Comics may be associated with geeks, but you do not need to be one to see the complex and old relationship between most of the top characters and poker games. The stories of popular modern superheroes and villains including the Joker, Batman, Gambit, or Iron Man are directly inspired by or revolve around poker cards. This is a brief compilation of the top 5 superheroes and villains in human history whose characters and stories revolved around the game of poker.
The Joker
Batman clearly outmatches his nemesis the Joker in power and speed, but it is clear the two are formidable poker players, matched in wit. Some of the most memorable scenes in movies and comics featuring the Joker happen around a poker table, more often during a poker game. Could it be that such an environment brings out the best of this’ unpredictable yet enigmatic villain? Love him or hate him you have to admire how calculating he is and how evenly his contest with Batman would be if it was on the poker table.
Billionaire Bruce Wayne who lives a secret life at night is persistent and calculating. The Joker is inspired by the role the joker card plays in poker: bringing balance. People today are still inspired by the Joker. Just playing the game when you feel the intensity of playing the role of Joker in a game or real life. Try it, you can join in and play online poker yourself.
The Thing
The thing is made of rocks and may look ghastly to anyone at first. But do not let this fool you, Ben Grim, the man underneath the rocks, is a poker ace. He is smart and appears to enjoy a game of poker against worthy opponents, that is why he is more than glad to organize tournaments for other heroes in the Marvel Universe.
You may have seen The Thing playing poker in many editions of The Fantastic Four. After all, Ben is a scientist with an analytical mind that likes a challenge to stay in shape.
Iron Man
Tony Stark is another superhero who has saved the world and fought villains with superpowers using only technology he develops himself. He is a genius and a gambler. Poker is one of his favourite games because it only takes the most calculating, observant, and confident minds to get good at it. His poker face, which goes well with his arrogant and pompous personality, makes him a natural poker player.
The Iron Man would not have been born if Tony Stark had not kept his mind focused and applied the tactics, he learned in Poker to escape death. One of the most effective ways you too can train your mind to be sharp and focused is by playing a game of poker.
Cannonball
One of the little-known things about Cannonball, the fury superhero and one of the X-Men, is that he is a die-hard fan of poker and a very good player of Texas Hold’em. He is seen more than a few times taking part in high-stake poker tournaments against other heroes and villains. Considering that he almost always manages to walk off with bags of money, Cannonball must be good at Texas Hold’em poker.
We all would like to live in the worlds of our heroes, even with the villains we admire. There is a common story of fans finding special ways to connect with their superheroes by simply taking part in simple tournaments, just the way their favourite characters do.
Gambit
Having seen the top heroes and villains in Marvel and DC universes and drawn a clear connection between their capabilities and poker, what do you think it would take to become a superhero of poker? Gambit, one of the X-Men, is all about poker. This is why he always appears holding a deck of cards. Some would agree that this is a worthy price to pay to be the poker superhero.
Do you wish to be a poker superhero? It may be easier than you think, and while you may not need to carry a deck of cards with you wherever you go, it would be ace to do a shuffle trick to impress a friend.
Poker is not just a card game; it is a culture that is deeply interwoven with the human story. As a game, it is simple and fun. It is also an easily accessible tool you can use to train your mind and connect with your favourite superhero or villain on another level.
