 Pool hustler Fast Eddie Felson finds the young, promising pool player Vincent in a local bar and he sees in him a younger version of himself. To try and make it as in the old days, Eddie offers to teach Vincent how to be a hustler. After some hesitations Vincent accepts and Eddie takes him and Vincent s girlfriend Carmen on a tour through the country to work the pool halls. However, Vincent s tendency to show off his talent and by doing so warning off the players and losing money, soon leads to a confrontation with Eddie.