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Horror movies, perhaps more than any other genre, are known for their iconic characters, and the gruesome ends they so often meet. From fleeing masked killers to escaping supernatural entities, these characters are always fighting for their lives. And by God it’s entertaining.
Some of the most beloved protagonists to come out of horror cinema history have used their strategic prowess from playing poker to give them an edge in their struggle for survival. Finding themselves in tension-filled games in classic slasher films to the high stakes matches in modern supernatural thrillers, poker has played a crucial role in the survival and downfall of characters in many horror films.
Nowadays, many individuals worldwide enjoy playing poker and slot games for leisure at online casino sites, and numerous casinos offer a range of table games for gamblers to indulge in. The rising popularity of online poker, gambling, and other classic casino games has paved the way for card game and casino settings in modern horror films.
Horror connoisseurs and poker fans alike who appreciate online card game experiences can now enjoy a wide library of films that feature these themes, as many excellent horror movies have tackled the subject. The ease and excitement provided by online casinos have contributed to their growing popularity. Nowadays, users explore online poker games and horror-themed titles like “Zombie Rush Deluxe” from the comfort of their own homes.
So which of your favourite horror characters could online poker have been the key to saving? Grab your chips and let us take you on a ride.
How could online poker have saved the day?
1. Satanic Panic (2019)
Satanic Panic is a horror-comedy that follows a pizza delivery girl named Sam who unwittingly stumbles upon a satanic cult's ritual sacrifice while making a delivery to a wealthy neighbourhood. The cult plays a high-stakes game of poker with Sam, where the stakes become increasingly high as the game progresses. Sam tries to use her wit and gambling skills to stay alive and outsmart the Satanists. What follows is a wild and bloody battle between Sam and the cult as she tries to survive the night and prevent the cult's evil plans from coming to fruition
Now we can’t vouch for how satanic cults works, and we’ve definitely seen our fair share of paranormal technology manipulations in the horror genre, but with that being said, we assume that the chances of walking into one who wants you to gamble your life away is less when you’re playing poker online. But we can’t help but wonder, if Sam had been a regular in online poker, would she have been able to win the poker game and escape faster?
2. The Ninth Configuration (1980)
In "The Ninth Configuration," a group of mentally ill patients are housed in a castle that has been converted into a mental institution. In one scene, several of the patients gather in a room to play a game of poker, which starts off as a seemingly harmless activity. However, as the game progresses, tensions begin to rise and the players become increasingly aggressive and confrontational towards one another.
The scene becomes particularly tense and bizarre when the players start to blur the line between reality and fantasy, with one character insisting that he is playing with a deck of cards that feature the faces of his deceased family members. As the game reaches its climax, the players become more and more unhinged, culminating in a surreal and violent showdown that leaves the viewer questioning what is real and what is not.
Now we know that it was the 80’s, but given a few luxuries and perhaps a time machine, these patients could have been playing poker in the relaxing comfort of their own space. The frustration of reading poker faces and physically watching your opponent can be taken away by playing online, leaving only the thrill and the fun.
3. Spirits of the Dead (1969)
"William Wilson" is one of the three stories featured in the “Spirits of the Dead” anthology film, based on the poems of horror master Edgar Allan Poe. Directed by Louis Malle, the film tells the story of a young man named William Wilson who is haunted by his doppelgänger and his own inner demons. Gambling and poker play a significant role in the story, as William becomes addicted to gambling and cheats his way to winning large sums of money.
In the film, the protagonist's doppelgänger convinces others that Wilson has cheated at cards, causing him to lose his fortune and social standing. In a fit of rage, Wilson confronts his doppelgänger, leading to a violent altercation where he stabs the other with a dagger.
The film's exploration of guilt, paranoia, and the consequences of one's actions adds to its haunting and unsettling atmosphere, and heightens the sense of tension and psychological horror. Featuring a haunting performance by actor Alain Delon, the depiction of gambling adds an extra layer of psychological horror to the story.
Similarly to the last film, wouldn’t it have been nice to have your opponent out of sight and out of mind? Online there are no cheating accusations, just the thrill of a true game. Although we have to admit the confrontation is great for a horror film, when it comes to playing in real life, we’d rather keep it to the internet.
Which of our horror favourites used poker to survive?
The Cabin in the Woods (2012)
In this popular horror-comedy movie, a group of college students visit a remote cabin in the woods and become the unwitting pawns in a deadly game orchestrated by mysterious supernatural threats. One of the characters, Marty, is a stoner and a skilled gambler who uses his knowledge of probability and game theory to try to outsmart the creatures they face.
He argues that their situation resembles a game, and that they must think strategically to survive. Marty's use of gambling knowledge adds a unique and unexpected element to the story, and highlights the film's clever and self-aware approach to the horror genre.
Now technically we never see Marty die, although it is widely assumed he dies pretty soon after the camera cuts. But in terms of being well versed in poker, gambling, and card games alike, it certainly helped him survive till the end. Ten years on The cabin in the Woods is still a fan favourite, with a great Rotten Tomatoes score of 92%.