Jack is a professional poker player who gets involved with the underworld after taking a wager proposed by gambler Duffy. In order to protect his family and himself, Jack must outwit Duffy's brother Lewis and scheming wife May, each of whom is trying to force him to murder the other. Jack seeks the help of Paulie Trunks, a loan shark who is looking to collect on Jack's poker debts and wants to protect his investment.
