villa1306
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Which film best reflects the psychology of poker?
nabmom
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That's a tricky question, I think, because more "poker" movies that are fictional aren't really about true poker. They more use poker as a backdrop for the plot. With that, I think that Mississippi Grind shows the psychological toll of a gambling addiction (and the reliance on "good luck charms" and a believe that the next win will be a big one).
Rounders is always a movie that is used to exemplify poker psychology, and I'm not sure I buy that. But there is content about the mental game of poker and so maybe you could count that too. What do you think?
Rounders is always a movie that is used to exemplify poker psychology, and I'm not sure I buy that. But there is content about the mental game of poker and so maybe you could count that too. What do you think?
Dushka
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To be honest, I've only seen one movie about poker - it's Molly's Game.But I really liked him.
oroochimaru
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In my opinion, Rounders continues to be the standard for portraying the genuine mindset behind poker. It goes beyond flashy pots and intense final hands to truly delve into the psychological warfare that defines the game.sara176 said:
Key factors include the constant conflict between patience and planned aggressiveness, the self control necessary to lay down a hand you want to pursue, and the resilience necessary to bounce back from a terrible bad beat. Mikes line about not spotting the sucker at the table perfectly captures the level of awareness and sharp observation that serious poker demands.
The mindset of high stakes gamblers is well represented in Mollys Game, which is another excellent example. It demonstrates that poker is about more than just the cards you are dealt, it is about bankroll management, ego, status and delicate psychological manipulation. The movie demonstrates that emotions such as pride and tilt may have just as much of an impact on our decisions as math and probability.
M
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Groundhog Day
Pawn Sacrifice
The Butterfly Effect
Pawn Sacrifice
The Butterfly Effect
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R.Melnyk77
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I think the psychology of poker is best reflected not in a film but in a book. The book is called ‘The Mental Game of Poker’ and, in my opinion, it is one of the best.villa1306 said:
Kasztor007
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Rounders (1998)
Often considered the most realistic poker psychology movie.
It shows patience, discipline, bankroll management and emotional control.
It’s about decisions, not just cards.
Often considered the most realistic poker psychology movie.
It shows patience, discipline, bankroll management and emotional control.
It’s about decisions, not just cards.
O
odonob
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The colour of money. Strategy, bluffing, underplaying your ability. The killer instinct required to win.🏅
villa1306
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I recently watched it and felt so identified with it, but in the first part where she loses against the full house of aces... When you think it's impossible to lose and then you get that huge blow when you see that she actually has it 😂Kasztor007 said:
villa1306
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I really don't know how to bluff; every time I try, they catch me out 😔odonob said:
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Owning Mahowny
That film dives deep into addiction and dissociation. It’s less about strategy and more about how gambling can hollow someone out emotionally.
That film dives deep into addiction and dissociation. It’s less about strategy and more about how gambling can hollow someone out emotionally.
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My first thought was Rounders with eating the oreo cookies 
You didn't say a "realistic" representation of psychology in poker.
You didn't say a "realistic" representation of psychology in poker.
Fallenglory
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First off, very cool nickname. No objections from me.
There aren't that many poker movies that sticked with me. Rounders is actually a movie I watched several times and is good because it shows both the highlights and downfall that can happen to you when you play poker.
I feel like most segments of poker in movies, take James Bond Casino Royale for instance, only show the big thrilling pots and spotting tells or making big bluffs. Which is nothing like the real thing, there is a lot of non action and patience to.
There aren't that many poker movies that sticked with me. Rounders is actually a movie I watched several times and is good because it shows both the highlights and downfall that can happen to you when you play poker.
I feel like most segments of poker in movies, take James Bond Casino Royale for instance, only show the big thrilling pots and spotting tells or making big bluffs. Which is nothing like the real thing, there is a lot of non action and patience to.
dreamer13
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The Big Game (2017). Based on true events, this film chronicles the life of Molly Bloom, who organized high-stakes poker games in Los Angeles and New York. The film depicts tense poker scenes and highlights the psychology of the game, including the importance of reading opponents and managing your emotions.
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Cinema and psychology are closely interconnected; films influence the psyche, shaping worldview, emotions, and behavior through mechanisms of identification with the characters.
john_entony
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The TV series “Lie to Me” helped me a lot in studying psychology. Although it has nothing to do with poker, it allows me to study the basics of facial expressions. This is very valuable for live poker, as I can “read” the emotions of other players at the table.
villa1306
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I haven't seen that one, but it sounds interesting.dreamer13 said:
villa1306
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Since I'm from Venezuela and only play online, I don't know of any casinos nearby, but I'd like to learn a little in case I ever get the chance to play live.john_entony said: