The showdown is the final stage of a poker hand. Once the last betting round is complete and at least two players are still involved, the remaining hands are revealed and compared to decide who wins the pot. In Texas Hold’em it follows the betting on the river; in Seven Card Stud it comes after seventh street.
Not everyone has to show. If an opponent reveals first and you can see your hand is beaten, you may muck: throw your cards away face down and concede the pot. Mucking works like a late fold and keeps your strategy private, since nobody learns how you played your cards or whether you were bluffing. If every player but one folds before the end, there is no showdown at all.
Showdowns in online and house-banked poker
Poker software settles a showdown instantly: the server ranks every remaining hand, splits ties and awards side pots without any dealer judgement, and many clients muck losing hands automatically unless the player chooses to show. In casino poker games played against the house, the showdown is simply the moment the dealer’s hand is revealed and compared with each player’s.