💬 Rounders (1998)

A brilliant player can get a strong hand cracked, go on tilt...

A few times, I have to fold the case on him, just so it won't be obvious.

A game with the white guys, a game with the brothers, and a game with the guards.

A lot of action.

A lot of people coming up to me, asking if I could help,

A new day.

A nice, nutty finish.

A nickel would start me very nicely.

A rotating group of ten or twelve judges, prosecutors and professors.

A true grinder.

Abe, I thought you liked the kid. Why do you want to make him a civil servant?

Ace high bets.

Aces full, Mike.

After a little while, there wasn't a crap game going...

After all, how different can it be from the home games...

After all, I am paying you with your money.

Against your average guy, I'd set a bear trap, hardly bet at all.

Ah, that's 1,200 between us. We might as well play the fucking Lotto.

Ah, under optimum conditions with a bankroll, maybe.

Ahh, fuck! You know what?

Ain't a good idea to add insult to injury, yo.

All I said is just keep your mouth shut for five seconds.

All right, $300, that's your cut.

All right, 40 it is.

All right, all right. I'll go find a fucking bowling alley.

All right, free card. Here we go.

All right, I call.

All right, I raise.

All right, I'll call the two grand. I'll gamble.

All right, I'm gonna call you, or else I won't respect myself tomorrow morning.

All right, kid, your first assignment. Pull up a seat next to me.

All right, run along, then. Say hi to her for me.

All right, there's a union game in Jersey.

All right, whatever, whatever.

All right, your 15, plus I have another 33 to raise you.

All right, your money's good here.

All right?

All right. Give me, like, eight hours.

All right. No problem.

All the luck in the world isn't gonna change things for these guys.

All these seasons

All this time spinnin' past till they leave you

All your dreams... dashed.

Always leave yourself outs.

Amarillo Slim to my right, playing in the World Series of Poker.

An open invitation to lay with those lambs.

And after the ten going back to the professor,

And focus instead on the idea of de facto segregation.

And for that, I owe.

And halfway to paying Petrovsky back.

And he goes, he sits 300 600.

And he just comes right back over the top of me,

And he looks at his cards, and he looks at me again.

And he makes a move toward his checks, and he looks at me.

And he mucked it. I took it down.

And how the hell they thought they could turn it around.

And I don't wanna give it back, no

And I just decided, you know, I don't care about the money.

And I let that vision blind me at the table against KGB.

And I see Johnny Chan walk in.

And I'll do it again if I can.

And I'm always the idiot piece of shit?

And if I miss a little bit of the Mulligan meeting, just cover for me, all right?

And in my club, I will splash the pot whenever the fuck I please.

And it kills me to ask you, but...

And it's got nothing to do with your punctuality.

And Judge Kaplan missed the flush.

And lose his mind along with every single chip in front of him.

And Mr. Eisen is futilely hoping that his queens are gonna stand up.

And now Fifth Street, a six of diamonds. No help.

And now you're representing that you have it.

And risk winning nothing with those cards.

And snow and shit, but let's cut it out, all right?

And the minute you want a little of it back, she walks out on you.

And the trick is, I gotta take enough cash off the white guys...

And then I gotta go to fuckin' Queens. I gotta load the truck.

And these guys, despite being cops, are real sweethearts.

And they in turn attract the sharks.

And usually I would've let him go on chewing those Oreos till he was dead broke.

And we don't stop until one of us has it all.

And yet he doesn't know it.

And you get yourself out of this trouble.

And you know what? It wasn't a bad beat.

And you won't be pushed around. [CHUCKLING]

And?

Another 40.

Anytime, anyplace, anywhere... Oh, by the way, anybody.

Are you sure? Binghamton's five hours each way.

Are you with me or not?

Aren't you supposed to read us our rights?

As for Worm, well, I figure we're even.

As you can see, I can't pay you.

Asking if I knew where to find you.

At that goulash joint on 79th Street.

Aw, Jesus!

Baby, I didn't even play.

Bad judgment.

Because all the New York rounders are taking care of the tourists here.

Because as soon as he heard your name, he became real excited for the prospect.

Before it even starts, but I just can't help myself.

Besides, he could use the background if he's gonna...

Bet 40.

Bet a thousand.

Bet an eight ball.

Bet...

Bets...

Bullshit. Bullshit.

Bullshit. Worm tells me that's precisely what you are.

Burn and turn.

But about the money, I gotta do this. I gotta say no.

But all I'm really thinking about is Vegas and the fucking Mirage.

But as Canada Bill Jones said, It's immoral to let a sucker keep his money.

But by the time I was 13,

But hey, you know, I think I'm hooked up for this summer.

But I can't give up on him that easy.

But I can't stop thinking of how I lost it.

But I don't have that kind of time. I've only got till morning.

But I gotta trim enough smokes off the black guys that I can trade and keep myself...

But I'll tell you what happens to 'em.

But I'm gonna find out.

But I'm retired.

But I've made promises.

But if he's still there when Roman and Maurice start their game,

But if you don't have it all by then,

But if you're looking for high stakes,

But in honor of Mike's alley like return to the ring,

But KGB is connected all the way to the top of the Russian mob.

But l, I got a feelin' like it's runnin' in my veins

But l, uh, I need a word.

But she knew... She knew the life I had to lead.

But there's no risk in this room.

But there's still plenty of money for the taking.

But these guys are fast company.

But they found out he was a pro, he couldn't cross the street without a legal hassle.

But three days... three days is impossible. All right?

But what choice do I have?

But you forgot that Professor Green folded it on Fourth Street,

But you know you can beat the 10 20 at the Chesterfield and the Hi Low...

But you made me for the sevens, Maurice. You're a player.

But yours is a respectable profession.

But, baby I'm a big star now

But, man, you're fixing to go down hard, and it almost seems like you want to.

But, uh, Worm's been around plenty.

But...

But... I re raise.

Buy in at 8:00, next thing you know it's morning.

Buy some real jewelry, you fucking cheap bastard.

Bye.

Call me Worm.

Call.

Call. I'll call.

Can I count on you to do that?

Can I talk to you for a second, Cosmonaut?

Cashes out for the full amount.

Catching that Jack on the turn.

Caveat emptor, pal.

Chan is trying to sucker him in by taking his time.

Check raising stupid tourists and taking huge pots off 'em.

Check to Martin and Lewis over there.

Check.

Checkin' it up until the pile hits the sky

Checks!

Clerk for one of you fellas this summer, right?

Coffee time.

Come all the way to Atlantic City just to see your mugs, huh?

Come here.

Come in.

Come on, listen... there's the 4:00 a.m. in Woodside. There's the Greeks.

Come on, Mike. Hey. Come on, come on, come on.

Come on.

Come on. Get outta here.

Come on. I know what you need.

Come on. I'll play ya horse. Fifty bucks a letter.

Come to order in the matter of Slater v. New York State Higher Education Services.

Da, da, da, da

Da, da, da, da, ah

Da, da, da, da, ha

Da, da, da, da, yeah

Damn! [GROANS]

Did you have it? I'm sorry, John. I don't remember.

Didn't I tell you...

Didn't want to be found.

Discard culls, pickup culls, overhand run ups, the Double Duke...

Do they allow people like you in places like this?

Do you believe that? She's really got him by the balls.

Does he look like a man beaten by jacks?

Does it have my name on it? I don't know.

Don't give anything away.

Don't let that M.S.G. fuck up your head more than it is, Mikey.

Don't splash the pot.

Don't worry. A few more semesters...

Don't you worry, son.

Dowling had it three hands ago, and two hands ago I got the black Maria,

Down here, the millionaires are scarce or they're playing craps,

Doyle Brunson, Johnny Chan, Phil Helmuth...

Each group was apprised to ignore that aspect of this matter...

Each player is dealt two cards face down.

Easy games, tough games, straight games, crooked games, home games.

Enough is enough, Teddy. Finish the fucking kid off.

Enough with the Belmont recruiting spiel. Your bet.

Even his regular club, Vorshay's, got shut down.

Even the best years are a waste of time

Even the best years leave a lot to be desired

Eventually, he was going to bluff at the wrong pot. I was gonna take him.

Eventually, l... I found my place,

Every couple of days a new millionaire shows up...

Every place in MANhattan, they all keep books, all right?

Everybody puts an eye on him.

Excuse me.

Facial tics, nervous fingers.

Far behind

Feel like I'm gonna get whacked sitting here like this.

Few players recall big pots they have won, strange as it seems,

Fifty percent of your winnings. If you lose, it's on me.

First prize at the World Series of Poker is a million bucks.

Five cards are then dealt face up across the middle.

Five thousand.

Flops the nut straight and has the discipline to wait him out.

Flush.

For generations, men of my family have been rabbis.

For not walking out when you could.

For someone who don't play, you spend a lot of time in card rooms.

For the next eight hours, it is yours.

Fuck this low limit shit. Can we go get something to eat? I got comped at the noodle bar.

Fuck you!

Fuck, I cannot believe I caught a hanger.

Gene Marinacci won't buy deferential.

Gentlemen.

Get me straightened out.

Get the fuck outta here, you cocksuckers! Shit!

Get the fuck outta here. What did I say?

Get up. Get off your ass. We're done. Come on.

Get your money in when you have the best of it, and protect it when you don't.

Give him some chips, start playing some cards.

Give it back, no

Give me three stacks of high society.

Go figure.

Go get some real work or something, okay?

Goddamn it, Mike, if 500 won't help, what's two grand gonna do?

Good hand.

Good luck, man.

Good luck.

Good, so forget this game. I'll straighten you out in the city tomorrow.

Good. Feel free to reload at any time.

Good. You know, um,

Gotta bet my jacks.

Gotta do it.

Grama!

Great, so you're a banker now, Grama. That's really classy.

Guys around here'll tell ya... you play for a living.

Guys, what... what can I say?

Hanging around. Hanging around.

Have yourself a ball, okay?

He always doubles back for a friend.

He beat me. Straight up.

He knows his man well enough to check it all the way...

He knows Seidel's gonna bluff at it.

He owns him.

He says the juice has been running the entire time on my ten.

He sees all the angles, but he doesn't have the balls to play one.

He still has till morning to make good.

He told me anytime I wanted a game when I got out, just look up his nephew.

He'd just won eight grand. Why go on the line behind another two?

He's been a rounder, earning his living at cards...

He's gonna wish he was still inside.

He's like my brother.

He's not kidding. I got nothing.

He's run you up just under seven grand.

He's the one guy in the game you don't want to fuck with.

Held to his father's maxim...

Hello?

Here he comes.

Here, why don't you pull up a chair.

Here's the play... you're my new boyfriend, you're looking for a regular game.

Hey, all right, take it easy.

Hey, big spender.

Hey, don't do us any favors, Knish.

Hey, hey, why don't you warm up a seat for me. I'll catch up with you.

Hey, how'd you know I was coming back?

Hey, I had to try, right?

Hey, I'm sorry we got banged up, all right?

Hey, in your dreams, lover.

Hey, it worked out great for me, McDermott. I think I actually impressed Marinacci.

Hey, Les.

Hey, look, I can get started on this easy if it's you and me working together.

Hey, man, let me stake you. Standard deal, you know.

Hey, Mike, you here to play? Come on, we need some new blood.

Hey, that guy hasn't had to work in 15 years, Worm.

Hey, that's not where it went either.

Hey, what's she wearing the button for?

Hey, where you been? I've been freezing my ass off.

Hey, Worm. It's good you came. That's real smart thinking.

Hey, you all right?

Hey, you know what? What am I saying? I totally understand, I do.

Hey! Easy, easy, easy, easy. God!

Hey.

Hey. Call me.

Hey. I thought you were the janitor, man.

Hey. I've been looking all over for you.

Hey. L'chayim.

Hi, Jo.

High spade in the hole wins half the pot.

His technique is flawless. But his judgment is a little off.

Hit the ground hard, runnin' down that highway line

Honey, you're the one who told me...

Hooked up how?

Hopes down the fucking drain.

How about that?

How did you know what everyone held?

How long should we wait?

How'd we do? Oh, beautiful.

I always hoped that I would find...

I always told her she'd be a good card player.

I bet it all.

I bet you the pot limit, kiddo.

I call your 300.

I call.

I came home and you were gone. You were just gonna drop me like that?

I can hardly remember how I built my bankroll,

I can leave now, even with Grama and KGB...

I can only fold, if I believe him. Or...

I can probably crack the game just as quickly straight up,

I can turn this truck onto the Jersey Turnpike and be at the Taj in two hours.

I can't call and give him a chance to catch.

I can't trust you two aren't playing me.

I can't, I gotta go. I have a meeting.

I chopped one of his legs out in the first hand.

I consolidated your outstanding debt.

I didn't know him, I might not have noticed.

I don't bet with jobs like that.

I don't blame you. Put a guy like me in a game like that, the cards don't even matter.

I don't care about the meeting. Do you even know why I left this morning?

I don't doubt your talent.

I don't even know what you're saying.

I don't have any other play here.

I don't know.

I don't know. But there oughta be one.

I don't know. By his crazy fuckin' gorilla math?

I don't know. How should I know that?

I don't like running solo.

I don't mean to interrupt you future magistrates and noblemen,

I don't play the game straight up, and then if I lose,

I don't wanna give it back, no

I don't wanna give it back, uh, uh

I feel so unsatisfied.

I felt alive for the first time since I got busted at KGB's joint, okay?

I finally spotted KGB's.

I flopped a nut straight.

I give you two grand, what's that buy you? A day?

I got a full house.

I got a thou. And that's, you know...

I got outplayed. I got outplayed that time.

I got shit. I bluffed the big ringer.

I got so good with this, I thought I could neutralize 'em.

I got stones enough not to chase cards, action...

I got the full house. I got the queens over the aces.

I got up, and I walked to the cashier.

I gotta put some scratch together, man. I gotta get somethin' going.

I had nothing. But he raised.

I hate to see you like this.

I have what's known as the wheel.

I heard you asking before, and I hear you asking now, but I can't do that.

I hesitate for two seconds. I re raised.

I hope my story didn't discourage you.

I immersed myself fully, I studied the minutiae,

I just can't do that. I've made promises.

I just caught his eye by reading his hand, that's all.

I just started coming back, so...

I just... I don't think you get it.

I knew I could never be a rabbi.

I know a magician doesn't divulge his secrets, but...

I know exactly what we're talking about, Mike.

I know I fucked up.

I know what I'm doing.

I know you can.

I know you're in here.

I know, I know. I couldn't let you see me in this shit hole.

I know, man. I was really... I was really up big.

I know.

I know. I know. I'm sorry.

I know. Listen, you're the guy who taught me all the angles.

I know... I got just the place for you. Yeah, yeah.

I learned everything I could about the law.

I learned it from you, Mike.

I like to hide, and that's part of the fun for me, you know?

I love the Cameroon wrapper on this baby. Nice and oily.

I mean, as long as I don't fuck up Moot Court, I think the job's mine.

I mean, he thinks I'm a total fish.

I mean, I can't even get a table on this...

I mean, I caught a frozen wave of cards like you fucking read about.

I mean, I felt deeply inside that it was what I was born to do.

I mean, I really am. Done.

I mean, I'd say good luck, but I know it's not about luck in your game.

I mean, I'm already behind here.

I mean, look at you. You domesticated yourself for this girl.

I mean, people were counting on me.

I mean, tell me you were out drinking till you threw up.

I mean, the key is a seamless passing of the baton among the team.

I mean, tight, but aggressive. And I do mean aggressive. That's your style, Professor.

I mean, you gotta... you gotta think of it as a war.

I mean... How much was the hooker?

I need a blow job from Christy Turlington.

I need something to get goin'. I gotta get started.

I never saw God there.

I never... I never told anybody this.

I owe rent, alimony, child support. I play for money.

I probably won't even sit. You know, just kinda keep him company.

I promised I'd be there, hon.

I put it all on the line. That's true.

I raise. You know, if we wanted to take each other's rolls,

I re raise. I'm all in.

I sat with the best in the world, and I won.

I should fucking beat the shit out of you the way he used to.

I should've told you.

I tell you not to overextend yourself, to rebuild,

I tell you to play within your means, you risk your whole bankroll.

I think I got 300 in my boot somewhere.

I think I might be in line for a clerkship.

I think I'm getting you outta hock, I find out I'm seven grand in.

I think the most important thing is to be respectful to the judges but not obsequious.

I think you got that ace, Roman, but I'm gonna pay for it.

I thought I smelled him.

I thought so, too, all right? Now I know what real work is.

I thought, maybe, you know, the boys upstate brought about a few changes in you.

I told Worm you can't lose what you don't put in the middle.

I told you, man, you didn't have to give it all back to 'em.

I took a shot and I missed. That happens.

I tried to beat that blackjack game at the Horseshoe Club in Brooklyn.

I turn around, and I see him with the mechanic's grip, I know.

I understand.

I understand. Back to battle.

I used to wonder how they could let themselves get into such bad shape...

I want to help you, Michael. But $15,000, l... l...

I want to talk to you.

I was cruising along.

I was distributing. Distributing. It's different, okay?

I was giving you a living, Mike,

I was gonna call, but I didn't want to wake you up.

I was pumped up eight G's. I was ready to go on a run when you came along.

I was watching their eyes when they checked their river cards.

I was winning before this guy got here.

I watch the cards also, but I watch the players reacting to the cards.

I will.

I... didn't want to wake him up. It's still a little early.

I'd heard about it for years on the street, before I was even in law school.

I'd just throw it away.

I'll call. What do you got?

I'll come... I'll come... I'll see you down at the club.

I'll definitely do that, but I can't dump to these guys.

I'll play it blind.

I'll sc**** something together, and I'll find you this week.

I'll see ya.

I'll see you around, Knish.

I'll see you later.

I'll see you when I see you.

I'll sit with you all for a while.

I'll take it.

I'll take what's ours.

I'm all he's got.

I'm back where I started, with three stacks of high society.

I'm done. I'm out of it.

I'm down to the felt, Knish. I lost everything.

I'm gonna check, Teddy.

I'm gonna go get him.

I'm gonna raise.

I'm in the worst kind, with the worst guy.

I'm just a law student now.

I'm just gonna outplay this guy this hand.

I'm laying this down, Teddy.

I'm listening.

I'm livin' a little light, I told you.

I'm not a leech, all right?

I'm not gonna do that. I'm gonna do this straight up.

I'm not gonna get down on my knees for that jerk off.

I'm not gonna let anybody drop a garbage can on my head.

I'm not gonna preach to you, but those two guys in there, they're not rabbits.

I'm not gonna sit in the can and have my friend paying down my debt.

I'm not playing for the thrill of fucking victory here.

I'm not talking to that fucking Judas.

I'm not the one working with a partner here.

I'm right on schedule, up 4,200.

I'm right, right?

I'm so sorry I'm late.

I'm sorry, okay? I'm sorry about the money.

I'm sorry, sir.

I'm sorry.

I'm staging a late night comeback here.

I'm sure there's a good reason you left.

I'm sure you're just talking about perogies...

I'm, uh... I'm sorry to be back over here for this reason.

If a fish acts strong, he's bluffing.

If he acts meek, he's got a hand. It's that simple.

If it's good enough to call, you gotta be in there raising, all right?

If that is convenient for you.

If the seven didn't help you, we'll listen to what you have to say.

If we get even half of that, we're home.

If we sat together and just did our thing.

If you can't spot the sucker in your first half hour at the table,

If you get listed as a mechanic, then not only are you gonna get the shit kicked out of you,

If you had to do it all over again,

If you need a lawyer.

If you think he's good for it, it's on you too.

If you want 'em back, you can trade me for 'em, or try to play double or nothing tomorrow.

If you want to see this seventh card, you're gonna stop speaking fuckin' Sputnik.

If you're determined to die of cancer, you really oughta learn how to play cards.

If you're too careful, your whole life can become a fuckin' grind.

Impacting schoolchildren and schools in the district...

In a heads up match,

In a legal sense, can fuckin' Steinbrenner just move the Yankees?

In a week. Grama, we want what you want. We wanna square this thing.

In fact, on the weekends you can't get a game in the city,

In Israel, before that in Europe.

In the Moot Court you're presiding over next week, Gene.

In the poker game of life, women are the rake.

In the style that I've grown accustomed to, and all of this without getting my ass kicked.

Is that Fat Greggie sitting 20 40? The game's that soft?

Is the center of the poker universe.

Is to put a man to a decision for all his chips.

It happens to everyone. Time to time, everyone goes bust.

It hurts, doesn't it?

It nearly broke her.

It was a piece of cake. Piece of cake.

It was to be my calling. I was quite a prodigy.

It went to Roman and Maurice?

It will all be over soon.

It would have been pretty sweet to have any one of them owing me favors.

It's a berry patch right outside New York City... prime pickings.

It's a fucking joke anyway.

It's a good thing Grama doesn't know you as well as I do.

It's a monster hand, and I'm gonna lay that down...

It's a position raise. I call it.

It's all the way nice. There's only one problem. I got this feeling.

It's fine. I'll make a couple of moves earlier than I would have normally...

It's gonna blow your mind, blow your mind.

It's good to see you, Mike.

It's got earthy tones, a smooth draw, enough kick to win me the Hi and the Lo.

It's just like the saying says, you know?

It's like 16 or 17 guys. Two full tables. All municipal workers.

It's like a locomotive running through your stomach.

It's like any other job. You don't gamble. You grind it out.

It's like I think I'm sick of cocaine

It's like I used to have a running partner, you know what I'm saying?

It's like the Nature Channel. You don't see piranhas eating each other, do you?

It's not mine. It's, uh... I vouched for the wrong guy.

It's not some losing hand of poker.

It's not... It's not a fucking pipe dream.

It's okay. I wasn't sleeping.

It's plenty wise. We know what we're holding, and we know what you're holding.

It's six to five, or even money, either way.

It's the only game going right now.

It's true. I just think if you get in this way,

Jacks are a monster compared to the crap you play, Taki.

Jacks up.

Jesus Christ.

Jesus, man, you're such a fuckin' workin' man now. I'm never gonna see you.

Jesus, what were you thinking? So, you're just a student now?

Jesus.

Jesus. What a fuckin' waste.

Jo.

Joey Knish is a New York legend.

Johnny Chan has a queen high straight.

Johnny Chan, the master...

Johnny Chan.

Judge Kaplan was trying to squeeze out a diamond flush, but he came up short,

Just checkin' it up, baby one more time for you

Just do me a favor. Give me five minutes.

Just follow me.

Just hear me out now, hear me out.

Just let me do the talking, all right?

Just like a young man coming in for a quickie.

Just make it look good. Just catch a run of real shitty cards.

Just take it easy, all right?

Just walking in here makes me queasy.

Kid's got alligator blood. Can't get rid of him.

L, like, just get out, I'm in a big fucking hole.

L... I never knew you had to calculate so much at cards.

Last card coming.

Late night rally.

Lay me down in the circle where the spotlight shines

Lays down a monster.

Lead counsel for plaintiff, Mr. McDermott,

Leave it. It's fine.

Let him walk into it. But KGB's too smart for that.

Let's do it.

Let's go.

Let's just say I'll put you at the top of the list if you're right.

Let's play some cards.

Like Papa Wallenda said...Life is on the wire. The rest is just waiting.

Like they teach you in One L...

Like, eagerly awaiting my release.

Listen, things haven't been that smooth on the home front,

Listen, um, will you give this to Petrovsky?

Little unconscious gestures that reveal the cards in their hands.

Look at the control. Look at that fuck.

Look at you. One 64 hour session, and you need a nap.

Look who's treatin' to a free meal.

Look, he just got out. Let's put him on a plan.

Look, I'm gonna triple that in half an hour, princess. Let's go.

Look, old days at least you never lied.

Look, this is what I love about you... you think about the big picture.

Look, you still got time. Just go back in there, right?

Looks about the same.

Lotta games this weekend, so you're gonna need the number.

Make it look like I'm trying to buy it.

Man, look at your ride. You've been prospering while I've been away.

Marinacci and the D.A. were ready to cut cards for your services at that point.

Maybe he's not the same guy he was when he went away,

Maybe not.

Maybe this is a game can be beat.

Meet me at Stromboli's in half an hour, all right?

Met this guy down at the bowling alley. Says he likes to play cards.

Michael McDermott.

Michael,

Michael.

Mike McDermott where he belongs... sittin' with the scumbags.

Mike, we could cut this room up in an hour.

Mike?

Mike? [WHISPERS] Michael, I would have just called.

Mike.

Mind if I sit?

Minimum buy in $25,000.

Mmm.

More than just pocket change and got caught.

Most of those Georges are at the tail end of a 36 hour session.

Motherfucker! [SPEAKING RUSSIAN]

Mr. McDermott has been unreachable,

Mr. McDermott, perhaps we can begin now.

Mr. McDermott, that is a Supreme Court free speech case...

Mr. Son of a Bitch.

Murph! Hey, come back any time. Your money's always good here.

Murphy! What the hell you sittin' there for? You're processed. Come on.

My cut is 25 per cent.

My father never spoke to me again.

My father sent me away to New York...

My father's office was there. It said Custodian on the door.

My kids eat.

My life's work.

Nah, you need 50, 60 grand to play right in that game.

Networking. Are you trying to con me now?

No Limit Texas Hold 'Em is the Cadillac of poker.

No money? There's gotta be some money.

No one's saying you're not the man. Just think of this as a business decision.

No, 15 grand in five days. I can do that. I've gone on rushes like that before.

No, I don't think like you!

No, I give it to you, I'm wasting it.

No, I wasn't even playing. They were playing.

No, I'm not going anywhere. Double the blind.

No, I'm not this time.

No, man, I mean I quit.

No, man, I'm on a roll. This is a very emotional game.

No, no

No, no, I was your lackey.

No, no, no, no, no.

No, no, we're just here to see Grama.

No, no, you're gonna get out of the way. It's gonna land on me.

No, she was a good... I knew it. I fuckin' knew it.

No, you're good.

No! Not tonight!

No? What?

No.

No. Who the hell am I gonna trust in there?

Nobody saw... I heard it. Snapping sound gave it away.

Nope. Not tonight.

Nope. You didn't do it this time. I'm gonna raise you.

Not as bad as KGB, but you don't want to be fuckin' with those guys.

Not even Teddy KGB's immune to getting a little rattled.

Not exactly. I don't have to tell you my collection methods.

Not in this lifetime. Enjoy your time.

Not many guys would stand up for a friend like that.

Not me 'cause I just wanna do it to myself

Nothing's changed. Nothing has changed.

Now, I know this game up in Binghamton.

Now, let's get started, shall we?

Now, some people might look down on Worm's mechanics, call it immoral.

Now, the closest I get to Vegas is west New York,

Now, wait a minute. Make sure to be deferential.

Now, what the hell are you doing?

Number's changed, of course.

Nyet! Nyet!

Occasional? Yeah, like my ex wife occasionally went out with other men.

Of course, it was an altogether different trick, that disappearing act...

Of course, the grounds weren't all we did.

Of the midrash by the time I was 12.

Oh, God, you're killin' me. Mike, Mike, we gotta get you back on the game.

Oh, hold on. Two more.

Oh, I don't wanna give it back, no

Oh, I gotta go.

Oh, I played with the World Champion.

Oh, I think we both know I'm no lawyer.

Oh, I'd like to. I can't, I can't. I don't play cards.

Oh, it's Gene, is it?

Oh, Jesus, you know what? Fuck all that 'cause we needed that pot.

Oh, look at that look of the defending champ.

Oh, look at you. Fuck!

Oh, my God. Mike, she made off with your sheets.

Oh, no, I'm not back, I just...

Oh, no, no, no, no. l... I wasn't inside.

Oh, oh

Oh, oh, easy. Relax. Don't wing it. Just... Just step and throw.

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

Oh, okay. We'll owe you.

Oh, this is just stupid.

Oh, what the hell.

Oh, what, that fuckin' Knish rat me out?

Oh.

Okay, okay. Let's let the cards do the talking.

Okay, well, deal me in, I guess.

Okay, well, I got the jacks. Come on.

Okay?

Okay? Just to... Just to warn you.

Okay.

Okay. [Clears Throat] Well, you were looking for that third three,

Okay. Deal me in.

Okay. Excuse me.

Okay. Here's what I'm thinkin'.

Okay. I understand.

One last card in the deck that can help them.

One last thing, Stu.

One rounder, Crispy Linetta, sat under some pretense,

Only problem is, no one can get in the game anymore.

Or are you just gonna go back to printing those credit cards?

Or fucking pipe dreams of winning the World Series on ESPN.

Other times, like holding a small pair against two over cards,

Otherwise, the juice starts five points a week on Mike.

Otherwise, you got one day, or this'll feel like a Swedish massage.

Our destiny chooses us.

Ozzy, turn the cards.

Paid 15 to Grama, six went back to the Chesterfield.

Pay him.

Pay that man his money.

Piece of shit.

Place had been open since 1907.

Place to stay, or the truck. No problem.

Played tight for an hour. I folded mostly, and then I made a score.

Playin' all night, high limit Hold' Em at the Taj.

Please proceed with oral arguments now.

Please, please. Sit, sit.

Processed? This motherfucker's gettin' the jump.

Put 'em on the desk, it's all right.

Put your faith in the answers that you can't find

Respect is all you'll have left in the morning.

Reunion run a little late?

Right now, he's over at Chesterfield's, ruining your reputation...

Right. Um, well...

Rolled up aces over kings.

Rolling up a stake and going to Vegas.

Roman and Maurice? They're Russian outfit guys.

Rule number one: Throw in your cards the moment you know they can't win.

Said I don't wanna give it back

Said I don't wanna give it back, no

Said I don't wanna give it back, oh

Said I don't wanna I don't wanna, I don't wanna I don't wanna, I don't wanna

Said I don't want to

Say a prayer for the ones you have left behind

Second of all, I'm never going back there.

See, I had this picture in my head.

Seems true to me. 'Cause walking in here,

Selling 'em dime bags of oregano, nunchakus and firecrackers from Chinatown.

She got me into their little game.

She introduced me as her cousin from out of town who loves to gamble but wants to learn poker.

She works as a hostess for all these fuckin' trust fund babies in here.

She's fuckin' hot. I was this close to bangin' her when they sent me away.

Short stacked and long odds against, all their outs gone,

Showing you the playbook I put together off my own beats.

Shut up.

Signalling, chip placing, trapping.

Since he was 19 years old.

Since when you have to have it to take a pot off a hump like that?

Sits for like another 20 more minutes,

Six thousand, two thousand.

Smart kid.

So don't fuck around. You gotta play on your belly.

So enjoy it, you secret handshaking assholes.

So get this, here's the plan. I know this girl Barbara.

So I don't want to hear you bitchin', okay?

So I gotta keep three games going at once, all right?

So I'll take over, if it pleases the court.

So it's still mine.

So that's why you made that run on KGB's place.

So what do you owe him?

So you see what I'm saying? No fooling around. It's highway time.

So you take this money...

So you're working with a partner?

So, did you bring him along to help carry all my money?

So, he took, what, about eight off of Roman and Maurice?

So, hey, uh, Nick the Greek.

So, instead of coming home, you went and played cards with some judge?

So, that's it then, hmm?

So, that's the last of it, then?

So, uh, if you can help me at all...

So, what I've got to do is over bet the pot,

So, what will it take for you to be free of this?

So, you have my money?

So, you're looking for a little grace, Lester, some charity?

So, you're outta here, huh?

Some are playing with him, giving away their money to this guy to say...

Some people will cut you till you're bleedin'

Someone saying something meaningful would please us a great deal.

Sometimes the odds are stacked so clear, there's only one way to play it.

Sorry.

Sorry. I couldn't find a cab.

Speaking of which, are you even gonna get a job?

Still, he plays the part of the loser to perfection.

Stones? You little punk.

Stop worrying so much about me, okay? I'm turning things around.

Stop worrying so much, okay?

Strong enough to beat the world.

Summer clerkship in your office says I know what you're holding.

Table stakes.

Take a little money for your time, you know?

Take back the two we lent you, give you the white meat.

Take care, Jo.

Take it down.

Take your chances. You could let this happen, Grama?

Teddy KGB backed me.

Teddy's just done it.

Tell me you were getting lap dances over at Scores.

Tell us who else was involved, and we'll go easy on you.

Tellin' jokes, draggin' the occasional pot.

Thank you.

Thanks.

That ace could not have helped you.

That has no bearing in the premises.

That I should use my poker skills in the courtroom.

That Nassau defense attorney's game? They use our chips for coasters.

That sounds solid. That's a nice hookup.

That turncoat motherfucker. Are you kiddin' me?

That was created solely to separate students by race.

That wasn't enough for you...

That way he'll bet strong, and I'll beat him with my nines full over aces.

That's easy. Who's your favorite actor?

That's fine. I understand.

That's great, okay? But it's not me.

That's how I knew the D.A. made his two pair,

That's how I've paid my way through half of law school.

That's like seven. Seven.

That's right.

That's the fourth time you done played that bitch of spades on my ass.

That's the safe play.

That's what I do. That's the way I live.

That's what I meant. I didn't mean that you should try to con your way into a summer job.

That's... That's just an old habit with me, like breathing.

That's... That's why we gotta get in the bigger game.

The bet is 20.

The brick walls. The fucking mopes at the tables.

The case which controls the issue at bar would be, uh, Texas v. Johnson,

The computer tried to delete you last week.

The D.A. made his two pair, but he knows they're no good.

The elders said I had a 40 year old's understanding...

The facts have been stipulated, the briefs have been read.

The first two thousand you owe the Chesterfield.

The full amount, huh? Well, let me look at you here.

The guy's a cheat. He always has been.

The guy's been kicked around his whole life, from his father on down.

The hurry is, other than you, my friend, there's about five guys,

The key to the game is playing the man, not the cards.

The move was folding. I can't lose what I don't put in the middle.

The outstanding tough beats of his career.

The pride of my yeshiva.

The same.

The size of your stack is almost as important as the quality of your cards.

The stakes attract rich flounders,

The truth is, I can always find games, though.

The way a cigarette is smoked.

The worst thing that was going to happen was maybe catch a beating, get expelled.

Then go out to suburbia, man. Play in a fuckin' dentist's game, okay?

Then it's all about feel, what's in your guts.

Then it's on me too.

Then ten is the best I can do.

Then you are the sucker.

There isn't a single real card player.

There must be some kind of story.

There were a lot of angry people when you went away. A lot of people were mad.

There's a lot more where that came from, Weitz.

There's like two whole economies in there... there's cash and there's trade.

There's no other game in which fortunes can change so much from hand to hand.

There's not a lot of faith in you out there in the business community.

These are community cards everyone can use to make the best five card hand.

These are decisions you make at the table.

They all have money, and in my playing days...

They all know me as a small timer, but that's about to change.

They can't handle the swings.

They can't see straight. Come on, I'll buy you a cup of coffee.

They come play right after they get their paychecks. It's very fat.

They end up humping crappy jobs on graveyard shifts,

They never miss a lawyer's league game.

They never used to.

They took every fucking nickel.

They wear their tells like signs around their necks.

They were playing cards and I read his hand blind.

They work for the state, you idiot.

They're putting a fucking bracelet on me tomorrow for four months.

They're simply overmatched.

They're wired right into the precinct. They got 'em on the payroll.

Thirty thousand. Count it.

This fucker went around and bought up all my debt. Grama.

This is beautiful. Welcome to the Chesterfield south.

This is it, this is it.

This is one time I don't need you to tell me how I fucked up.

This is Teddy KGB's place.

This is temporary? Will you be back next semester?

This is the only place in town.

This is what I like to see, huh?

This is Whitley. Osborne. This guy's name is Mike.

This is why the World Series of Poker is decided over a No Limit Hold 'Em table.

This one guy, Pete Frye, I probably lost like ten grand over 18 months.

This one is not good for you.

This son of a bitch is base dealing.

This son of bitch, all night he check, check, check.

This time there is no money.

Thousand straight.

Threes check.

Time.

To do that for another is a mitzvah.

To live with distant cousins.

To rounders who forget the cardinal fuckin' rule...

Tomorrow. Beautiful.

Top two pair.

Tried like crazy.

Try and buy you some time, I will.

Trying to bully me like I'm some fucking tourist.

Trying to figure out how they came up short.

Turn your back on the people who draw the lines

Turned my ten grand into just over 60.

Twice in one week.

Two grand.

Uh, not with the law. I owe.

Uh, Worm's gettin' out. I was gonna pick him up.

Uh, yeah, I'm holding 'em for you.

Uh, you know what? I got my five grand here. That's just fine by me.

Um, I was watching when the cards came out.

Um, not exactly.

Um, so now it's on me.

Um, the professor raises.

Um, this is Les Murphy. He's like my brother.

Um, why don't you just go ahead, and I'm gonna jump in the shower.

Um...

Unbelievable.

Usually they go home with nothing but a story.

Usually you have to know something about a case to give an opening statement.

Usually, credit players only leave with their profit.

Very aggressive.

Very good.

W Was that, like, your strong finish or something?

Wait till I show you some of my chops, man. I've gotten pretty blinding.

Wanting to beat a world champion.

We both know that's not true.

We bring out all the old school tricks, stuff that would never play in the city...

We can help each other, like always. That's why we're here.

We can't run from who we are.

We catch everything.

We come up even a little short,

We could have just stayed home.

We don't have time. That guy was papier mache. You gotta make strong moves.

We get outta here, get some coffee, ride over to that soft seat in Queens.

We got 7,300, Mike. We gotta double that in two days.

We had the starting five take a dive against Friends Academy.

We owe 15 grand in a day. What do we do?

We were gonna take a break anyway.

We would've had ten.

We'll hit the road. We'll be up again in no time. This'll all blow over.

We're like friends, so if nobody complains, do you have a problem?

We're not dealing with Grama.

We're not gonna talk? You left me pretty quick there.

We're not negotiating here. I tell you how it works.

We're not playing together, but then again, we're not playing against each other either.

Well, after I left you last night at the library, I impressed Judge Marinacci.

Well, do me a favor and just put him on his own.

Well, he's sorta out on his own.

Well, I got some bad news for ya, Worm. I'm out on my own now.

Well, I had six, but I had to know.

Well, I knew there was a reason why you were lead counsel,

Well, I'm not gonna lie. There's been some reversals.

Well, if it wasn't magic,

Well, look at you.

Well, my Uncle Les says when the money's gone, it's time to move on,

Well, that was impressive.

Well, that's the important thing with the game of Hold 'Em.

Well, then, I'm asking.

Well, those guys were all playing cards, and...

Well, we're gonna get close. I'm sure if we come up a little short, Grama...

Well, what are we up to?

Well, why don't you change and we'll get a cab.

Well...

What are they, the luckiest guys in Las Vegas?

What are you, holdin' those for somebody?

What can you do for me? Five hundred dollars is not even gonna get me started.

What do you need? 500? A grand?

What do you want me to say? Those were wild times. You were there too.

What happened?

What I did was go partners with an old friend of yours.

What I need from you is money.

What kind of job is that gonna be, Mike?

What kind of trouble you in?

What the fuck are you doin', man? You were my partner.

What the fuck you talking about?

What then?

What they're about to walk into.

What we have here is a clear case of gerrymandering,

What, are you... you gettin' cold cards?

What, so you bought me up, Grama? [SCOFFS]

What? Where the fuck do you get off? 25 grand?

What's going on?

What's that, 2,500 there? I'm gonna tap your tap.

What's with kitin' my checks?

What's your ambition, man? Tell me. I don't know. What is it?

Whatever. Just get in it and drive me far away from here.

When are you gonna listen?

When my mother let me leave the yeshiva,

When you become a big shot lawyer, could you find us an elevator building?

Where the fuck do I get off?

Who consider No Limit the only pure game left.

Whoa, Jesus, what have you been livin' on?

Whoa, Jesus. What happened? My old man just walked in the door.

Why different, huh? What makes you so fucking special?

Why do you think the same five guys make it to the final table...

Why does this still seem like gambling to you?

Why don't you become a jockey, do something useful.

Why don't you give me all of it?

Why not give poker a try?

Why not?

Why the fuck did you lay that down?

Will you stop fucking around for five goddamn minutes for once in your fucking life!

With every lousy second he deals.

With that pot you just dumped on that fucking V neck sweater,

With those fake Versace shirts and shit? Jesus.

Worm didn't say a fuckin' word. Got himself expelled.

Worm?

Worm.

Worm. I just can't believe you still know someone called Worm.

Would you make the same choices?

Wow, two pair. But I got sevens, too, though.

Wow. Not hungry?

Writing an opinion on high stakes poker?

Yeah, but she was a good Iooking older woman. You gotta give me that.

Yeah, got a real sweet deal, too. 30 cents on the dollar.

Yeah, I know I said that, but...

Yeah, I know what that feels like.

Yeah, I remember when we found this place.

Yeah, I took a risk. I took a risk.

Yeah, I'll buzz you in.

Yeah, I'm gonna go all in, 'cause I don't think you got the spades.

Yeah, look... a word to the wise. Stay in the private sector.

Yeah, man, l... It was a real blood game over at KGB's place.

Yeah, now, see? What did I ever do to that guy?

Yeah, right over there in that cap.

Yeah, well, that's different. I mean, that was like...

Yeah, yeah, he comes in after you leave,

Yeah? When I win, are you gonna pay me back with my own fucking money?

Yeah.

Yeah. He took everything I had.

Yeah. I didn't want to tell you while you were in there.

Yeah. It's a real live game. So, you guys gonna play?

Yes, he's going all in and Chan has him.

Yes, he's going all in, and Chan has him.

Yes, it is, and again, I'm sorry, ah, that I'm late.

You act like you're the only one with any fucking ambition.

You ain't walking outta here with our grits, Worm.

You always think you can beat the game straight up. That's not me.

You always told me that this was the rule.

You are officially never invited to our game again. [CHUCKLES]

You are right. I don't have spades.

You are, huh? All right. I know a game perfect for the two of us.

You been working? Is your game sharp?

You can buy all the smokes you want in half an hour.

You can't believe what fell.

You can't let 'em get away with it or else they think they run the place.

You can't trust 'em. You can't trust 'em at all.

You cops? You look like cops.

You could always count on me, Mike.

You didn't have it?

You don't think that's work, what he does?

You feel gut shot. Fuck it. You didn't come here to talk about this.

You got to.

You gotta stop listening to that guy, man.

You had to put it all on the line for some Vegas pipe dream.

You hear me?

You heard Mike. He's good for it. Come on.

You just go in there, you ask for Sean Frye, you're in.

You just got out. What's the big fuckin' hurry?

You just told me you felt alive for the first time at a fucking card table.

You know the drill, okay? I'm not gonna smoke 'em. I'll hold on to 'em.

You know what I meant. I meant that you should use your head.

You know what?

You know, great job at the D.A. 's office as long as...

You know, Petrovsky waited and waited. So did the rest of the group.

You know, the way you calculate odds on the spot, the way you read people.

You know, we might have a shot at this...

You look like Duane Bobick after one round with Norton.

You lost everything, but at least you never lied.

You must feel proud and good.

You need to work on your accuracy.

You never should've vouched for that scumbag.

You one of his students?

You only start with jacks or better split,

You owe 25. I'll take the rest in five days.

You pulled today at your group's meeting.

You put a fucking move on Chan, you son of a bitch.

You remember when we found this place, man?

You said Grama's on his own.

You sat down with the Mad Russian and he emptied your pockets?

You see all the angles. You never have the stones to play one.

You see, no one's ever stood up for Worm.

You should've played those kings, Mike.

You spent a year of your life hiding in this fucking gym from that sick fuck...

You spot a man's tell, you don't say a fucking word.

You sure this is wise, Abe? It's your money the kid's bettin' with.

You think there's any other way?

You too.

You took yourself out of the life. You walked the fuckin' line for her.

You wanna play straight? You go in there, I'll be back in eight hours.

You wanna take it up with KGB, you go right ahead.

You want me to, uh, call some people,

You watch the cards.

You were hiding from Tommy MANzy 'cause you thought he was gonna fucking pound you into oblivion.

You'll always be a hustler to them.

You'll be back in the game before you know it.

You're gonna clean this game up. These guys are total suckers.

You're in town for five fuckin' minutes, you already got a sign on your back.

You're kiddin' me. Wait, who's he working for?

You're making a run at it, aren't you?

You're never down and out until your chips are all gone.

You're not gonna get a fuckin' game anywhere in New York.

You're on a draw, Mike? Go away.

You're right, Teddy. The ace didn't help me.

You're the guy who flushed his whole fucking bankroll on one hand, Mike.

You've been rolling fags in the Village again. [GRUNTS]

You've seen half a hand. How the fuck are you betting into us?

Your fate, he is sitting right beside you.

Your goal is to win one big bet an hour, that's it.

Zagosh, when you get yourself a job, then you can be my fuckin' P.O.

[ANNOUNCER] And yet he doesn't know it. Johnny fucking Chan.

[CHUCKLES] And smooth things out with the others.

[CHUCKLES] Let me tell you, it ain't worth it.

[DOG GROWLING] You gotta catch 'em in the act.

[DOOR CLOSES] Good night, Mike. See you next time.

[GROUP LAUGHS] Kid's a little tall, isn't he, Gene?

[LAUGHING] [WORM] Let's go. Let's go.

[LAUGHS] What, are you shitting me? No, man, l...

[MAKES BUZZER SOUND] Pow!

[MURMURING] Come on! It's three of a kind!

[MURMURING] Scumbag!

[PHONE RINGS] Hey. Don't wiggle away.

[SIGHS] So, where were we? Five grand.

[SPEAKING RUSSIAN] Hey, guys.

[TV: MAN CONTINUES SPEAKING] I haven't seen the place in a while.

[VITTER] Looks like we got a road gang here. [WORM] A what?

[WHIMPERING, THUD] Get in your hole, you bitch!

[WOMAN] I don't know. [MAN] The bet's 50.

[WORM] Ace high bets. Well, I like what I have.

A gambling debt? Yeah.

A grade schooler would've played back at that guy. I was waiting the guy out.

Ace. Oh, you got it. And six.

All right, I'll go get him. No, no, no. He's okay now.

All right, listen. Hey, wait, I want a hot dog.

All right. You and me, Mike.

All right. I call. Michael is lead counsel...

And did your parents get over it? No.

Another glass, darling. Sure.

Aw, it's never happened, I swear to God. Where's the car?

Aw, you're an asshole. [GROANING]

But I'm not the guy with my nose open right now. Aw, come on.

But now you're here. That's right.

But thanks, I appreciate it. Premium hands.

But what have you got on you? Got, like, 350.

Can I help you? Yeah, I'm looking for Sean Frye.

Can you lose your rent playing Wiffle Ball? No, I couldn't lose.

Caught a hanger, Sarge. What? A hanger?

Check to the raiser. Czechoslovakia.

Check. Check on an ace. All right. I'll check.

Check. Check.

Christ. Fucking dog.

Come back at 7:00, 7:30. What am I gonna do for eight hours?

Come here. [Narrator] But tonight, I don't want to see him.

Come on, give me $2,000. On the finger?

Deal 'em. But you can't win much either.

Did they toughen you up in there? No, no.

Do you hear what I'm saying? All right. All right.

Don't tease me. Let's play some fuckin' cards.

Don't worry about it. No, l... I like being here.

Fifteen large, five days, or I start breaking things. I hear ya.

Fifteen? Yep.

Fifteen? Fifteen? Yeah, I mean...

Five grand in a week, and you keep the juice going... Shh. Quiet.

Flush. Mm.

Fold the hand. Look, this is our thing that we're talking about.

Fuck! Hey, come on! Don't be a fuckin' baby.

Fucking happens all the time around you. What, it doesn't happen to you?

Get outta here! See you tomorrow.

Get the fuck outta here. $15,000? Seriously, Joey.

Give it back to 'em. I can't. I can't.

Give me the deck. Relax, man. Don't get so agitated.

Give me the keys. You're really gonna go back there?

Go ahead. [NARRATING] I just got top two pair on the flop,

Go to Swan Meadow, play in the golf pro game. That's an idea.

God, I think I cracked a rib. What the fuck were you thinking?

Good luck. Thanks, sweetie.

Good. I'm in.

Good. Want a cookie? No.

He's gone. So you brought my money?

He's saying you're dealing off the bottom of the deck. Oh, God. Come on, guys.

Hello. Oh, hey, Mike. It's Petra. Can I come up?

Here you go. Thanks, dear.

Hey, fellas. [ALL] Hey, Bear!

Hey, hon, can I take the Jeep tomorrow? Yeah, where?

Hey, listen. What?

Hey, man, take it easy! Get the fuck outta here!

Hey, Maurice. [TOGETHER] Hey.

Hey, Mikey! Hey. Hey, Mike.

Hey, Moogie. Let me ask you a question.

Hey, thanks a lot. Yeah. [CHUCKLES]

Hey. [KNISH] Hey, what's up?

Hey. Hey.

Hi, boys. Hi.

Hi. Barbara. Worm said you'd be running a little late.

Ho! Changing $500.

Hold on there a fucking second. Easy. What are you doing?

Honey, con? I was networking. [Laughs] Oh, God.

How you doin', Mikey? Good, how you doin'?

How you doing? I'm Mike. How you doing? Vitter.

How'd it go? Oh, great.

Huh? I need... I need 15,000.

Huh? You gonna go away again? I wasn't printing.

I already stuck two racks. Well, have a good rest, man.

I bet $2,000. Then he plays back at me, and I get paid off.

I call. Raise.

I can beat the game. Maybe.

I can stay. Listen, I tell ya, I'Il... I'Il, um...

I don't care, just give me something. I was entertaining Worm.

I don't even know. I don't think like that. No, you don't think.

I don't think I can go through that with you again. Jo, I wasn't gonna lose!

I feel fine. Me too. I feel okay.

I found that gangster's roll in your pocket. It's not what you think.

I got certain needs I gotta attend to, okay? Hey, good.

I got cleaned out. Mike McD? You lost?

I got the boat, queens over. [CHUCKLES]

I got the flush. Show me. What you got in here?

I had the... I had the money. Hey!

I know. That's it. I can't go any deeper than that. You're off the tip.

I like the kid, Abe. Good kid.

I mean it. No, I'm really off it. I know, I know.

I mean, fuck that guy. We'll figure something out. Yeah.

I mean, I'm overdue. Good, man, hey, I was startin' to wonder about you.

I need 15,000 tonight. Michael!

I need whatever money you can give me. See, that's the thing.

I owe you that money tomorrow, right? Da.

I ran into Grama tonight. Yeah?

I see. Good. Come on.

I stayed in school and graduated. [GUARD] Crank the outside.

I told you, I'm always gonna look for that edge. Always. What's the edge now?

I was just thinkin' about you. You know, I could use you. Oh, yeah?

I was trying to give us an edge. I had 'em.

I'll catch you in the city tomorrow? Yeah.

I'll come by this week. Yeah.

I'm a little short. How short?

I'm going home. Fine.

I'm gonna raise five hundred. [MAN] Fold.

I'm in. Come on, come on.

I'm in. I'm gonna make it five.

I'm in. Wow. Wow. A lot of action.

I'm just... No. I was nowhere near a card game.

I'm on empty, that's why. You are? You're tapped again?

I'm playing straight. [BUZZES]

I'm really late. Oh, just stay here. I'll be really quick.

In Binghamton? Yeah, yeah.

It's a skill game, Jo. Great. So why'd you have to lie to me?

It's all right. No problem.

It's good to see you. Good to see you, too.

It's just me all alone. What's this? Come here.

It's like an easy clean. There's a golf pro game in Riverdale. That's six.

It's like, it's like, you know... All right.

It's not what you think. Who do you think I am? You lie right to my face?

It's not where it went. Wait a minute.

Jacks. What did you think he had?

Jamie? Yeah?

Jo, look, I missed one meeting. It's not about the meeting.

Jo. Jo. What?

Johnny Chan, the master. Poor Seidel. Kid doesn't know what hit him.

Just because. Forget it.

Just mind your own business. You comin' up?

KGB? Yep.

Knife, fork, sauce, A 1, Luger's, but... Yeah.

Leave him enough money to buy me breakfast. [LAUGHTER]

Listen, man, I'll help you. You know I'll help you, man. Yeah?

Long time. Knish. How are you?

Look at you. You look great, man. You too, you too.

Make it five. You're raising me 300, kid?

Make it look good. I mean it, make it look good. You know me.

May I tell you a story? Please.

Me, too. I will. Take care of him.

Mike McD. God. I knew you'd be here. Aw, man.

Mike, please. Relaxation therapist. [CHUCKLES]

Mike? How are ya? Les Murphy. This is Vitter.

Motherfucker! That is it! [GRAMA] That's it?

Municipal workers, huh? What? These guys work for the city.

No time for a fucking nap. No, we don't. That's all right.

No, not a chance. I'll sit at the other table and play straight.

No, what... What's that supposed to make me understand?

No. Hell, yeah, I'm gonna play.

Now all I have to do is lean on him until he falls over. Check.

Oh, '88 World Series, huh? Yeah.

Oh, come on, you're not gonna walk away from this. Not gonna happen.

Oh, come on. It's good enough to win. Take it down.

Oh, fuck, man. I mean it.

Oh, hey, fuck you, man. That was different. Why? Explain that to me.

Oh, yeah? But I knew you'd be back.

Oh. Worm. Yes, it's kinda weird.

Okay, this one's Chicago. You know Chicago?

Okay, well, thanks. Stay. Take a drink.

Osborne. Hi. This is Whitley.

Really? Yeah.

Sean Frye? That's right.

Shit. I'm sorry. Goddamn it.

Shut up! I'm just sayin', it's three of a kind.

Sir, you have to buy 'em from me. [SIGHS]

So I'm gonna take what you got on you right now. Here. Fine.

So it helped you. Now... Okay, you're right.

So you say. There's plenty of easy games.

So, how'd you do? Ah, so so.

So, it got me to thinkin'. Really, you thinkin' now? That's big.

So, what are you guys playing? 20 40 Stud.

So, you were nowhere near a card game. Sweetie.

Some reversals. How much money do you have? Nine hundred.

Still a wise ass. Unbelievable. [SPITS]

Ta Da! [BOTH LAUGH]

Take care, man. Yeah.

Take him down, Teddy. Nyet! Nyet! No more!

Thank you very much, boys. Hey, you were great. Great.

Thanks for making it easy, Mike. Oh, yeah, yeah.

That place is a mitt joint. I know. It was, like, ouch. I'm so stupid.

That right? Yeah.

That shit will come back and hurt you. You know what?

That's fucking great. You did it to yourself.

That's good. So, you're sitting the apple.

That's just what I figured. No, no, no.

That's not so bad, is it? Depends on the grip.

That's the point. No, Mike, you can lose.

That's two on you, Murph. Oh, yeah. Sorry.

That's you. Oh, thanks.

The old partners here, we're gonna run like... No, no, no, I'm off it.

Their faces tell you everything. You watch the man.

There's four. There's a cigar shop in Brooklyn.

They are the fuckin' rake. What the fuck are you talking about?

They'll spot every move. Tough customers, huh?

They're about to go to the board to fill these seats. Bet it.

This is my boyfriend Michael. [GROUP] Hello, Michael.

To the bettor. Check's good.

Tomorrow's a week. A week of what?

Tone down what, motherfucker? Great.

Trip aces. L... I only got a pair.

Uh huh. The least I can do for the guy.

Uh, remind me. Stud game.

Uh, two weeks. Two weeks? Okay. Okay.

Vegas, huh? Yeah.

We even run the old best hand play. Raise.

We'll have a ball. Not a fucking chance I'm gonna live like that.

Well, kiss my ass. Kiss my ass.

Well, where do you wanna start? There's a 30 60 at the Chesterfield.

What are they playing? Uh, 20 40 forced rotation.

What are you doing for money? I'm driving Knish's truck.

What are you drinking? Gin. Always gin.

What are you talking about? What am I talking about?

What are you talking about? I won these fair and square. You don't even smoke, Worm.

What are you... What? What the hell's going on over here, Stu?

What did he give him? To me?

What did you say? Your money.

What feeling is that, exactly? You know this feeling very well.

What happened? Ah, ran into a door. Don't worry about it.

What happened? Hey! She crossed her legs too fast, all right?

What have you been up to? I borrowed it.

What the fuck happened to you? Ah, Worm.

What were you doing in there? I didn't have it.

What? Look.

What'd you have, Abe? Nothin' but a busted straight.

What's going on? Where are you at?

What's the limit? $20. Big bet's $20.

When can we do this again? No, no, it was a one time thing for me.

Where the sand turns to gold. Fuck it, let's go.

Where's the rest? Kept us in lunch money.

Where's your friend? Uh, he's gone.

Which holds... [McKINNON] Texas v. Johnson?

Why don't I come in? I'll sit for a little while. No.

Wired aces or kings? Rags.

With my jacks. Motherfucker, slow rolling me like that.

Yeah, but he shot the moon on that hand, didn't he? Yeah, I saw that.

Yeah, everybody ready? Fourth Street. Yes, sir.

Yeah? Stacks and towers of checks I can't even see over.

Yeah? Yeah, cut him off.

Yeah. I'm serious. All right.

Yeah. Well, I figure I owe you an explanation. Ah, not to me.

Yes, he's going all in, and Chan has him. [TELEPHONE RINGS]

You couldn't lie to yourself. I tried.

You didn't learn that yet? No, we get to Steinbrenner in the third year of law school.

You fucked his mother. [LAUGHING]

You got any better ideas? How the hell am I supposed to even get in this game?

You got lucky there. Yep, it was luck.

You got some things for me? Yes, I do.

You gotta square things away with Grama. No way, Mike.

You know him from hunting then, huh? Yeah, yeah, actually.

You know what cheers me up when I'm feelin' shitty? What?

You know, I'm not a wealthy man, Michael. I know.

You know, when you got your table all set. Uh huh.

You like that? Isn't that beautiful? What is that?

You look like hell. Ah, well, you should've seen me yesterday.

You make it sound as if it was my decision. Well, it wasn't mine.

You played right back at him, huh? Oh, yeah.

You said you need me but it's quarter to 2:00 I heard you was out.

You should be. [CHUCKLES]

You still got the truck? Sure.

You sure about this? I got a bad feeling. That's all right. Just...

You sure you're up for this? I'm fucking up for this.

You talk to Grama. You get him to stake me. It's not gonna work, okay?

You told me a lot of things. Yeah, yeah. And you don't listen.

You told me Grama's on his own. KGB bankrolled him.

You want one? Did you give him the office?

You want some scotch or something? No, I'm fine.

You won't feel a thing. [CHUCKLES]

You won't just get a finger up your spine. Okay, I hear ya.

You're in trouble? Yes, sir, I am.

You're leaving me no outs here. Why?

'cause all the high rollers are over there watching him.

'Cause all this pleasure gets me high

'Cause I can go on busting you up all night.

'Cause I got a hollow in my head

'Cause I hope you're not thinking of putting all that glimmer in play.

'Cause they'll chew you up, take your whole bankroll.

'Course maybe we check with one other guy, see how he feels.

'Course you could let it ride, Mike.

[ANNOUNCER] Eric Seidel cannot win this hand,

[ANNOUNCER] Will Eric Seidel fall for the bait?

[BARBARA] Be nice to him.

[BUZZING]

[CAR DRIVING AWAY]

[CHATTERING]

[CHIPS RATTLING]

[CHUCKLES] I'm no magician.

[CHUCKLES] The fuck you know what we all got.

[DOG GROWLING]

[DOOR SLAMS]

[ENGINE STARTS]

[GROANS] God!

[GROUP LAUGHS]

[KEYS JINGLING] [DOOR OPENING]

[MAN NARRATING] Listen, here's the thing.

[MAN SINGING IN ITALIAN]

[MAN] Here's a thousand. There's 500.

[MAN] It's only money. I bet.

[MIKE GROANS]

[MIKE NARRATING] Doyle Brunson says, The key to No Limit...

[MIKE NARRATING] Fold or hang tough. Call or raise the bet.

[MIKE NARRATING] Generally, the rule is, the nicer the guy, the poorer the card player.

[MIKE NARRATING] I don't know if I'm going to bring my legal career to a crashing halt...

[MIKE NARRATING] I know all the reasons I shouldn't be here,

[MIKE NARRATING] I met Worm at Dwight Inglewood Preparatory Academy over in Jersey.

[MIKE NARRATING] I tell ya, it's hard leaving that game.

[MIKE NARRATING] In Confessions of a Winning Poker Player, Jack King said,

[MIKE NARRATING] People insist on calling it luck.

[MIKE NARRATING] The judges' game.

[MIKE NARRATING] The poker room at the Mirage in Vegas...

[MIKE NARRATING] The rule is this:

[MIKE NARRATING] These two have no idea...

[MIKE NARRATING] They're trying to goad me, trying to own me.

[MIKE NARRATING] Worm and I fall into our old rhythm like Clyde Frazier and Pearl Monroe.

[MIKE NARRATING] Worm really has become an artist, too.

[MIKE NARRATING] Worm's dad did the grounds, when he wasn't too fuckin' drunk.

[MIKE NARRATING] You don't hear much about guys who take their shot and miss,

[MIKE] Hey, Grama.

[MIKE] No, I gotta get home. If she hasn't already changed the locks on me.

[NARRATING] He doesn't look like much,

[NARRATING] He's as close to a friend as there is in this place.

[NARRATING] Here's the beauty of this game.

[NARRATING] I want him to think that I'm pondering a call,

[NARRATING] My guess is Teddy's on a flush draw.

[NARRATING] Now I hope a spade falls and Teddy makes his flush.

[NARRATING] There's my money card, nine of hearts.

[ROCK]

[SCOFFS] Where'd you get the scratch for that?

[SIGHS]

[SIGHS] [CHUCKLES]

[SIGHS] I am sick of that fucking route.

[SIGHS] It's depressing.

[SIGHS] Oh, God. All right, look.

[SPEAKING IN RUSSIAN]

[SPEAKING RUSSIAN]

[SPITS] Teddy's got plenty of goons.

[VITTER] Well, you've come to the right place.

[WEITZ] Are you sure on that, Goldie?

[WOMAN] I kinda like this robusto.

[WORM] Hey, we made good time. Wanna get breakfast?

[Worm] Holy shit! That's a hell of an elk.

$15,000.

Rounders (1998)
Rounders is a captivating American film directed by John Dahl in 1998. The storyline revolves around Mike McDermott, a reformed gambler played by Matt Damon, who finds himself back in the high-stakes world of underground poker to help a friend in need, played by Edward Norton. As Mike navigates through the seedy underground poker rooms of New York City, he encounters various characters, including the enigmatic Russian mobster Teddy KGB, portrayed by John Malkovich, and the shrewd seductress and love interest Jo, played by Gretchen Mol. Filled with suspense, intense poker matches, and moral dilemmas, Rounders offers an immersive gambling experience. If you want to relive the excitement or dive into the world of Rounders, you can play and download these sounds here.
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