In the bustling world of street poker in New York City, a talented player named Mike McDermott faces the temptations and challenges of his life. After losing a substantial amount to a feared mobster, Mike decides to hang up his cards and walk away from the game, focusing on his law studies and seeking a more stable life. However, his best friend, Worm, freshly out of prison and eager to return to the tables, pulls him back into the dangerous universe of underground poker.
With his dream of becoming a great player within reach, Mike discovers that the genius for the game that lies within him struggles to break free. His life becomes even more complicated with the arrival of a girl who changes the rules of the game, alongside threats stemming from past debts. As he tries to balance his love for poker and his professional future, Mike finds himself caught between loyalty to his friend and the old temptations that never truly fade.
As the tension escalates, Mike realizes that poker is not just a matter of cards but a test of character. In an exhilarating final match, he confronts his demons and his own identity, seeking not only respect at the table but also redemption in his own life.