Way long before the web became a meeting place for gamblers of all ranges, poker fever has taken the world by storm.

People spent all their free time playing poker, working out their own algorithms to increase their chances to win. Today we can check the list of top online pokie casinos NZ and practice for as long as we want to. But at least, 15 years ago people stuck to the screens watching incredibly smart tricks, famous characters used to hit huge jackpots.

Some of them were good guys, who went from poor to rich over a single poker session. Some were wily villains whose lives were full of risk and shady deals.

Who are the most eccentric of them?

 

James Bond (Casino Royale)

Who could play smarter than the famous agent 007? With tons of clever tricks up his sleeve and a huge support of MI6, he was practically invincible. Anyone would envy his incredible strategy and bluffing skills. Cruel terrorist Le Chiffre did not expect to meet such a rival at the poker table. Is there any need to say who won this battle?

 

Bret Maverick (Maverick)

Bret Maverick is the epitome of a poker-playing rounder who is looking for the highest stakes and always knows what he needs. Unlike Bond, this guy is not an intelligent high roller. He rarely stays in one play for long because of the methods he uses to hit the highest wins. Can we call him a swindler or a cheater? He is more likely a poker genius that uses his brains instead of hoping for luck.

 

Mary Meredith (A Big Hand for the Little Lady)

You cannot call Mary a skilled player. She actually does not know a thing about poker and appears at the table by accident to continue a game after her husband who was caught by a sudden heart attack. The way she gets off with a whole skin and impressive sum of money in her purse impressed even the most experienced gamblers. It is hard to believe that was her first game, especially considering the impressive stakes.

 

Axel Freed (The Gambler)

What happens when an intelligent literature professor takes cards in his hands? This man definitely has the gambling vice. After he lost all his money, he borrows big from his girlfriend, his mom and all his friends. And finally, he borrows some cash from a band of some bad guys. And here the chase starts. If you are thinking it could make him stop playing, you are so wrong!

 

Charlie Miller (Shade)

The film follows a trio of grifters who attempt to set up a legendary card shark, nicknamed “The Dean”. To make a bank, you need a team of fearless professionals. Charlie is the #1 jiggery-pokery genius. You will never lose working hand-to-hand with a guy like this! There is no wonder he was chosen for a serious fraud at one of the biggest casinos ever.