Movies are a big source of entertainment and escapism from everyday life. However, some movies can also serve as a teaching tool that enable audiences to develop their skills in a relevant area that interests them. Poker themed movies are one example of this and have inspired players around the world to improve their strategies and become more successful players.
Poker films are often thrilling and full of excitement and adventure. They depict many intense moments, psychological warfare and often mirror real life challenges that players of the game face. In this post, we explore the influence of poker-themed movies on players’ strategies and mindsets in online poker, and look at the lessons learned from these movies.
To begin, what are some of the top films with poker as a central film?
In the last three decades in particular there have been a string of poker themed releases that have achieved wide scale success in the box office. One of the first is Rounders (1998) starring Matt Damon. Damon plays a law student in the depths of the underground poker world, his experience highlights poker as a game of skill and endurance.
Eight years later was the release of the highly successful Bond film Casino Royale (2006). In this film, Bond plays in a poker game against a supervillain, the results of which have some pretty immense consequences.
Another more recent poker film hit is Molly’s Game (2017). This title is in fact based on a true story and follows the tale of a woman in charge of the world’s most exclusive high stakes poker games. It delves into personal dramas, poker strategy and the risks of high stakes play.
These films illustrate how poker is much more than just a game to many. It is a skill to master and a challenge in understanding and mastering the human psyche.
Psychological tactics in films that can be applied in poker play:
One of the most used tactics in poker is bluffing, this is an essential skill to develop in order to become an advanced player in the game. It is used repeatedly in poker themed films and is a great way of adding an extra level of excitement and suspense to the scene.
For example, in Rounders, Damon’s character often bluffs in order to outwit even the most experienced players.
While bluffing is mostly relevant to traditional poker, online poker also holds an element of bluffing. For instance, in timing, betting patterns and the idea of making unpredictable moves to keep your opponent on their toes. Films help to teach players that it’s not all about having the best cards, it’s about convincing others that you do.
Another tactic involved in poker is being able to read your opponents accurately. In Casino Royale body language is a big part of the story and nervous gestures of overconfidence can easily give the game away.
Reading the opponent in online poker isn’t quite as simple. Digital tells are much more subtle but can include the changing of bet sizing and frequency or the time taken to make a decision. Watching poker films can help players to begin working on this skill.
Being able to keep a handle on your emotions is a fundamental psychological tactic in online poker and traditional poker. We can see the importance of doing so in Casino Royale as Bond keeps his cool demeanour as the stakes rise. Through watching such films, we are able to identify the importance of emotional regulation and how maintaining a rational mindset is essential for good gameplay.
High risk games are often portrayed in poker films
Poker films often depict the risks associated with high stakes poker and the strategies players employ to manage them. In many poker themed films, the stakes are extremely high as this helps to create a more thrilling and suspenseful theme.
Often the stakes extend beyond financial loss as the characters become wrapped up in dramas themed around deception, romance or morality. They sometimes show concepts such as card counting or the consequences of cheating.
While low stakes games can be filled with excitement just like high stakes games, they give players the opportunity to practise their poker skills and develop a poker strategy without more significant bankroll implications.
Movies are important in poker culture
Poker movies contribute to the culture of the game and inspire a sense of community among players. Community is very important in helping players to sustain their interest in the game and improve their skill set and strategy.
Poker players are able to bond over their favourite scenes and characters from these iconic films and discuss the storylines. Poker films inspire players to think about and adapt their own ways of play.
