If you’ve ever been a victim of a slow roll in poker, it can really get under your skin. It’s one of the worst things you can do at the felt and it’s usually an attempt to embarrass another player and get them off their game. Whether you’ve been the one doing it or the one receiving it, there are some ways to redeem yourself and make the slow roller feel like an idiot.
What is a slow roll in poker?
A slow roll in poker occurs when a player takes a long time to reveal their cards at showdown. This is especially common when they’re holding a very strong hand. It’s often done to irritate an opponent, especially when the two players involved have some history or a dislike for each other. Slow rolling is also very popular in high stakes cash games and in televised poker hands, where it can be seen by a larger audience.
There are three main reasons why a player might slow roll another player in poker. It could be an attempt to suck the fun out of the game for everyone else at the table. The reason for this is that it’s generally considered bad etiquette to take a long time to call an all-in bet when you’re holding a strong hand. It’s not necessary and it can be very frustrating for other players who have to wait a long time while you “Hollywood” your hand.
In other cases, slow rolls are done to suck an opponent off their game. This can be a very effective strategy in small pots where there’s no chance of making a large profit, but it’s usually ill-advised in televised poker or in larger tournaments where other players might see your behavior. It’s a great way to annoy or upset your opponent, and it can make them lose their cool in the heat of the moment.
This can lead to them yelling and slamming down their chips, which can ruin the experience for everyone. If you’re a victim of a slow roll, it’s best to keep calm and act like nothing happened. However, if you’re an active player and you’ve noticed that an opponent is always slow rolling other players, then there’s no harm in giving them a taste of their own medicine from time to time. Just be careful not to go overboard or you may wind up embarrassing yourself and getting yourself kicked off the table. If you do, other players will notice and probably won’t want to play with you again.