I will go first with the John Wick 4 Killer poker scene and of course Casino Royale. Not looking for movies with plots completely based on card playing.(like 21) Please post your favourite scenes. Cheers
I seem to recall Maverick(1994) having a good card game as a central plot element, which takes place on a river boat casino. It’s also just a really fun movie about three competing con artists (played by James Garner, Mel Gibson, and Jodie Foster).
It’s been a few years since I’ve seen it, and it’s set in the old west, so sorry if it has any racisms I forgot about!
I’ve only ever seen the end of Maverick, and my sole memory from it is that in a 4 or 5 person deal, every single player gets an exceptional hand, enough to more or less guarantee victory in 99% of hands dealt. Naturally, everyone goes all in and most of them regret it!
It’s so great.
And the scene is even better on a rewatch.
Spoiler for Maverick
Since the dealer is a cheater with their own motives, if I recall correctly.
Rounders has a young Matt Damon and Edward Norton and is entirely about gamblers making their living as poker players in the late 90’s or early 2000’s.
It’s pretty good
Edit: I just realized you said not entirely about cards, but I still highly recommend the movie. The plot revolves around cards, but it’s also about ambition and knowing when to cut off deadbeat friends
Well Casino Royale comes instantly to mind
Also the oceans series.
I fact I’ve noticed many heist movies have one. Not just oceans 11 etc where the heist in based at a casino. I could talk about why for an hour but I’ll spare you.
I believe rififi starts this way
With all the context behind it I think the last scene of Star Trek: The Next Generation counts
Edit: Added link
The Ocean’s 11 (2001) comes to mind as does a couple of episodes of West Wing that had scenes with card games.
