Rounders (movie)

Rounders was a 1998 film starring Matt Damon as a professional poker player. The title references poker slang for a player who earns his keep as a rounder. Damon plays Mike McDermott, a talented young player who is torn between commitments to a girlfriend (played by Gretchen Mol), and his natural affinity for card playing. Edward Norton also stars as a high school buddy aptly nicknamed "Worm". Recently released from prison and deeply in debt, he pulls Damon's character back into the poker underworld.

Related Topics:
1998 - Matt Damon - Poker - Rounder - Gretchen Mol - Edward Norton

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A supporting character is Joey Knish (played by John Turturro), a veteran rounder who is a friend of Mike's and tries to protect him from his gambling instincts. Knish taught Mike everything he knows and plays poker not for the thrill or challenge but only for the money. Professional poker player Howard Lederer has been quoted as saying that Joey Knish is the true hero of Rounders.

Related Topics:
John Turturro - Howard Lederer

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Despite an unremarkable theatrical release, the film has gone on to become somewhat of a cult classic. Some speculate it has contributed to the current popularity of Texas hold 'em and attendant TV shows, most notably the World Series of Poker. The 2003 champion Chris Moneymaker has said he became interested in poker after watching Rounders with a friend.

Related Topics:
Texas hold 'em - World Series of Poker - Chris Moneymaker

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