In Depression-era New Orleans, cocksure stud poker player Eric Stoner (Steve McQueen) -- the titular Cincinnati Kid -- challenges longtime champ Lancey "The Man" Howard (Edward G. Robinson) to a showdown at the table, where a war of wills -- and nerve -- ensues. Leading up to the suspenseful, high-stakes final hand, Stoner fends off the seductive advances of his best friend's girl (Ann-Margret) in this gripping drama directed by Norman Jewison.