The Gambler

First published in Russian in 1866, “The Gambler” is a short novel by Fyodor Dostoevsky that follows the story of Alexei Ivanovich, a young tutor working for a previously wealthy Russian army general. Desperately in love with his benefactor's daughter, he acquiesces to place a bet for her at the local casino, which he wins—a bet leads the duo down a desperate path of fortune and ruin.

“The Gambler” is a reflection of Dostoyevsky's own gambling demons, he himself having frequented the casinos of Baden-Baden, Homburg, and Saxon-les-Bains; often starting out by winning small amounts and losing much more in the end.