Top poker quotes in Movies

Poker scenes feature in a number of classic Hollywood films. In most cases, casinos are often used to signify the character’s wealth and sophistication. They represent power, luxury and glamour. The James Bond franchise is one of the best known examples of this, with the poker scene in the hit 2006 film Casino Royale being one of the most iconic scenes of all time.

In other movies, poker scenes can have comedic value. They show foolish players who have been lured in by the promise of financial gain, leading them to take big risks and must face the consequences. For example, in 2009 comedy The Hangover, the players hilariously cheat their way to a big payout during a game of Blackjack.

Whatever the context, casino scenes are thrilling and filled with suspense. They have the power to really captivate the movie’s audience. We have put together some of the best and most memorable poker quotes from popular movies over the last few decades for you to enjoy.

The Cincinnati Kid

If you are a fan of ‘The King of Cool’ Steve Mcqueen, you are sure to remember his scene in the 1965 classic The Cincinnati Kid. The actor plays young Eric Stoner, a confident poker player who takes on the best player in the country, Lancy Howard. In the movie’s final scenes, the game’s unexpected twist reminds us just how unpredictable this card game can be.

This film’s most memorable quote has to be Lancy Howard’s when he tells The Kid “you're good, kid, but as long as I'm around, you're only second best.” While Howard is a seasoned poker player with a history of success, Stoner’s determination makes him a strong competitor in the game.

Rounders

In 1998, the poker themed movie Rounders was released. Starring world famous actors Matt Damon and Edward Norton, the film follows two young men as they play high stakes poker in the hopes of paying off a significant debt with their winnings.

Damon plays Law student Mike McDermott, a skilled high stake player who after racking up debt and quitting the game, has to rejoin the poker circuit to help out his childhood best friend Worm.

In the movie’s most climactic scene, Mike plays a game of no limit Texas Hold’em poker. He pays close attention to his opponent’s tells in order to suss out what hand he is holding.

Mike narration in his scene with KGB Teddy perfectly expresses his intent. He states: “They're trying to goad me, trying to own me. But this isn't a gunfight. It's not about pride or ego. It's only about money.” In both real life poker and movie poker, players are too often distracted by their need to keep up appearances and seem confident. As a consequence, they sometimes take risks that do not pay off. However, in Rounders, Mike fights to stay focussed on his primary goal to pay off Worm’s debt.

Goodfellas

Martin Scorsese’s crime drama film Goodfellas was a big hit when it was released in cinemas back in 1990. The story follows Henry Hill and his wife Karen and explores Henry’s involvement with mobsters Jimmy Conway and Tommy DeVito.

In an already tense scene that takes place during a game of poker, Tommy DeVito loses his cool when Spider forgets to bring him his drink.

“Dance the fucking drink back to me” Tommy yells before reaching for his gun and pointing it at Spider. Firing off a few shots, one pellet hits Spider’s foot and he falls to the ground. Tommy continues to ramble as Spider is carried from the room. A perfect example of how the tense nature of the game can spark big reactions from those who lack a calm temperament.

Maverick

Another classic 1990’s poker movie is Maverick, starring Mel Gibson and Alfred Molina. In this comedy, main character Bret Maverick, a talented con artist, enters a high stakes poker game. Maverick overcomes a series of challenges as he makes his journey to Crystal River to earn his entry fee and then onto the major tournament.

The film’s most memorable scene takes place at this major tournament, with Maverick reaching the final table where he plays against Angel and Commodore Duvall. His striking tactic involved slowly revealing his cards one by one. While perhaps not the most realistic move, his bizarre behaviour is what makes this game so gripping for the audience.

Showing his trickster ways, Maverick recalls: “My old pappy always used to say, there is no more deeply satisfying religious experience... than cheatin' on a cheater."

Casino Royale

No poker movie round-up would be complete without a mention of James Bond film Casino Royale. During an intense game of No Limit Texas Hold’em poker, British spy James Bond tries to foil the criminal plan that terrorist banker Le Chiffre has been plotting.

The game has received small amounts of criticism for slight inaccuracies in poker rules and general poker etiquette. However, a succession of thrilling bluffs and double bluffs help to captivate Bond fans and build suspense throughout the scene.

When Le Chiffre asks if the stress of the game is causing him to perspire, Bond replies: “A little. But I won't consider myself to be in trouble until I start weeping blood.” This perfectly illustrates the gritty nature of his character.

These are just a few of the best poker quotes from movies. If you are looking to play poker, take a look at the latest games available online.