The Player of Games (Culture, #2)

by Iain M. Banks

the true gambler needs the excitement of potential loss, even ruin,

complicated card-game of the type Gurgeh liked best; one that involved bluff and just a little luck.

“I don’t understand you,” he told her. “Because I turn you down?” “Because you don’t turn anybody else down.” “Not so consistently.” Yay nodded, frowning at her drink. “So; why not?” There. He’d finally said it. Yay pursed her lips. “Because,” she said, looking up at him, “it matters to you.”

Common misconception that; that fun is relaxing. If it is, you’re not doing it right.