Rod Serling, Jesse and others in “A Game of Pool”

Rod Serling

Jesse Cardiff, pool shark, the best on Randolph Street, who will soon learn that trying to be the best at anything carries its own special risk in or out of the Twilight Zone.

Nerve? You mean insanity! Risking my life on a game of pool?

Someone has to keep the flame. Someone has to weed out those who haven't got what it takes. Y'see, the champions, the legends... they serve as a purpose, a challenge, an incentive.

I don't need a challenge!

Everyone needs a challenge, Jesse. Someone great out of the past to say, "Match what I've done, boy, and make it better." That's true in all walks of life.

I take them as I find them. To you, pool is not a nice, friendly game. It's a win-at-any-price affair. I acted accordingly

Now, I'm just a pool-player. There’s probably no less important thing on the face of the Earth. But mark this in your pocketbook: I'm the best. It's a proud thing to be the best at anything.

Wait a minute, Jesse. Before you shoot, think of this. Shoot that ball, and you may win more than what you bargained for.