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5 poker movies to watch during lockdown

Poker has shaped several lives giving rise to some incredible stories. Fans all around the world have drawn inspiration from legendary players. The mind-sport has a long tradition of being used in movies for dramatic effects as well. There are only a few precious good poker movies and we think that these five films are best out there. So keep watching, reading and make the most out of the lockdown…

1. Rounders

If there’s one poker movie in the hit list of every poker player, it must be Rounders. Released in 1998, the American drama is directed by John Dahl starring Edward Norton and Matt Damon. A highly quotable and memorable poker movie of all times. Demon perfectly plays Mike McDermott who is a smart law student dreaming of winning the World Series of Poker (WSOP).

The movie was written by Brian Koppelman and David Leven who came up with the idea after the playing poker at the Mayfair Club. The former said that he almost spent two years at the club to take in the atmosphere and use the characters for his screenplay which make the movie even more realistic. It also gives a glimpse of how pros like Johnny Chan become deities for upcoming players. Well, we won’t ruin your curiosity by giving spoilers! Rounders remains one of the top movies in the genre.

Major Quote – “You can’t lose what you don’t put it in the middle, but you can’t win much either.”

2. Molly’s Game

An American biographical crime drama film directed and written by Aaron Sorkin. The movie stars Jessica Chastain, Kevin Costner and Idris Elba. Released in 2017, it is based on the true story of Molly Bloom, a former champion skier who shifts career after a terrible accident, turning her focus to the world of poker. She ran private high stakes games featuring some of the biggest businessman, Hollywood celebrities, and pro players.

The movie is all about rebuilding yourself. It shows Molly’s journey through ups and downs of life. Molly’s Game will definitely go to your must-watch movie list!

Major Quote – “I was in a room with movie stars, directors, and business titans. They were going all-in, all the time.”

3. Cincinnati Kid

The film Cincinnati Kid tells a story about Eric Stoner aka ‘The Kid’ and his quest that leads him to challenge Lancey Howard aka ‘The Man’ and that is where the symbolism comes in. This young kid wants to prove he is the best player around. The game chosen in the movie is the Five Card Stud which isn’t the popular variation of poker. The movie features some of the best actors in history with Steve McQueen leading the way.

Major Quote – “You’re good, Kid. But as long as I’m around, you’re second best. And you might as well learn to live with it.”

4. All in: The Poker Movie

Directed by Doug Tirola, an award-winning documentary which takes you down the memory lane. The story is about poker from its beginning from Chris Moneymaker’s 2003 win to remembering Black Friday. It also incorporates interviews with some of the biggest name in poker industry, including Daniel Negreanu, Phil Hellmuth, Antonio Esdandiari and so on. All in is perfect for those of you looking out for history lessons of poker and what the mind-sport has become today!

Major Quote – “Poker right now is bigger than the Super Bowl.”

5. High Roller: The Stu Ungar Story

https://youtu.be/X3FbfBevHBs

Well, poker fans are well-aware by poker legend Stu Ungar and High Roller: The Stu Ungar Story which released in 2003. It is a biopic focusing on the life of the poker pro which also has an alternate name – ‘Stuey’, featuring cameos from various figures like Vince Van Pattern, Any Glazer and others.

The movie revolves around the life of Ungar aka ‘The Kid’ whose name marked an era in the poker world. The story portrays the rise and fall of Stu from his early days while playing gin rummy to his transition to Texas Hold’em. After winning the Main Event in 1980, 1981, and once again after 16 years. The movie focuses on his journey, the way he dominated the game for many years to his unfortunate demise.

The poker superstar was played by Michael Imperioli who did an outstanding job at playing the role perfectly by capturing the life of the legend!

Major Quote – Stu to his opponent, “I know you … so I know what you got.”

For more updates on lockdown tips, keep reading GutshotMagazine.com and stay tuned!

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