Why Slow Rolling In Poker Is a Problem

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Poker etiquette, at a casual table or even online poker tournament, is something every player should observe. It may not be written down anywhere but there is an accepted code among players that dictates how to show respect and basic sportsmanship towards each other.

Slow rolling is one transgression that really gets players’ backs up, especially when it’s done deliberately. So what is slow rolling in poker? Let’s find out why slow rolling in poker is bad, how to avoid doing it (even accidentally!) and how best to handle a slow roller.

What is Slow Rolling?

In poker, a slow roll is when a player intentionally takes a long time to reveal their winning hand during a showdown. It’s like they’re purposely dragging out the moment just to mess with their opponent’s head.

For instance, you’re sitting at the table, heart racing, waiting to see if your hand is a winner. The other player knows they’ve got the goods, but instead of promptly showing their cards to keep the game moving, they decide to put on a show. They make you wait, building up suspense and toying with your emotions. It can be pretty frustrating and downright rude.

A slow roll is considered extremely disrespectful, meant to taunt the opponent and show off. It’s like rubbing salt in the wound, gloating over the fact that they’ve got the winning hand. Needless to say, it’s not exactly the friendliest behavior and can create tension at the poker table.

It is, however, important to distinguish a slow roll from simply taking your time to think during a hand. Poker requires strategy and players are allowed to ponder their moves. But intentionally drawing out the reveal of a winning hand after all the bets are in is what crosses the line into slow roll territory.

Slow Rolling in Online Poker

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When it comes to online poker, the dynamics of slow rolling can be a bit different. If you’re in a situation where you have the best possible hand or something really close to it on the river, taking more than a couple of seconds to make your move could be considered a slow roll.

Many players who play poker online are multi-tabling and not fully focused on every single hand. In most cases, slow rolling is less likely to provoke the same strong reaction you’d get during a live game. People might not even notice or care much.

In fact, most online slow rolls aren’t intentional. They often happen due to internet lag, players juggling multiple tables or getting distracted by something happening around them.

Why Shouldn’t You Slow Roll?

The reason why slow rolling is considered taboo and disrespectful is because of its various consequences.

Lack of Sportsmanship

Slow rolling goes against the spirit of fair play and good sportsmanship. It’s like rubbing salt in the wound of a loser and showing off when all the while you know you’ve got the winning hand. Yes, poker is a competitive game, but it’s also about respect and treating your opponents fairly.

Emotional Rollercoaster

Imagine you’re eagerly waiting to see if your hand is the winner and your opponent intentionally taunts you by deliberately taking time to reveal their cards. It’s frustrating, right? Slow rolling can mess with your emotions, making you irritated, angry or even feeling betrayed. It’s not a pleasant experience for anyone, which is precisely why some unscrupulous players use it as a tactic to destabilize their opponents.

Game Flow Disruption

Every poker game already requires a fair amount of thinking and decision-making, but slow rolling slows down the game even more. It disrupts the flow and rhythm of play, making things drag on unnecessarily. Other players may get impatient and it can suck the fun out of the game for everyone.

Reputation Management

Poker has its own set of unwritten rules and etiquette and slow rolling is definitely on the naughty list. It’s considered bad form and can harm your reputation among fellow players. Being respectful, fair and maintaining a positive atmosphere at the table are all important for a satisfying poker experience and essential to maintaining a good reputation.

Potential for Drama

Slow rolling has the potential to ignite conflicts and confrontations. The person being slow-rolled might react strongly, leading to arguments or tensions at the table. It’s not the kind of drama you want during a friendly game. Poker should be enjoyable and exciting, not a source of unnecessary conflict.

Penalties

Some players who enjoy slow rolling in poker might argue that official poker rules don’t explicitly forbid it. And technically, they’re not wrong. The rules do not state a specific time limit for revealing your hand during a showdown.

So, even though you won’t immediately face any official penalties, such as being forced to take a break from the table, you may run into a poker room manager who’s not too thrilled with that kind of behavior. Even without strict rules in place, they have the power to dish out penalties if they believe you’re causing disruptions and you could find yourself on the sidelines or expelled. As the saying goes, read the room.

How to Avoid Slow Rolling

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Many new players are still learning how to play poker and may not be immediately aware of proper poker etiquette, both in live games and poker games online. Accidentally slow rolling can get you in hot water without you really intending to cause a problem.

To avoid slow rolling unintentionally, remember the following:

When it’s your turn, either muck your hand or turn your cards over. It’s important to show your hand at the appropriate time to keep the game moving smoothly.

If you have the absolute best hand possible (the nuts,) it’s generally a good idea to turn your hand over first, unless there’s a specific reason not to do so. This helps avoid any confusion or unnecessary delays in determining the winner of a hand.

Remember to be polite and considerate of other players. If someone acknowledges that you have the winning hand by saying something such as “you’ve got it,” it’s a cue for you to turn your hand over. This shows respect for their acknowledgment and helps maintain a positive atmosphere at the table.

How to Handle Slow Rollers

When you find yourself being slow-rolled, take a moment to collect yourself. It can be frustrating but try to stay calm and composed. Here’s how:

Show good sportsmanship by keeping your cool and avoiding any negative or confrontational reactions. Remember, it’s just a game and everyone has their own style of play.

Let the slow roll go and move on to the next hand. Don’t let it affect your focus or enjoyment of the game. Dwelling on it will only distract you from making smart decisions.

If you notice that a player frequently slow rolls or it significantly impacts your experience, consider speaking with the poker room staff or floor manager. They’re there to maintain a fair and enjoyable environment for all players.

Take the slow roll as a learning opportunity. Reflect on how it made you feel and use it as a reminder to always be respectful and considerate at the poker table. Treat others the way you want to be treated.

Keep Rolling With Borgata Online

You may not be able to reach the mythical level of a GTO (Game Theory Optimal) player just yet, but it’s definitely worth your while to learn poker etiquette and how to keep your cool when faced with a slow roll. Register with Borgata Online to up your skill level playing live dealer casino games along with all the other exciting online casino games on offer.