Definition
Plain language
The end of a poker hand where the remaining players reveal their cards and the best one wins.
As stated in the literature
The terminal stage of a poker hand in which surviving players compare holdings; 'showdown value' denotes a hand likely to win if revealed, distinguishing value bets from pure bluffs.
Also called: showdown value
Why it matters: It is the moment that decides who wins, and judging whether a hand can survive it is what separates a value bet from a pure bluff.
For example, after the final round of betting, two remaining players flip over their cards and whoever holds the stronger hand takes the pot.
Heard on the show
“No pair, no draw, no showdown value at all.”Episode 100 — How a Prompt Wrapper Lets a Frontier Model Play Poker Like an Expert