Have you ever watched a movie and felt like the scene described exactly the way you were feeling at that point in time?

I’ve had many moments at the bridge table that would have been better described by a soundboard or movie quote. (But of course, because not everyone pictures this, I don’t tend to voice this out loud.)

Movies are filled with little nuggets of wisdom that you can remember and use elsewhere. Even bad movies have something you can take from them. (Even if you only learn that it was a horrible movie.) 

Here are 5 movie phrases that fit the bridge table and why.

1: Sherlock (BBC) – “You’re allowed chips.”

When an obviously depressed woman shows up at Sherlock’s infamous Baker Street address, the first and most important advice he has involves chips.

The fried kind, not the casino kind.

It’s notable because it points out that it helps to take a walk or get your mind out of a busy environment for a while. Even Sherlock needs a break, even when it’s just for chips.

2: The Big Lebowski – “Do you see what happens, Larry?”

There’s Walter, there’s Donny and there’s the Dude.

If you haven’t seen this movie yet, then it’s about time. A couple of pop culture references might make sense when you do.

For this scene, a furious Walter bashes up a vehicle in a fit of vengeful rage.

The worst part? It’s the wrong car.

The lesson here would be achieving Dude-like serenity at the bridge table, even when you don’t feel like it.

3: The Ring – “Seven days…”

The phrase that stands out most from the horror movie The Ring (or Ringu in the original Japanese version) is the ghastly phrase participants are taunted with once they’ve seen the supposed cursed videotape.

If you think of how terrified people look when they hear it, you’d have sworn they said 7NT instead.

4: The Matrix – “Mister Anderson”

The Matrix is more than just action or science-fiction: it’s deeply philosophical.

When the story’s antagonist Smith shows up (well, one of them), this is his confronting phrase. And then a fight ensues.

It’s a little like being confronted with a new team or opponent.

But for bridge, you can’t bend the rules of physics.

5: The Princess Bride – “Prepare to die!”

Fans of the movie or book will know that the key phrase isn’t the full quote. It’s great initiative for everyone else to see this movie if they haven’t.

It’s another great Hollywood confrontation between warriors.

And it’s like the feeling when you finally get to play against an accomplished opponent. It’s that moment just before the game, and just before the first cards are laid down on the table. That thrilling instant right before the match begins.