Play, Puff, Scratch

Scratch.

It can mean The Devil. This story ain’t about that (necessarily…).

Or what you do to an itch.

This story is about earning scratch. Moo-la. Cash. By playing pool.

It’s not enough to play well. Dress the part, puff up a bit, intimidate the opposition. A bit of swagger, a smattering of wit: they all play a part. Losing money to a well-dressed shark is almost expected; no one wants to lose money to a thug in a hoody.

And never drink. Never. Make it look like you are, but don’t. Bartenders take bribes - don’t cheap out.