Poker in Film

Poker has been depicted in many films over the years, which has encouraged players to join the game! Let’s take a look at some favorite poker scenes, as chosen by our players.

The Ballad of Buster Scruggs:

This 2018 Western features a singing cowboy, Buster Scruggs. After entering a saloon, Buster joins a vacant seat at a poker table and is told that he must play the cards that the other player has abandoned, which turn out to be the infamous Dead Man’s Hand, AA88. Buster refuses to play the hand and finds himself in a one-of-a-kind gunfight. For those not in the know, the Dead Man’s Hand is rumored to be the hand that Wild Bill Hickok was holding when he was killed, which makes Buster’s refusal to play understandable!

Casino Royale:

James Bond is known for his calm, cool, and collected poker skills, and he’s quick to flaunt them in 2006’s Casino Royale with a 150 million dollar pot! In the book “Casino Royale” by Ian Fleming written in 1953, James Bond actually played baccarat. When the movie was released, the game was changed to Texas Hold’em for more drama. You can definitely feel the tension at the table between Bond and foe, Le Chiffre!

Rounders:

What many people consider the quintessential poker movie, Rounders tells the story of a reformed gambler, Mike, who has to return to playing underground high stakes poker to help pay off a large debt. In the opening scene, Mike explains the beauty of Texas Hold’em only to tragically lose everything to pocket Aces. The film helped to renew interest in Texas Hold’em, lending to the popularity of the game today!

Did movies get you into the game, poker pals? Or maybe you see yourself in some of these scenes? What’s your favorite poker movie?