In the game of life, play the cards you're dealt...

Dealt a painful lesson when he blows his hard-earned savings in a high-stakes, underground card club, master poker player Mike (Damon) thinks he's played his final hand when he gives up gambling for law school and a fresh start with his beautiful girlfriend (Gretchen Mol). But then, his best buddy (Norton) gets out of prison and in over his head with a ruthless Russian card shark (John Malkovich). From there, Mike's strong sense of loyalty and the irresistible lure of the game draw him back to the tables in a do-or-die bid to rescue his friend!

In this riveting motion picture also featuring John Turturro and Martin Landau, Mike ultimately finds himself forced to wager his very future in a game he cannot afford to lose!