anthony Holden, as well as a poem from Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy. Much more than a book about a popular card game, He Played For His Wife…And Other Stories is for anyone wanting to get a revealing insight into human nature.