Mike McDermott, a gifted poker player and law student, loses his entire bankroll in a high-stakes game against a ruthless Russian mobster, Teddy KGB. Determined to leave the underground poker world behind, Mike promises his girlfriend Jo and himself that he'll focus solely on his studies and lead a straight life. His resolve is tested when his old friend, Lester 'Worm' Murphy, is released from prison and drags Mike back into the world of high-stakes poker to help pay off Worm's substantial debts. Despite his better judgment, Mike begins playing again, hoping to help his friend and accumulate enough money to pay off the looming threats Worm faces.

As Mike navigates a series of challenging poker games, he risks not only his financial stability but also his relationship with Jo and his future in law school. The specter of his damaging loss to Teddy KGB looms over him, forcing Mike to confront whether he is playing for survival or out of an inherent need for the rush and satisfaction of the game. His journey through the poker underworld, filled with colorful characters and intense games, forces Mike to examine his true calling and determine where his passions truly lie.