ChristineOFor centuries, poker has had a special place in people’s imaginations. Wit, strategy and high stakes all give it something of a mysterious and captivating air. So it’s no wonder that poker in the arts is seen so frequently.
Captivating novels, gripping TV dramas, silver screen blockbusters, mesmerizing stage productions and even the stroke of a paintbrush. There are so many ways artists have strived to capture the magic of poker.
And in this article, we’re going to show you just some of the places where poker collides with creativity.
Books
In the realm of literature, so many authors benefit from including poker in their narrative. It’s a great vehicle to keep the stories interesting and keep readers on the edge of their seats. Richard Jessup’s The Cincinnati Kid does just that, telling the story of a young poker prodigy and his quest to dethrone the reigning champ.
Meanwhile, Big Deal by Anthony Holden sheds light on living as a professional poker player for a year. And there are a whole lot of thrills and dramas in those 365 days.
If you’re looking for more poker books, we’ve got a tonne of great recommendations.
TV
On the small screen, you can really see the games intrigue and psychological battles unfold. We loved the cult classic series Tilt. Set against the backdrop of the fictional World Championship of Poker (no prizes for guessing what that’s modelled on), this 2005 series is a fun who-done-it meets poker type of show. Only nine episodes long, we would’ve loved to see more of this.
Movies
Even though we love a good TV show, we’re definitely film buffs at heart. There are so many amazing films about the world of poker. From the old western style flicks to the up-to-the-minute stories like Molly’s Game, nothing quite beats watching a poker film. Of course, we’ve got to give a special shout out to all-time crowd pleaser Rounders, which stars a young (very young!) Matt Damon. Every poker player loves this film and for good reason.
Music
While there’s a bit of debate over what poker pros actually listen to, it’s still true that there are an absolute tonne of songs out in the world about poker. Artists as diverse as Frank Sinatra, Kenny Rogers and Lady Gaga have all made their mark on poker in the arts. Which means that if you’re popping into the supermarket or dancing in a nightclub, you could be bopping along to a poker bop.
Art
Beyond the realm of storytelling, poker has also made its way onto the canvas. The game inspires artists to capture its essence through brushstrokes. One of the finest examples has got to be Cassius Marcellus Coolidge’s legit classic series of paintings known as Dogs Playing Poker. They are whimsical and instantly recognisable. And they definitely celebrate the fact that just about anyone can play.
Inspired to play a few hands?
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