four men who played

First I thought of music, but it doesn't exactly fit 'not for fun'.

I agree, Sugar, I thought of musicians. "Separate scores" fits.

I think it is music also -- a quartet of some kind -- perhaps chamber musicians -- or improv jazz.

All would gain.

None would lose.

But why wouldn't they be having fun? Come back, laura, and explain, please!

Coin operated music box?

Dance competition?

Score is either score or score. Hmmm. I give up, it passed the 60 second mark.

They are professional musical quartet and hate their work. Or maybe they are a heavy metal band being paid to play country. But regardless, they were paid well for their session.

Or maybe the conductor's name was Mr. Gold.

As the musisians are paid to play, it's their job.
They do not play for fun. However they can have fun.


Laura

Wow, it's been awhile...
I guess since no one's touched this one...

Apparently, we all assume they are sitting at the same table and are playing against each other.

Maybe they're each sitting at a different blackjack table that plays for gold. I think it'd be pretty cool to see that bank the dealers have in front of them... big thing of gold pieces or something.

S,

yeah thats easy, They arent playing against each other