Why Does the Last Aggressor Have to Showdown First? If everyone checked during the last betting round, the normal order of play is followed and the closest player to the left of the dealer shows their cards first. Who shows first in a poker showdown? The showdown rules of poker state that the player who took the last aggressive action on the final betting round shows their hand first. Let’s settle what the showdown rules are once and for all. Deciding who shows their cards first is a common argument in both tournaments and cash games. When showdown is reached in a poker hand, it can often be a confusing moment for live poker players.
