The story begins when Mr. Shaitana, a wealthy and flamboyant man with a fascination for crime, invites a select group of guests to his luxurious home for a dinner and bridge game. Mr. Shaitana is known for his eccentricity and his passion for collecting criminals, particularly those who have committed crimes but never been caught. He arranges a dinner party where the main attraction is a bridge game, but it soon becomes clear that the stakes are much higher than just the cards.