ALL IN: THE GALLANTRY MAN’S GUIDE TO THE BEST POKER MOVIES

“Look, dude. I only agreed to do this movie because you said you’d hook me up with some sweet EDC Gallantry props, specifically sling bags, when we wrapped shooting. What’s going on?”

- Lester “Worm” Murphy (Edward Norton), probably, Rounders

Needless to say, the card game known as poker has become drastically less taboo and more accepted by the mainstream over the years. Believe it or not, this wasn’t always so. In fact, it wasn’t too long ago that poker was deemed by society at large as an underground game for outlaws, one that should only be played out of sight and out of mind, on a riverboat, a Lone Star state Road House, or perhaps even in the back room or basement of a nightclub.

Petra (Famke Janssen) and Mike McDermott (Matt Damon) share a laugh during a game.

This all changed with the release of John Dahl’s Rounders (which was penned by die-hard poker enthusiast Brian Koppelman and his writing partner David Levien) in 1998. The movie, which does a bang-up job of depicting how and why the thrilling high-drama of poker (a game in which a single card can change your life) draws so many in, was actually only a moderate hit at the box office, grossing $22,912,409 on a budget of $12,000,000. However, when the poker boom of the early 2000s struck the culture like a bolt of lightning, Rounders (watch the trailer HERE) not only became an undeniable cult classic, especially among poker enthusiasts, but an extremely influential one that riveted the public so much so that it managed to get an entire new generation of professional poker players hooked on the game.

Photo Credit: Casino.org

There have been lots of movies that have included poker, but only Rounders really captures the energy and tension in the game … That's why it stands as the best poker movie ever made.

- Vanessa Rousso, Poker Listings

The release of Rounders coinciding with the birth of online poker was a real one-two punch. With this fabled combo, the days of poker being considered nothing but a fringe game reserved for the shadows quickly became numbered, inching closer and closer to hitting their expiration date at the dawn of a new millennium.

Poker Aficionado and Gallantry Man Legend Vince Vaughn

Photo Credit: OffTheStrip.com

To celebrate how epic poker is (watch Gallantry Man Legend and self-proclaimed poker fan/player Vince Vaughn, host of the upcoming 53^rd World Series of Poker, explain the game’s appeal to poker pro Tiffany Michelle HERE), we’re going to round up some of our favorite poker flicks, break down what exactly makes them so great, and then, of course, get into the EDC essentials that any Gallantry Legend must absolutely have on their person the next time they hit the poker table.

Let’s play, players.

First up, we’ve got…

Seeing all this Rounders love, it makes me so happy … I always want to say this, over and over, to anyone trying to make their own story happen: The Rounders script was rejected by every single agency in Hollywood. Every one said it wouldn't get made. And it wasn't good.

- Brian Koppelman, Rounders Co-Screenwriter (2021)

ROUNDERS (1998)

As was said before, this is heater that started it all, a “one last job” flick with a neat and original poker twist.

The flick follows Mike McDermott (Matt Damon), a young, reformed gambler-turned-law school student who returns to playing big stakes poker in order help his fresh-out-of-jail best friend, Lester “Worm” Murphy (Edward Norton, shining at the beginning of one of the most epic 5-year acting runs in cinematic history) pay off an old debt to the Russian loan shark Teddy “KGB” (John Malkovich, sporting a ridiculously over-the-top albeit hilarious accent), the man who prompted him to change his reckless ways in the first place.

In addition to highlighting the fact that gambling is a vice that can result in the good (winning a lot of money), the bad (losing a lot of money), and the ugly (losing a lot of money that you can’t pay back to the wrong people), the movie does a terrific job of highlighting the fact that poker is in fact a game of both luck and skill. Furthermore, Rounders does a great job at depicting how the risky business of playing high-stakes poker, which always delivers adrenaline and excitement to its rush-seeking players, is able to get so many folks hooked (see the film’s depiction of the power of pre-flop pocket aces).

If you want to remember what the underground world of high-stakes poker was like before the 2000’s renaissance, or just want to watch an awesome movie about poker, round up some cold ones, kick back, and get your Rounders on.

“Get some everyday carry from Gallantry, pal. Believe me. It’ll make you feel better.”

THE CINCINNATI KID (1965)

A poker movie starring The King of Cool himself, Gallantry Man Legend Steve McQueen, The Cincinnati Kid (watch the trailer HERE) was literally Rounders for the previous generation.

The flick follows a hungry and ambitious young gun, Eric “The Kid” Stoner (McQueen), in 1930’s New Orleans as he looks to prove himself as the best poker player around, a plan that culminates in a showdown between him and the one and only Lancey “The Man” Howard (Gangster movie legend Edward G. Robinson), the veteran Five Card Stud champion currently holding the MVP title.

“That’s right, ladies. Soak it in real good ‘cause Daddy’s a Gallantry Man.”

Set during The Great Depression, the movie does a great job at showing how and why big, large personalities are drawn to the game of poker, especially during tough times.

MAVERICK (1994)

Following the success of their first three Lethal Weapon Actor/Director collaborations, Gallantry Man Legend Mel Gibson and Richard Donner teamed up for this fun flick (watch the trailer HERE) about Bret Maverick (Gibson), a wiseass con man who teams up with a con woman, Annabelle Bransford (Jodie Foster), in order to collect on the many outstanding debts owed to him so that he can enter into (and, of course, win) a massive upcoming winner-takes-all poker tournament.

“I told you not to look at, forget touch, my Gallantry sling bags.”

Action. Comedy. Poker. Twists and turns up the wazoo. Hey, this movie has got ‘em all. If you’re looking for a poker flick that’s heavier on the fun and lighter on the doom and gloom, this one’s a good bet.

“If you think these stacks of chips are sweet, wait until you see the EDC sling bags from Gallantry that I plan to store all the money I’m about to win in.”

CASINO ROYALE (2006)

Let’s be honest, shall we? The first Bond to star Daniel Craig is also not only Craig’s best, but, if we’re being honest, maybe the best Bond period (yeah, we said it).

Wisely capitalizing on the Texas Hold ‘Em poker craze of the 2000s, the entire second act of Royale (watch the slick flick’s trailer HERE) centers on Bond participating in a seriously high-stakes poker game (the buy-in is ten million bucks) in a ritzy, glamorous Montenegro casino, one that he must win in order to stop a band of terrorists, led by banker Le Chiffre, from being able to finance their next attack.

While this insanely entertaining movie isn’t just about poker, it may actually be the most card heavy movie on this list.

“You had me at ‘I get my everyday carry from Gallantry’.”

This flick is filled to the brink with gorgeous women (Vesper Lynd, anyone?), gorgeous locations, and gorgeous cars, so if you’re looking to make your next poker movie night an extra classy affair, you’re going to want to definitely hit up this Casino.

“How do I know who the losers and winners are before a single card is dealt? Simple. I check to see if players have EDC from Gallantry on their person. If they do, I smell a winner. If they don’t, well, that’s a stone cold loser right there.”

MOLLY’S GAME (2017)

Just when you thought poker movies were becoming a thing of the past, Aaron Sorkin comes along and makes his directorial debut with this super realistic (it’s based on a very recent true story) flick about poker.

Molly’s Game (watch the trailer HERE) follows Molly Bloom (Jessica Chastain), a former Olympic skier and general tough cookie who becomes known as the “Poker Queen” after her extremely lucrative private high-stakes poker games, which attract a clientele that included Hollywood A-listers, athletes, business entrepreneurs, and Russian mobsters, become the most exclusive in the world.

With its insane amount of voiceover narration (you’ll know about five minutes into the movie whether you love this or hate this), Molly’s Game is the kind of movie that Hollywood would only allow (i.e. finance) someone like Aaron Sorkin to make. As such, it does a great job at showing how Molly gets seduced by the sheer rush and energy (spoiler alert: it isn’t just the money) of being in a poker room before she is eventually pinned by the Feds for her involvement in illegal gambling and money laundering.

“Molly, if I had known that you thought it was actually a good idea to store your loot in anything else other than EDC from Gallantry I would not have agreed to represent you in this case. Do not – and I mean do not - let it happen again.”

Like Rounders, Molly’s Game is as much about the psychology of poker as it is about the game itself. The fact that it has a seriously stacked cast that also includes Kevin Costner (right before Yellowstone), Idris Elba, and Jeremy Strong (right before Succession), just to name a few, doesn’t hurt it, either.

In other words, if you haven’t already, you should definitely give this one a shot.

BOOM.

Alright. Enough movie talk. You’re a Gallantry Man, after all, so you’re already in the room. Now? Well, now it’s time to…

The cast of the Vegas Gallantry Man gambling movie classic, Oceans Eleven.

TAKE A SEAT AT THE TABLE

You’re going to be making some serious scratch the next time you hit the poker table, aren’t you? Of course you are. Hence why you without question need to procure some brand new and extremely fresh everyday carry right at this very moment.

We should mention at this juncture that we’re not talking about some little flimsy wallet, either. No, you see, you’re going to need to most definitely require a bigger bag to stash all of your new winnings in, playboy.

You’re going to need an extremely fire EDC sling bag.

The way we see it, sling bags and poker are like peanut butter and jelly for the Gallantry Man. You just cannot have one without the other.

From sunglasses (if you’re one of those guys) to headphones, your phone, and any and every other good luck charm that you may need in-between, an everyday carry sling bag has everything you need and then some to get you through your next smoking hot run.

For starters, you already know what time it is. It’s time for…

“What am I going to do with one sling bag, bro? You see, It’s almost like you don’t really get it. I’m a Gallantry Man. That means I’m making straight bricks of cash next time I hit the tables. So hit me with a twofer of sling bags from Bellroy. One in Midgrey and one in Black. Daddy’s about to make it rain, you feel me?”

THE SLING BAG FROM BELLROY

Whether you are traveling the world, traversing the terrain of your own backyard, or are just looking for a place to store all of your massive earnings from the latest and greatest poker tournament in town, moving naturally most definitely means having the right pack on you.

Enter Bellroy’s premium leather sling, which allows you to store all of your gear in one convenient spot so that you can maneuver around obstacles with nothing but sheer ease.

In addition to quick-access front storage, this water-resistant sling offers a main compartment with a soft-lined pouch for your shades, padded back paneling, soft nylon webbing straps, a magnetic strap clasp (you know, so you can undo the sling and relax as needed), and even an expandable gusset for all of your extra equipment.

With this durable sling pack from Bellroy, you’ll always be able to stay light on your feet.

Always.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Environmentally certified dyed premium leather
• Water-resistant
• Quick-access front compartment
• Gusset expands and self-compresses
• Magnetic strap clasp
• Nylon webbing straps
• Soft-lined pouch for sunglasses
• 9.05” L x 13.38” H x 3.94” W
• 7L capacity

Available in Midgrey and Black

Sling Bag

$99.00

[tab-section data-sc-active-background="#ffffff" data-sc-other-background="#ffffff" data-sc-color="#555555"][tab title="Details"] Whether you’re traveling the world or traversing terrain in your own backyard, moving naturally means using the right pack. Bellroy’s premium leather sling allows you to store all your gear in one convenient spot, so… read more

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Sling Bag

$99.00

[tab-section data-sc-active-background="#ffffff" data-sc-other-background="#ffffff" data-sc-color="#555555"][tab title="Details"] Whether you’re traveling the world or traversing terrain in your own backyard, moving naturally means using the right pack. Bellroy’s premium leather sling allows you to store all your gear in one convenient spot, so… read more

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Now we’re talking, right? You want to know what else we’re talking about? You bet your ass. We’re also talking about…

“Listen, babe. You have just got to trust me on this one. I’m a Gallantry Man now. That means I would never, and I mean never, even think about going back into that poker room without my Black Code of Bell X-Pod Sling Pack from Gallantry.”

THE X-POD SLING PACK FROM CODE OF BELL

Designed as an alternative to the common backpack, Code Of Bell’s X-Pod is a compact, versatile bag free from the bulk of a full-size packs yet still large enough to accommodate your typical daily loadout.

In addition to two independent compartments, a concealed zippered rear pocket, a trio of mesh zippered pouches, and a pair of quick-access compartments, the latest version of this black-on-black storage solution boasts a 1680D Cordura ballistic nylon main compartment, a waterproof laminated Dimension-Polyant VX Series X-Pac front shell fabric complete with weatherproof YKK zippers and Hypalon zipper pulls, extremely breathable padding, custom-made hardware, and a main self-locking magnetic strap buckle.

This highly-adaptable bag, which can be worn across the body, at the hip, or carried via its top grab handle, conforms to a wide variety of uses and setups.

Yeah. It’s like that.

SPECIFICATIONS

• 1680D Cordura ballistic nylon and Dimension Polyant VX Series X-Pac exterior
• Custom hardware & Fidlock magnetic buckle
• 2 independent expandable compartments
• 2 quick-access zippered pockets
• 1 hidden zippered pocket
• 3 zippered mesh pockets
• YKK zippers with Hypalon pulls
• Top grab handle
• Includes detachable 15.4 oz compression straps and 2 shoulder straps
• Multi-purpose attachment points
• Key hook clasp
• 2.3L volume expandable to 4.5L

STREAMING THE EDC SLING BAG

Stream the movie that started the poker revolution.

Stream Rounders on HBO Max right HERE.

“You know what they say, right? Cash will get you in the room. Having the fresh EDC sling bags that you bought from Gallantry while reading The Dispatch on your person will keep you there.”