Slow rolling is one of the biggest crimes you can commit at the poker table, but what is it? As well as giving you the basics and how to not to slow roll, we\u2019ve got a controversial take on why it could be a good strategic move. So, if you want to know about the good and bad bits of slow rolling, let\u2019s get into it\u2026<\/p>\n
Intentionally taking longer than is deemed acceptable to show a winning hand or call a bet\/raise on the river is known as a slow roll in poker. Put another way, slow rolling is when you delay an action, despite being 100% confident you\u2019re going to win.<\/p>\n
Of course, there may be times when you\u2019re unsure if you\u2019ve got the best hand or not. Specifically, if you have to show first. In those situations, you may be somewhat tentative.<\/p>\n
However, in most cases, it\u2019s clear you have a winning hand, particularly if you\u2019re holding the nuts (aka the best possible hand), and you’re stalling on purpose.<\/p>\n
Slow rolling is considered poor etiquette in poker because you\u2019re deliberately being manipulative.<\/p>\n
But surely poker is all about mind games? Yes, that\u2019s true, but poker is also about respecting your opponents. Much like any competitive endeavor, there are rules and there are unwritten rules.<\/p>\n
For example, there\u2019s nothing in the rules of football that says you have to provide comfortable changing facilities for the opposing team. However, home teams do offer sanitary locker rooms because it\u2019s respectful and they\u2019d like the same treatment in return.<\/p>\n
The decision not to slow roll in poker is the same. There\u2019s always a sense of trepidation when someone bets on the river or goes to a showdown. Slow rolling prolongs the tension unnecessarily.<\/p>\n
In essence, it’s a form of psychological torture. It\u2019s gamesmanship and, if we\u2019re being pointed, it’s akin to bullying.<\/p>\n