Rounders

Gifted poker player Mike McDermott participates in a high-stakes game of Texas hold'em against Teddy 'KGB', a menacing Russian mobster. Unfortunately, Mike loses his entire $30,000 bankroll in a crushing defeat that leaves him shaken and questioning his future in the game.

After his devastating loss, Mike decides to focus on his law studies, a commitment he makes to his girlfriend Jo. He promises her that he will step away from poker altogether and commit to a more stable path in life, emphasizing the importance of his education.

As Mike pursues his law degree, his mentor Knish offers him a part-time job delivering goods. This opportunity provides Mike with some financial support while he dedicates himself to his studies and attempts to leave poker behind.

Mike's life takes a turn when his childhood friend, Lester 'Worm' Murphy, is released from prison. Worm’s return brings an influx of old memories, but it also brings complications as he struggles with heavy debts and a strong temptation to return to gambling.

Worm’s influence begins to sway Mike, and despite his earlier commitments, Mike returns to the poker scene. This shift causes a strain on Mike's relationship with Jo as he gets drawn back into the high-stakes world he had vowed to leave behind.

Worm receives an ultimatum from his creditors requiring him to pay off his debts within five days. This urgent situation compels Mike to help, pushing him deeper into a frantic world of poker games to gather the necessary funds.

Mike and Worm embark on a series of intense poker games across New York City in their quest to earn $15,000. While Worm considers dishonest tactics to win, Mike remains adamant about playing fair, showcasing his skills at the table.

Their luck takes a turn for the worse when Mike and Worm are caught cheating during one of their games. This leads to a total loss of their bankroll, sending them into a desperate situation as they scramble to figure out their next move.

After their loss, Worm reveals that his debt is owed to Teddy 'KGB', the very same mobster who had previously defeated Mike. This revelation shakes Mike to his core and leads him to make the difficult decision to cut ties with Worm, vowing to face his challenges alone.

Determined to reclaim his life, Mike challenges KGB to a high-stakes poker match. He manages to secure a $10,000 loan from his law professor Petrovsky, which he uses as a buy-in for the no-limit heads-up game.

In an exhilarating showdown, Mike faces off against KGB in a tense game of Texas Hold'em. The stakes are high, and the pressure mounts as Mike fights to reclaim his pride and financial stability, leveraging all his skills against the intimidating mobster.

Mike triumphs in two intense heads-up matches, decisively defeating KGB. With this victory, he not only settles Worm's debts and repays his professor but also manages to restore his original bankroll of approximately $30,000.

After his victory, Mike makes a momentous decision to drop out of law school, realizing that his passions lie elsewhere. This choice signifies a turning point in his life, as he prepares to embrace his true calling in poker.

The movie concludes with Mike heading to Las Vegas to participate in the prestigious World Series of Poker Main Event. This moment encapsulates his journey and signifies his commitment to pursuing his passion for the game of poker once and for all.