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Slow Roll Poker: Definition & Explanation

7 minutes read

If you enjoy poker games and want to become a professional poker player one day, you are, undoubtedly, interested in various terms that will help you understand the game better and gain new skills to master the game. One of these terms is a slow roll poker term, an action that is hated by most players but still not forbidden by the rules. So, what's a slow roll in poker, and can this trick help you somehow?

Slow Roll Poker

What is Slow Roll in Poker

The slow roll poker definition explains this term as a behavior that doesn’t influence the result, but irritates other players at the table. A person with a strong poker hand pretends to have a bad poker combination and commits various acts to prove it: shaking the head, talking to other players, even swearing. These pauses take place before calling a bet and can’t force the opponents to change their opinion or something of this kind. And in poker etiquette, the slow roll is considered to be a despised move. Though according to the poker rules, slow rolling isn’t prohibited.

📌Pay attention: this trick is good for live poker and as for online poker, the dealer doesn’t care about the time of your decision (unless there are certain time limits).

Slow Roll Vs Slow Play

The definition ‘slow roll’ poker has is sometimes confused with another term: ‘slow play’. When you are sure that you have a winning hand and there is space for a big bluff, you can pretend to have weak combinations to confuse your opponent at the poker table and force them to increase the stakes.

Ethical or not?

It’s up to players to decide whether to use these tricks or not. They are OK when you want to make a joke or something of that kind. But when you are playing in a new company and are not sure that the opponents will appreciate this joke, be careful as this trick is hated by many poker gamblers, though the rules don’t prohibit it.

Top-5 Famous Slow Rolls in the Poker History

Some gamblers just have fun while playing this game, while others play poker professionally and each of their actions is highlighted in the media. Here come the best slow roll poker cases that are famous all over the world!

  1. Andreas Gann vs. Donnacha O’Dea.
    This tournament took place at the 2015 Irish Open.
  2. Shaun Deeb vs. Mike Matusow.
    These guys met at Poker Night in America. Shaun has a reputation as a king of a slow roll.
  3. Samantha Abernathy vs. Mikel Habb.
    At the 2016 Aussie Millions, Mikel even got up from his seat to pretend that he was losing.
  4. Ron Rose.
    It’s a tough round with Alan Goehring and over a 45 thousand stake.
  5. Phil Hellmuth vs TJ Cloutier.
    The tournament took place at the Showdown at the Sands in 2003.

As you can see, some of the opponents are laughing, while others turn extremely angry. So it’s a trick that can be used at any time and at any place. Plus, it doesn’t provide players with an advantage or something of that kind, so it’s hardly ever worth your time.

Final Thoughts

The etiquette is in value everywhere, including poker tables. And though slow rolls aren’t prohibited by the casino rules, you shouldn’t resort to this method. Unless you are playing with your friend and want to make fun of them. In other cases, it’s highly recommended to avoid this trick and behave politely during the gaming sessions.

FAQ

What does slow roll mean in poker?

To define slow roll in poker in general, it’s a case when you can’t influence the outcome of the game but don’t show your cards (though they are winning) and try to irritate your opponents in this way. 

Is slow rolling in poker bad?

When they are accidental slow rolls, players don’t mind. But if gamblers try to tick off their opponents, it’s against the game’s etiquette.

What influences your outcome in poker: a slow roll or a slow play?

Only slow play can be used for your strategy: you can go on playing with your strong hand, pretending to have nothing valuable and convincing your opponents to increase bets. But slow rolls can’t help you win more. 

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