[ WP ] I 've heard you 're quite the gambler , let 's up the stake , my life for yours and your for mine .

I stand face to face with my opponent, our eyes locked. If he feels any fear, he certainly shows no sign. 
 
 I loosely throw my arm down and then return it to its original position so my bicep and forearm make a right angle. 
 
 The world has never seen stakes so large. Gambling always changed lives, but never so directly. I throw down my arm again and pull it back up. 
 
 We mouth the same words, a ritual performed many times in the past. But I don ’ t think anyone could see the words actually having significance. The winner takes the other ’ s life. 
 
 I throw my arm down one more time. I see my opponent do the same. As I pull my arm back up, I know I must make a decision. Sweat runs down my forehead, my heart racing. 
 
 What is his plan? Would he truly risk his life for such a diabolical ploy? I have no time to think. I must deceive him. It is the only way. Yes, it ’ s time for action. 
 
 As I throw my arm down for the final time, I curl my hand into a fist. He ’ ll never see it coming. As my arm reaches the critical point, I stop. My heart stops. Am I truly ready to accept the consequences of defeat? I look down, relieved. My life is saved. 
 
 “ Rock beats scissors, ” I coolly announce.
