Playing Together, Staying Together – 3 Iconic Poker Couples to Inspire You

Credit: @katelindsss on Instagram

Although it may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of romance, there is evidence to suggest that poker can actually be a useful tool when it comes to romance.

Firstly, finding common interests that spark excitement between partners is important in any romantic relationship, and poker is one such endeavor that can work well as a couple’s shared passion. This is even why we previously suggested having poker date nights.

After all, poker is a naturally engaging activity, whether it’s played physically or online. Among couples, the excitement that this game of luck and strategy brings can become the foundation of unforgettable memories charged with adrenaline and big wins.

Additionally, poker’s lessons can easily be applied to romantic relationships, too. As shared by Newsweek contributor and Poker Power member Andrea Javor, she was able to rekindle her romances by doing so. Namely, her poker abilities helped her read people, learn to let go of losses, and trust in luck. After decades of heartbreak, this helped her establish a better love life.

With this in mind, here are three poker-playing couples who’ll inspire you to consider poker the next time you and your significant other are looking for a special bonding activity to go all in on.

Credit: @katelindsss on Instagram

Chris Moorman and Katie Lindsay

If there’s one famous couple who are proof that having something in common can help bridge previous misunderstandings, it’s Chris Moorman and Katie Lindsay. According to the couple, they were both initially uninterested in each other, with Lindsay even disliking the British card shark because he’d beat players for whom she acted as an agent.

However, given that they were both regular on the elite poker circuit, their paths kept intersecting until they had no choice but to hang out more. During these times, the two found that they were actually fond of each other, and the rest is history.

Now, the married couple are practically inseparable and have even used their relationship to their advantage in their poker careers. In 2021, they became the first husband-and-wife duo to be signed as poker pros for ACR Poker.

Known as the US’ leading online poker site, ACR Poker was established in 2001 and boasts a roster of top poker personalities who are regulars on the tourney circuit. Recently, this included their 2025 online meet-up game, in which Moorman and Lindsay were players.

Credit: @liv_boeree on Instagram

Liv Boeree and Igor Kurganov

High stakes are a formality in poker, so it’s no surprise when certain games get rather emotional. Because this can cause players to react poorly, the best poker stars know how to manage their feelings even when things get heated properly.

As it happens, this level-headed approach is something that British player Liv Boeree and Russian-German Igor Kurganov regularly practice between themselves.

In Liv’s podcast, Win-Win, the two pros explained that they avoid big blow-ups by having smaller “arguments” instead. This effectively acts as an outlet for any unpleasant feelings, thereby preventing anything from festering or compounding. The two also shared that they made it a point to be mindful of what they even allow themselves to be upset about. By applying this filter, it reduces the amount of things that affect them and their relationship by extension.

Such a methodical mindset comes as no surprise to the couple, who’ve been together for a decade now. In the professional poker landscape, both players are recognized for their rational techniques.

For Igor, this has helped him seal his own WSOP bracelet. Meanwhile, Liv is considered one of the best female poker players and is currently the only woman to win a WSOP bracelet and a European Poker Tour event.

Credit: @phillaak on Instagram

Jennifer Tilly and Phil Laak

In mainstream media, Jennifer Tilly may be more famous than her card-playing longtime beau, thanks to her roles in film and TV. However, in professional poker circles, both are considered formidable players who’ve garnered admirers thanks to their skills. The couple first met in 2004 while at a poker tournament, although they kept quiet about their initial relationship.

It soon became clear, though, that they were each other’s biggest cheerleaders, with Laak even helping Tilly polish her game. These lessons evidently paid off, as she soon earned herself a World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet. Laak himself also has a WSOP bracelet and holds the Guinness World Record for the longest poker session, at 115 hours.

This willingness to learn from each other has clearly worked well for the couple, who remain together nearly 20 years later. Whenever asked about their poker careers, the two are also quick to credit the other as being integral supporters. Such mutual respect is a trait that helped the two remain stable, both on the felt and off.

For more on love and relationships, please check out the other Loveable articles on our blog.