People don’t play poker just for the money. They play it for the thrill of dominating their opponent, to prove that they’re the better card shark, to compete and feel that winning sensation, or maybe just for entertainment. A lot of poker is just for fun, a lot of it to prove a point. Sure the money matters. But for the average Joe, it’s all about the magic of the game.
Here are two of my favorite quotations on the psychology of poker:
“Cards are war, in disguise of a sport.” ~Charles Lamb
“Poker’s the only game fit for a grown man. Then, your hand is against every man’s, and every man’s is against yours. Teamwork? Who ever made a fortune by teamwork? There’s only one way to make a fortune, and that’s to down the fellow who’s up against you.” ~W. Somerset Maugham
The depths of competition and aggression, and the well-disputed, shady, back room history of poker have created a lasting mythology. In pop culture and movies, ever the reflecting point, poker is shown in a hundred different lights, from the serious grinder to the cheater who gets away with it to the prankster hustling his friends out of a few bucks.
Presented for your viewing pleasure today are 5 of the best (and each completely different) poker scenes in the movies:
Stripes – the funny hustler
John Candy hustling? Instant win.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzZNh0P9K38
The Sting – cheat versus cheat
“What was I supposed to do? Call him for cheating better than me in front of the others?”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YS98rHg_2jQ
Cincinnati Kid – the biggest loser
Like the poker scene from “Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels” this is a tough scene to watch. And how great is this line? “Get’s down to what it’s all about, doesn’t it? Making the wrong move at the right time.”
The 40 Year Old Virgin – revealing just a little bit too much
One of the worst, most-backfiring bluffs in recorded history.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cK1glEmxbo
Maverick – the magic card
My personal favorite, Maverick. It might not the best poker scene on film, but it was one of the first I saw and the reason I started playing poker in ’94. (Thankfully, I don’t rely on such “techniques” to win anymore!)