Viewpoints: The Introduction of the Shot Clock
Today on Day 2 of the PokerStars and Monte-Carlo?Casino EPT Main Event, the shot clock was introduced, meaning every player had 30 seconds with which to make a decision. They also receive four 30-second time bank cards in order to gain extra time to make a decision.
Here we speak to a number of players at EPT Monte Carlo to gain their viewpoints on the matter:
Andre Akkari
"We play more hands with the shot clock, and I also think it puts more pressure on people. I think that it's good because there are always people who take advantage when it comes to time. They always take so long, and it's especially in Brazil where it's an issue. We've been using a shot clock in Brazil and it helps a lot!"
Adrian Mateos
"I love it. I love to play with the shot clock. I think it's a pretty good thing for poker. It doesn't just make people play faster, it means you get to play more hands as well. Playing more hands is always nicer, and it makes it more entertaining."
Davidi Kitai
"I like the idea, but I don't think there are enough time bank chips, and thirty seconds is not long enough. I prefer one minute and to refill them more often. Four for the whole day is not enough."
Harry Lodge
"In general yes, I'm in favor of shot clocks. But I think there are negatives as well as positives. Overall I'm in favor, but I'm not sure about them in Main Events because I feel like it puts some players off. But I think it should be in all the side events for sure."
Romain Lewis
"Personally, I don't think that shot clocks solve stalling. Most people usually don't take 30 seconds on each hand anyway, but now it seems to some that they're allowed to. It might slow the game down even further in that respect. Also, the further you get towards a final table the less you need it. We don't need it on a final table. I think it's ridiculous to have a shot clock at a final table where it's the only table, and people are playing for hundreds of thousands of euros. They should be able to take all the time they want."
Rainer Kempe
"The shot clock is great, obviously. It's good for the game and it's good for everyone. But the Main Event introducing the shot clock with just four time bank chips, and not refilling them at least once per day, really puts the recreational players at a disadvantage. Especially if they are having their first deep run in one of these Main Events. That can't be the idea behind the shot clock. But that's the only issue I have; in general, I'm in favor of shot clocks."