In movies and TV (including sci-fi equivalents), usually hero and villain are scheduled, stand quietly facing off from a distance with hand poised by gun, waiting. Usually, to maximize the heroism, it seems the bad guy moves for his gun first, but the good guy sees this, somehow then draws even faster and shoots and wins. (Occasionally, there are nice fun twists, like Back to the Future III based on Clint Eastwood movie.) But I don’t see anybody saying “Draw” or anything (and it’s not like there is a starting gun, of course). How do they know when first to move?
The good guy/white hat is only defending himself. Only moves when he has to. The bad guy/black hat draws whenever suites the story best. Usually after it’s clear he’s actually scared despite all the bluster.
IIRC this only ever happened maybe once. In reality they were shooting each other in the back while the other was taking a piss or playing cards.
In Western shootouts, timing is all about reading your opponent. Characters wait for subtle cues, like a twitch or hand movement, before drawing. It’s dramatic tension, not a real rule.
It’s mostly movie logic, not real rules. I always assumed it’s a mix of intimidation, reading tiny body cues, and pure nerves until someone flinches. Real shootouts were messy and unfair, the silent countdown is just for drama tbh.
You draw and shoot the other guy first.
I think it comes down to who has the best eyes and fastest hands.