Poker may have caused many an exciting moment at casinos around the world, but it’s also contributed to many, many memorable moments on the silver screen. As the good guys and the bad guys face off at the poker table, we often anticipate a roller-coaster ride of emotions that take us on the kind of journey that only poker can provide. Below are five of the best poker scenes in the history of the movies.
Casino Royale
Widely regarded as the reboot of this iconic franchise, Casino Royale took us back to James Bond’s roots, with a darker take on the secret agent. James Bond is one of many franchises that have become famous in the poker community, along with the likes of classic TV show Maverick, of which you can find an in-depth review here.
Here, Bond is looking to defeat criminal mastermind Le Chiffre, who wants to use a prize at a poker tournament at Casino Royale to finance terrorist activities. As MI6’s best gambler, Bond has to play in the tournament and stop Le Chiffre from winning.
The tournament takes place at the end of the film and features a scene where the two men face off at the table with a huge pot of money on the line. The tightly shot scene conveys the intense and gritty feeling that pervades the recent Bond movies.
The Cincinnati Kid
The movie is about an upstart poker player, Stoner, who believes in his own poker-playing abilities and is keen to show off those abilities to the world. Once he becomes aware that a poker champion will be visiting town, he asks him to compete in a private game. What Stoner wasn’t aware of, however, was that he is a puppet between the champion and his arch-rival.
The final hand between the two men is regarded as one of the best ever put on film. While poker experts might not like the disregard for the actual rules, the rest of us just see a stunningly shot spectacle of two professional and loud players who refuse to give in and suffer the embarrassment of defeat.
The Sting
Con-artist Johnny Hooker unintentionally embarrasses a mafia boss. Fearing his own life after his partner is killed, he leaves the city and begins wandering the country. After he meets a master con-man, he plots a scene to gain revenge on the mafia boss who murdered his friend by stealing large sums of money.
The best scene in the movie is undoubtedly the poker game set on a train. The scene is unusual in that it likely ranks among the dirtiest poker-playing scenes ever shown on film, with both men attempting to cheat in every hand.
Rounders
This classic gambling movie tells of talented poker player Mike McDermott, who comes across a Russian crime boss who takes all of Mike’s money, leaving him penniless and desperate. While Mike initially quits playing poker, he makes a return once his childhood friend gets out of jail and asks for help to pay back his debts.
The final game between Mick and the Russian crime boss is full of suspense and always sends a shiver down the spine. Mick’s opponent trash talks him throughout, but Mike remains determined and focused, which is just inspiring to any wannabe poker player.
Big Hand for a Little Lady
A poor farmer makes his way to California with his family in the hope of starting a new chapter in their lives. However, he becomes involved in a poker game and risks his family’s fortune. When things begin to look up and the farmer is given a great hand, he dies at the poker table. His wife is tasked with taking over the game and wins to support her family.
The final poker game is the movie’s highlight. The scene takes place around the midpoint of the movie and lasts close to 40 minutes long. Yet, it keeps the audiences’ eyes transfixed to the screen until the game concludes.
