What is Time Bank?
Time Bank → 1. The Time Bank offers players extra time for decision-making within a poker game, particularly in online formats.
Example usage → “The decision was quite complex, so we opted to utilize the time bank ”
Explanation of Time Bank
Historically, the term 'time bank' has been shortened to 'tank,' which refers to a player who is taking an extended period to decide, regardless of whether they actually used their time bank . For instance, 'after our big bet on the river, the opponent tanked intensely before eventually folding.'
While traditional live poker doesn't typically include a designated time bank , new measures have been introduced recently aimed at curbing players' time-wasting and overly dramatic behavior during their decision-making processes.
In live games, if a player is taking an excessive amount of time, their opponents can request the presence of a 'floor manager,' who might implement a timer. Some live tournament formats are experimenting with a system of time tokens, requiring players to surrender a token if they wish to extend their decision time.
Example of Time Bank used in a sentence -> Savvy players recognize the value of the time bank and understand the importance of using it strategically.
Incorporating Time Bank into Your Poker Strategy
Online players are typically provided with equal amounts of time banks . It’s wise to utilize this time when making decisions since it can give us an edge over opponents who may not reflect deeply on their choices, maximizing the advantage of this free resource.
For players at the table, a careful balance is necessary. Taking time to make informed decisions is acceptable, but it's equally important to be mindful and courteous to fellow players. Excessive use of the tank can lead to negative perceptions and may even be seen as unsportsmanlike behavior in some contexts.
Conversely, while showing patience for players who tank is important, we should not hesitate to involve the floor if we believe a point of decorum has been breached.
See Also
Angle , Cash Game , Tournament , Slowroll