For the hero winning becomes a daily routine thus he gets bored of this routine stuff. In order to find something new for himself he goes to the Empire of Azad where the game is not only difficult but it also is with a big reward. Peter Kenny narrates the prize of this game in loud tone as the winner gets the chance to rule the empire.
Winning is not easy just like it was seen in Consider Phlebas and Use of Weapons but for the bigger goal the main character is ready to take any risk. Whether it is the threats of murder or an insult on the face Gurgeh gets prepared for everything. Life changing game starts for Gurgeh and if he survives he would achieve the highest award.