The Cincinnati Kid

A casually dressed man strolls down a bustling sidewalk and comes across a lively New Orleans-style funeral. The atmosphere is vibrant, filled with music, as he shares a light-hearted moment with a young boy, playfully exchanging quarters and showcasing his playful nature.

At a nearby card game, the man claims victory against his opponent by outsmarting him, leading to accusations of using marked cards. The situation escalates, and in a hurried escape, he cleverly navigates through a washroom and jumps out a window to evade two pursuers.

A sharply dressed man in his sixties arrives by train and is warmly welcomed at a luxurious hotel as Mr. Howard. This marks the entrance of a significant player in the unfolding events, hinting at an eminent poker match.

The young man, known as 'Kid,' sits at a bar where a card game is underway. As he is recognized by the others, he skillfully collects $170 from a player, adding to his reputation while discussing the legendary Lancey Howard with a suave man called 'Shooter.'

Lancey Howard reaches out to a man named Slade with a proposal for a stud poker game at noon. They finalize the details while Slade focuses on an intimate encounter, and Lancey’s quirky request for extra Tabasco for his oysters adds a touch of humor.

On a ferry, Shooter shares stories of his past with the Kid, reflecting on his belief that he was unbeatable until he faced Lancey, known as 'the Man.' The Kid's ambition to defeat Lancey grows as Shooter sets the stage for their rivalry.

The Kid visits his love, Christian, who mentions her outing to a French movie filled with subtitles. Their light discussion reveals their affection for one another amidst the brewing tensions surrounding the upcoming poker match.

At home, Shooter notices his wife Melba engrossed in a jigsaw puzzle. This domestic moment contrasts with the high stakes he's about to face as he agrees to finalize the big poker game with Lancey over the phone.

Melba and Christian bond during a shopping trip, sharing insights about their partners. This gives a glimpse into their personal lives and the stakes involved in their respective relationships as the story unfolds.

As the ambitious poker game approaches, Slade suggests a substantial $12,000 side bet on the outcome between Lancey and the Kid. The tension escalates as Shooter grapples with his integrity, rallying behind the Kid's potential for victory.

The pivotal poker match is set for Monday at 5 PM in room 2A of the Lafayette Hotel. Both players prepare in their quarters, with the Kid studying a math book on rapid calculations while Lancey meticulously arranges his stacks of cash.

On the day of the big match, excitement fills the air as Kid arrives at the hotel, celebrated as a local hero. Meanwhile, Lancey methodically studies the poker table, aware of the pressure that lies ahead.

The high-stakes poker game begins, with camaraderie and competitive banter between both players. As the bets escalate, a crowd gathers around the table, witnessing the tension and atmosphere that builds around this monumental event.

As the game progresses, the stakes reach their peak, and a crucial hand is revealed. A stunned silence envelops the audience as the cards are turned, and Lancey boasts his victory, calling the Kid '2nd best,' highlighting the brutal competitiveness of the match.

In the aftermath of the game, as the excitement dies down, the Kid shares a poignant encounter with the shoeshine boy, leading to his first loss of the day. A tender embrace with Christian concludes the saga, fading into darkness as Ray Charles' theme underscores the unfolding drama.