By Claudia Hartley.
There are every kind of card enjoying cliches. Picture: a smoky backroom filled with poker-playing cowboys, a glitzy on line casino ready for the deciding card in a hand of blackjack, everyone knows the tropes. Over the years, movie administrators have been captivated by the act of card enjoying. Sometimes it opens a window to the psyche of the participant, different occasions a recreation of playing cards is used to painting an even bigger battle that’s going down.
There are every kind of ways in which we will learn into the that means of those video games, I’m positive I’ve after a dropping streak on the blackjack desk! Anyway, in case you’re a fan of playing cards – which you seemingly are in case you’re looking the Blackjack Review weblog – then I personally assure you’ll fall in love with these stupendous scenes.
The Cincinnati Kid, 1965
If you’ve ever had even the slightest curiosity in poker, then I’m keen to wager (a substantial quantity) that you simply’ve seen this well-known Steve McQueen movie. And in case you haven’t, what are you ready for? Watch it now! Released in 1965, however set in the Thirties, this movie takes us again in time to New Orleans. The Cincinnati Kid is a burgeoning younger poker participant, who decides to tackle a seasoned professional, referred to as ‘The Man’.
The most beloved scene – and the end result of the film – entails a recreation of five-card stud, in which it appears sure that The Kid goes to win. You know what occurs subsequent. We’re being arrange for a fall. In a merciless closing twist, The Man reveals a Royal Flush (an unbeatable hand). Whether it’s a reminder to remain in your lane, respect your elders – or any variety of different warnings – it stays a spectacular work of cinema.
A Big Hand for the Little Lady, 1966
Come with me to the Old West (possibly the very best setting for an excellent poker battle) for an absolute tour-de-force from Joanne Woodward as Meredith. Meredith is the matriarch of a poor farming household who finally ends up thrust right into a high-stakes poker recreation – very excessive stakes. On reflection, in all probability not the type of recreation that you simply’d thrust your novice poker participant into, however I digress.
In what may some take into account reckless, it seems that not simply the home, however all (sure all) of the financial savings are on the road. It’s out of the blue as much as Meredith to not solely save your complete fortune of the poor household however to attempt to play poker for one of many first occasions in her life. If you’re planning on watching, don’t learn the following bit!
Meredith wins. The fortune is saved, and the poor household immediately turns into a rich one, nonetheless at the price of her husband’s life. On seeing the ultimate hand play out, he has a coronary heart assault and dies. Nobody ever mentioned poker was a recreation for the faint-hearted!
Rounders, 1998
Set in the mysterious world of underground poker, this John Dahl movie takes us into the gritty underworld of New York. A legislation pupil (and fairly scorching poker participant) meets up along with his aptly named pal, Worm. The two of them get entangled with some dodgy characters, however finally rekindle their love for the sport of poker.
The movie cleverly manages to point out the intricacies of poker technique, while balancing this with the chance concerned in the hunt for a win. Of course, the camaraderie between characters can be one of many huge pulls of this movie. For poker followers, it doesn’t get significantly better than Rounders.
Casino Royale, 2006
Has there ever been a rundown of nice on line casino movies that didn’t function Casino Royale? Unlikely. Either method, right here’s the nice movie once more! Casino Royale breathes opulence and glamour in a method that solely a James Bond movie might. The on line casino used in the movie was the Casino de Monte Carlo. Having lately visited, I can affirm that it’s possibly the only most spectacularly embellished on line casino in the world. Imagine: dripping gold chandeliers, plush velvet drapes, and a poker desk that may make your jaw drop to the ground.
The key scene entails a poker recreation between James Bond and Le Chiffre for thousands and thousands of {dollars}. This scene is definitely some of the intense poker video games ever recorded, one which has you holding your breath till the very finish.

21, 2008
In a way more fashionable take, a bunch of scholars use their card-counting abilities to win huge cash on a visit to Las Vegas. They all come to know each other as math college students at MIT who’re introduced collectively by their entrepreneurial professor. He realizes all of them have what it takes to drag off a heist. So, he units them to work studying how one can play blackjack online and maintain monitor of which playing cards are being performed. For some time, their strategies go unnoticed by the on line casino groups, however earlier than lengthy issues come to a head. The professor should select between his personal lust for successful and the security of his college students.
Molly’s Game, 2017
Our closing movie is one in every of my private favorites. If you’ve not watched it but, then it’s nonetheless on Netflix. Quick! Molly’s Game is based on the true story – all the time a terrific begin – of an Olympic skier turned poker recreation organizer. Not a traditional profession path, however one which makes for an excellent movie.
Being an astute lady, Molly rapidly realized that there was an urge for food for top stakes – severely excessive stakes – poker. Especially in case your participation got here with full discretion. Before lengthy, Molly had a visitor record so long as your arm, comprising celebrities, politicians – and even royalty. However, all good issues should come to an finish (particularly underground issues). It was the FBI who had been decided to place an finish to this racket. I gained’t spoil it for you, nevertheless it’s going to be fairly robust for even somebody as tenacious as Molly to outrun these guys.
IMAGE CREDIT: Unsplash
IMAGE CREDIT: Movie – “21”
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