Quick facts by PokerStrategy
- A time bank in poker is a reserve amount of time players can use if they run out of standard time during a hand.
- Time banks are limited and time bank poker rules vary from game to game.
- Time banks should be used for difficult decisions and big pots.
What Does Time Bank Mean in Poker?
A time bank in poker is a reserve amount of time that players are given if their standard time has run out during a hand. The specific time bank poker rules will be outlined in each tournament and cash game, and can vary by online poker site or casino venue.
For example, it’s Player A’s turn, and they have thirty seconds of normal time to act. If they exceed this limit, they will need to use their time bank to continue. If they have no time bank left, the hand will be folded.
The Purpose of a Time Bank
Most online and many live poker games, give players a set time to act during a hand. This keeps the game moving at a reasonable pace and prevents the use of underhanded tactics, such as excessive stalling. Timers are particularly important in tournaments to prevent too much stalling, particularly as players approach the bubble.
Every now and then, you’ll be faced with a tough spot that requires extra thinking time. Time banks solve this problem by giving players additional time to make difficult decisions, without disrupting the overall flow of the game.
Time Bank Rules and Automatic Extensions
Time bank poker rules vary from game to game, but you’ll always be made aware of how much reserve time you’ll start with, as well as how often you’ll receive additional time. Typically, you start with a good amount of time in your bank, along with small top-ups at regular intervals, usually every few blinds. When playing online poker, time bank extensions will be automatic.
How Time Banks Work in Online Poker
In online poker, time banks are a total amount of extra time that you can use over the course of the game; for instance, a one-minute time bank is quite common. This may be topped up after a set number of hands or blind levels. You’ll always have a standard number of seconds to act for each decision. Once this runs out, you’ll dip into your time bank.
Online poker sites sometimes have settings for time banks, which allow you to choose whether it starts automatically or needs to be manually activated during a hand. We recommend turning on your automatic time bank so that you don’t end up timing out and folding.
Time Banks in Live Poker Tournaments
Live poker tournaments utilize shot clocks and time bank cards. The dealer activates shot clocks as play moves around the table and keeps track of standard time limits. Time bank cards are physical cards distributed to players upon entry to the tournament and at regular intervals throughout.
If you run out of time on the shot clock, you’ll be forced to forfeit a poker time bank card. Each of your time bank cards is worth a predefined amount of additional thinking time, typically 30 seconds. You can use multiple cards during one hand, but if you run out of cards, your hand will be folded.
Strategic Use of Your Time Bank
The correct use of time bank poker strategy is crucial, as you won’t always be able to make your decisions in the standard amount of time that you’re given.
Using a Time Bank for Difficult Decisions
The primary use of a time bank is for making tough decisions, such as when you are faced with an unusual betting line, sweaty board texture, or potential bluff. It’s better to save your time bank cards for later stages of the tournament, such as on the final table, when each decision is worth huge amounts in terms of cash equity.
Misusing the Time Bank at the Table
Of course, a select few will always find a way to exploit solutions such as time banks by overusing or misusing them when they don’t really have difficult decisions to make, or even by using them to stall during the bubble or close to a pay jump. Although it’s possible to misuse time banks, it’s a bad strategy to do so, as you could end up needing them later on.
Tips for Using Your Time Bank Effectively
Here are some top quickfire tips for using your time bank effectively:
- Use your time bank for crucial or difficult decisions.
- Save some of your time bank for the final table or ICM spots.
- Think ahead while other players are acting.
- If you’re on tilt, consider using a time bank card to take a breather.
- Always know how much time bank you have left.
Common Mistakes with Time Bank Strategy
Here are the most common mistakes you can make when it comes to time bank in poker strategy:
- Burning time – If you take a little longer than usual for every hand, you’ll end up burning through your time bank and not have enough left when it comes to real decisions.
- Tilt time banking – Some players end up wasting time bank when they are on tilt, agonising over easy decisions and painfully obvious folds because they don’t want to give up the pot.
- Not tracking time – If you run out of time bank during a hand, your cards will be folded and you’ll lose the pot. Always keep track of how much time bank you have left.
- Timing tells – If you only ever use time bank cards with marginal hands, other players will be able to read this and adjust their ranges. It can help to throw in the odd use of time bank cards with a strong hand.
- Not using your time bank – It’s a wise idea to save at least some of your time bank in case you make a deep run in the tournament. However, you may never use it if you save it for too long. If you have a tough decision, use your time bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if you don’t act before the time bank ends?
If you don’t act before the time bank ends, your hand will be folded, and you will be out of the pot.
How does a time bank work in online poker?
In online poker, time banks are usually automatic. If you are in a pot and run out of standard time, you’ll go into your time bank. As long as you have time bank left, you can continue to make your decision. Otherwise, your hand will be automatically folded.
Do live poker tournaments always have time banks?
Live poker tournaments typically have time banks only when shot clocks are in play, limiting the amount of time players have to act. In this case, each player will be given a set number of time bank cards that they can forfeit to gain additional thinking time.
Is using a time bank considered stalling?
Using a time bank card is not considered stalling. Although stalling is possible with time bank cards, they are in limited supply, so it would be assumed the person using them has a genuine decision to make.
How long is a typical time bank?
When playing online poker, a typical time bank is around 60 seconds, less in a turbo tournament and more in a major MTT. In live poker, players are typically given multiple time bank cards, each worth 30 seconds.