Pai Gow Poker is a traditional Chinese gambling game that has gained popularity in the western world. In recent years, it has become a popular game in casinos around the globe. The game’s popularity has also led to its appearance in films and television shows. In this article, we take a look at the cinematic history of Pai Gow Poker and its depictions in film and TV.
Pai Gow Poker: A Cinematic History
The history of Pai Gow Poker in cinema can be traced back to the 1980s. One of the earliest depictions of the game was in the film "The Gambler" (1980), where the main character, Axel Freed, plays the game to win back his lost money. The movie also features a scene where Axel teaches his girlfriend how to play Pai Gow Poker.
Another notable film that features Pai Gow Poker is "Rounders" (1998). The movie follows the story of a young poker player, Mike McDermott, who decides to quit playing after losing all his money in a high-stakes game. In one scene, Mike plays Pai Gow Poker in a casino and wins a significant amount of money.
Depictions of Pai Gow Poker in Film and TV
Apart from movies, Pai Gow Poker has also been featured in several TV shows. One of the most popular TV shows to feature the game is "Breaking Bad" (2008-2013). In one episode, Walter White, the show’s main character, plays Pai Gow Poker with his co-workers, and the game becomes a metaphor for his struggle to maintain control.
Another TV show that has featured Pai Gow Poker is "The Big Bang Theory" (2007-2019). In one episode, the group of friends plays Pai Gow Poker, and it becomes a source of rivalry between the characters. The show uses the game to highlight the competitiveness and the desire to win of the characters.
In conclusion, Pai Gow Poker has become a popular game in casinos around the world, and its popularity has also led to its appearance in films and television shows. The game has been used as a metaphor for the characters’ struggles and as a source of rivalry between characters. Despite its relatively limited appearance in cinema, Pai Gow Poker has managed to leave a lasting impression on audiences.