Save the Cat rankings

THE CINCINNATI KID script analysis

THE CINCINNATI KID script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Eric “The Kid” Stoner, a young poker player, arrives in St. Louis to challenge the legendary Lancey Hodges. Along the way he balances high-stakes games with a budding romance, only to discover the final match is rigged against him. Despite betrayal and heartbreak, he confronts the reality of his world and returns home changed.

75 Save the Cat fit score 30% analysis confidence / 71 parsed scenes

Save the Cat is referenced as a story-analysis framework. SlugDB is not affiliated with Save the Cat or its rights holders.

1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

30%

Introduces The Kid in a tense, high-stakes poker game amidst a street riot.

Somebody shut the goddam window. Let a man think.
2

Theme Stated

Scene 5 / Page 1 / 5% target

25%

Shooter doubts The Kid’s readiness, hinting at theme of confidence versus experience.

Kid, I don't think you're ready.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-7 / Pages 1-5 / 10% target

30%

We see The Kid’s skills, his relationships with Shooter and Christian, and the looming challenge from Lancey.

4

Catalyst

Scene 4 / Page 2 / 12% target

35%

Shooter informs The Kid that Lancey Hodges is in town, setting the central conflict.

Lancey Hodges' in town.
5

Debate

Scenes 5-6 / Pages 2-6 / 20% target

30%

The Kid and Shooter discuss his readiness while Christian offers emotional support.

You think I'm ready?
6

Break into Two

Scene 13 / Page 7 / 25% target

25%

Melba’s seduction signifies The Kid entering the unfamiliar personal realm alongside the game.

You find a guy, you love him, and that's it. It's supposed to just go on like that...
7

B Story

Scenes 32-37 / Pages 12-15 / 30% target

30%

The Kid’s romance with Christian deepens, serving as the emotional subplot.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 23-31 / Pages 9-12 / 40% target

25%

Montage of training, bets, and camaraderie illustrating The Kid’s preparation.

What'd she do, take off? So did mine. Don't lose no sweat, Kid, there's plenty more where they...
9

Midpoint

Scenes 53-54 / Pages 17-18 / 50% target

35%

The major poker game begins; stakes rise as Lancey cleans out other players.

Tell The Kid I have a suite on the fifth floor. He can drop up during the breaks....
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 60-61 / Pages 19-20 / 65% target

30%

The Kid realizes the game is fixed and confronts Shooter about it.

You, Shooter Man -- you been feeding me cards for an hour.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 67 / Page 21 / 75% target

35%

Schlaegel brandishes a knife, threatening The Kid and signaling utter defeat.

That's a fact. I'm coming to the argument.
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 68 / Page 21 / 80% target

30%

The Kid and Christian argue, revealing his internal despair about the game and their future.

It's -- about us. What's going to happen?
13

Break into Three

Scene 69 / Page 22 / 85% target

25%

The Kid decides to continue despite Shooter’s failing health, recommitting to the final hand.

The Shooter's not well. He didn't want to spoil the game, but he ought to be resting... He...
14

Finale

Scene 70 / Page 22 / 95% target

35%

Lancey wins the final hand with a straight flush, The Kid acknowledges defeat.

Straight flush to the jack -- That's $6700 you owe me, Kid.
15

Final Image

Scene 71 / Page 23 / 99% target

30%

The Kid walks alone as Christian leaves, mirroring the opening image’s solitude.

I love you, Kid -- and it's not enough.