Movie Magic for Poker Players

By Ajeet Khurana

One of my earliest memories of a poker game is from the 1965 movie, Cincinnati Kid. The movie follows a young poker player (played by Steve McQueen) as he pits himself against the top poker player of the time. The movie (heeded by many as one of the greatest poker movies ever) gave rise to my lifelong interest in the game. In more recent times I was pleased to watch the Matt Damon movie, Rounders.

Perhaps, what I love most about poker movies are the crisp, sarcastic dialogues, the rounds of bluffing, the quiet calculated manner of those that win, and the suspense of what the next card might be. In these movies, it is the man (or woman) with the greater intelligence that wins the game.

Poker movies provide entertainment. However, that is not my primary reason for watching them. Being unable to resist a good poker game at times, I like to stay on top of the various tips that my poker buddies keep using. And trust me, for those of us that play poker only occasionally, most of our tricks come from the movies.

One poker trick that we learn from the movies is that of reading the looks on the faces of the other players. Eyes that are downcast or have a happy glint in them are sure giveaways of the kinds of cards that a person has drawn. Of course, that unhappy looking fellow might be on to you, and might be bringing all his theatrical talents to the poker table. Be careful. Don't give away your own cards by your facial expressions or your body language. And don't be fooled by somebody else.

More importantly, don't give in to an emotional outburst. In a good poker game, the pressure will build up. But you must concentrate on the game, on winning. Emotions will only give your opponents the upper hand. Don't lose control of the game. Also, avoid drinking yourself silly during a poker game, unless you are in the mood to let other people win. A person who is drunk throughout a game is only preparing to drown in losses. Also, the ego should be kept aside during a game. The over-confident upstart often digs his own grave all thanks to a desire for one-upmanship. It is advisable to hold on to your best hands sometimes. Let others have their season in the sun. You wait for the most opportune moment. Strike at the right time and you will be the one raking in all the moolah!


More Resources

Unable to open RSS Feed $XMLfilename with error HTTP ERROR: 404, exiting

More Casino/Gambling Information:

Related Articles

Baccarat Basics
Apart from being originated from Middle Ages and being one of the most popular casino games in the United States and anywhere else in the world amongst the upper class, it is also one or the most unique and sophisticated games that anyone across the world can have a shot at and enjoy it as well. And to interest a gambler's spirit within, the stakes of the game can go high - as high as a $1000 sometimes - though this can also send some people thinking twice before even entering the game and for those at many places stakes are as low as $5.
Your POSITION Of Power In Holdem
In Hold'em poker, the importance of your position in relation to the dealer can not be stressed enough. The reason for learning position is that the later your position is the more information you will have about the other players.
Betting Options For Football
It is in one's best interest to know all your options before making a bet. The straight bet is more of a long haul type of bet.
States Lottery Basics
For those who dream of quitting their jobs and being independently wealthy, the lottery is an affordable way to take some chances and move toward a goal. Lotteries have been a great support to those aspiring to be great through the stroke of luck.
Online Gambling
Online gambling is hot. In fact there are websites popping up everywhere with new gambling options.
Las Vegas - World Series of Poker (WSOP)
Who Will Be The Top Dog at WSOP?That is the question on everyone's mind as the 2005 World Series of Poker enters its third round with only 272 top poker players remaining.Of the over 5600 entrants who entered the esteemed Las Vegas held tournament at a buy-in of $10 000 each, most walked away with nothing as only the last 560 players qualify for cash prizes.
Roulette: The Game of Remarkable Comebacks
In casino gambling, sometimes even the most knowledgable players turn to blind luck to make it through their day. Of course, luck can never be relied on; either things will go the right way for you or they won't.
Fantasy Football Offers Gamblers a Unique Kind of Fun
If you are a gambler, and you enjoy sports, chances are you've bet on football at some time in your life. If you love football, and you have never played fantasy football, you'll want to check into this fun and unique way to gamble on your favorite sport that doesn't involve a bookie.
Online Poker Gambling Sees Tremendous Growth
Online poker gambling at casinos and poker rooms is one of the fastest growing forms of wagering on the Internet. Fueled by the televised tournaments seen on Travel Channel's World Poker Tour, ESPN with the 2004 World Series of Poker (WSOP), and Bravo's Celebrity Poker, the popularity of the game is seen everywhere.
Horse Racing Betting, A Beginners Guide (Part 2)
In part one we went over how to pick contending horses by looking at the jockey, trainer and then finished off by looking at the form of the horse. By looking at the factors we went over last time you should now have been able to select some winners.
4 Poker Tips the Pros Wont Tell You
In the past few years, professional poker playing has exploded in popularity. The biggest players are winning substantial amounts of money.
2005 NFC West Football preview
OVERVIEW: NFC WestThe Arizona Cardinals have posted a mark of 22-42 straight up over the past four seasons which is by far the worst win/loss record of any team in the NFC West, however, that's all about to change in 2005 as I fully expect these Cardinals to win this division and make the playoffs, remember that you heard it here first!Cardinal HC Denny Green had another fantastic draft highlighted by picking CB Antrel Rolle and RB J.J.
Greyhound Racing Basics
In Egypt the greyhounds were mummified and buried with their masters. The Egyptians viewed them as supreme among all animals.
5 Characteristics That Make A Profitable Lottery - For The Player
Over $120,000,000,000 are spent on lotteries each year in the US, Canada, UK and around the world. It's obviously a very profitable venture.
Casino Entertainment Basics
Casinos have recently been popular as locations for movies like "Oceans 11", however slot machines and roulette tables have been identified with them since long. Besides all other things casinos are excellent one-stop locations for a variety of entertainment options.
Blackjack - Increase Your Odds With Basic Strategy Plus
Blackjack Basic Strategy, played perfectly in a game with favorable rules, will reduce the edge against you to about one half of one percent, the best odds of any game in the casino.But still - it's a negative edge.
Online Craps
Are you interested in playing craps online? Are you tired of all the crowds and pressure of real casinos? Then I think the time as come for you to move on to cyber casinos. Your hour of transition has come - and it is now!The biggest advantage to playing online craps is the convenience.
Party Poker Sign up Bonus Code Tutorial
I have had a lot of emails from people who are looking for a partypoker sign up bonus code. To save some time I have written a simple tutorial on how to get and use a partypoker sign up bonus code.
Martingale Betting System - Are You SURE?
Very common and popular system among newbies who like roulette, but not a very useful one. Sure, it seems simple and logical - you start with, let's say, 10 bucks and you double it every time you lose in order to win it back.
Becoming a Consistent Winner at Online Low-Limit Texas Hold Em
Start with LIMIT Texas Hold 'EmBoth limit and no-limit Texas Hold 'Em are wonderful games. Each game provides unique opportunities in nearly every single hand and subtle complexities that can take more than a lifetime to master.