Hollywood's 5 best poker scenes
The films and stars that helped make the game what it is today.
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Kid's got alligator blood...
A film arguably given too little credit for its role in inspiring poker's boom years, Rounders (1998) is a brilliant portrayal of New York's thriving underground scene in the 90's which follows a talented young grinder and his battle for a dream life on the felt.
The movie has an embarrassment of riches where classic scenes are concerned, but its most memorable has to be the final confrontation between hero "Mike McDermott" (Matt Damon) and villain "Teddy KGB" (John Malkovich).
You owe me fifteen grand, pal
The Sting (1973) tells the story of two grifters trying to pull off an elaborate scam on a vicious mob boss.
In its classic high stakes poker scene, con man on the run "Henry Gondoff" (Paul Newman) out-cheats villain "Doyle Lonnegan" (Robert Shaw) to win a cool $15,000.
Kiddy game's down the street
Ludicrous in terms of logic and odds, but a scene that should be appreciated for being way ahead of its time in portraying poker's true form to the masses.
The Cincinnati Kid (1965) displayed the game as a somewhat respectable profession for the first time on screen, and this battle to be the best between "The Kid" (Steve McQueen) and "The Man" (Edward Robinson) is an undeniable classic.
Nut full house no good?
Another scene that is hugely unrealistic in terms of probability, but massively influential in popularising the game to the mainstream.
The original Casino Royale novel actually featured baccarat in this face off between Bond and terrorist rival Le Chiffre, but a pinch of Texas Hold'em proved the perfect elixir in bringing it to life.
I'm from the United States of kiss my ass!
A film all about the con, House of Games (1986) may lose consistently more credibility as it goes along, but its opening high stakes poker scene is truly fantastic.
"Mike" (Joe Mantegna) may think he has a solid read on his disgruntled opponent "George" (magician Ricky Jay), but his rival's alleged jitters prove an elaborate charade.
