25 Years of Rounders: Rounders, the acclaimed poker film, is now 25 years old, a significant milestone. This movie is great. It was written by Brian Koppelman and David Levien, and Miramax brought it to life with Matt Damon and Edward Norton. Mike McDermott, portrayed by Matt Damon, is the film’s protagonist. His bet against Johnny Chan, a WSOP Main Event winner, is legendary in poker.
Poker and movie fans recently spoke with Johnny Chan, a Poker Hall of Famer who appeared in Rounders. Let’s explore Chan’s involvement with Rounders and his near brush with Hollywood stardom.
How Chan got his role in Rounders.
Johnny Chan’s role in Rounders went beyond a mere appearance, blending poker history with a cinematic narrative. The movie used real video from the 1988 WSOP Main Event, showing Chan’s win over Seidel in back-to-back titles.
Chan said, “They asked to use my footage from the 1988 WSOP, when I beat Erik Seidel.” Initially, I considered granting them rights. When my daughter learned Matt Damon was in the movie, she wanted to meet him. I said I’d only give permission for my footage to be used if I could be in the movie or meet Matt Damon. I was surprised when they added an extra scene for me. This allowed me to meet Matt.
Due to this unexpected twist, a memorable scene occurs at the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City. Chan said, “We were at the Taj Mahal.” Matt Damon was unfamiliar with poker, so we bonded, had fun, and I taught him about the game. We shot our scene at the Taj the next day, and the rest is history.”
Vegas Ventures and the New Movie Premiere
Norton and Damon played in the 1998 WSOP Main Event in Las Vegas before Rounders. Chan fondly recalled, “We took pictures together.” They went to the WSOP and met poker stars. They enjoyed chatting with top poker players. They visited us, greeted us, and took photos. They were really nice.”
Also Read: Celebrating 25 Years for Rounders: How a Cult Classic Reshaped Poker Cinema
A few months later, Chan went to the East Coast to see Rounders’ opening. He recalled, “We attended the New York premiere and met the entire cast, including actors, actresses, and directors. Dinner, talk, and good wishes made for a fun evening.
Despite not being a major success, Rounders performed admirably by nearly doubling its budget. It gained a loyal following and was key to the “Poker Boom” movement. Chan said, “We made poker possible. The movie inspired many young people to learn about poker. After that, online poker gained popularity, the World Poker Tour (WPT) aired on TV, and the Poker Superstars series began filming. The rest is history, which is why poker is huge today.
A Look Back at Rounders and Chan’s Thoughts
When did Johnny Chan last watch Rounders and what did he think of it as a movie? He said, “I saw it about a year ago.” The movie is shown worldwide, and I saw it in Macau. It shows how things were in the past in New York and Texas. In the past, people traveled to watch home games.
To learn more about Chan’s thoughts on Rounders, check out the “Poker Pros” audio track on the DVD and Blu-Ray versions of the movie. He discusses the movie featuring poker stars Phil Hellmuth, Chris Moneymaker, and Chris Ferguson.
Rounders, a 25-year-old game, holds a special place in the hearts of poker and movie fans. This shows the power of stories and poker.
Our Reader’s Queries
What is the famous line from Rounders?
Poker is the name of the game, not hold’em or stud. As the saying goes, if you can’t identify the sucker at the table within the first 30 minutes, it’s probably you. Remember, it’s not about how much you win, but how much you can leave with.
What was KGB’s tell in Rounders?
Teddy KGB had a unique tell that gave away his bluffing. Whenever he had nothing, he would break open his Oreo cookies but not eat them. However, when he had a winning hand, he would not only break open the Oreos but also devour them. This peculiar behavior was a clear indication of his hand strength at the poker table.
How did Mike beat Teddy KGB?
Mike outsmarted the arrogant KGB in the last round by baiting him into going all-in and then beating him with a nut straight. KGB was furious at himself for falling into the trap. Despite Grama’s attempts to calm him down, KGB called off his goons and acknowledged that Mike had won fairly. This allowed Mike to leave with his well-deserved winnings.
Is Rounders a good poker movie?
For poker enthusiasts, this movie is a must-watch as it offers a captivating glimpse into the world of poker. The film’s ability to transport us into a different world and provide an in-depth understanding of its workings is truly remarkable. Thanks to the brilliant screenplay by David Levien and Brian Koppelman, and Dahl’s masterful direction, the movie is a treat for the senses. Whether you’re a seasoned poker player or a novice, this movie is sure to leave you thoroughly entertained.