Anton Chekhov has inspired a number of story writers. Right from Somerset Maugham to Prem Chand; all were inspired by him. Now, I hav gone through his many short stories - some good, some better, some best! I will love to rate it among his best short stories.
Yes, it is about a strange wager, a bet among some adventurous men and its consequences! Chekhov has a style to raise hopes and then give a sudden twist to his stories. He surprises his readers with sudden end to his stories.
Many literary reviewers are also baffled by his story telling.
But, he was always like that. How many witty doctors take their own life!