I recomend use query_posts() functon only when you really need it and when you really know what your are doing. In your case, as you are going to make a, I think, secondary loop, It is definitely better use other alternatives like a new WP_Query() object. More info the description part of query_posts() documentation. Also, for future questions please dont’ say “I want to do this with this code”, it is a clear XY problem.
So, here an example of how you can do what your are trying. In your loop:
<?php if ( have_posts() ) : ?>
<?php $j = 0; ?>
<?php while ( have_posts() ) : the_post(); ?>
<?php $class= (++$j % 2 == 0) ? 'even' : 'odd'; ?>
<hgroup>
<h3 class="<?php echo $class; ?>-title">
<?php the_title(); ?>
</h3>
</hgroup>
<div id="<?php echo $class; ?>-story">
<div class="success-file">
<?php the_post_thumbnail(184, 260); ?>
</div>
<div class="<?php echo $class; ?>-content">
<?php the_content(); ?>
<p><?php the_tags(); ?></p>
</div>
</div>
<?php endwhile; ?>
<?php endif; ?>