Is it Time? Should the 'Action Clock' Become Standard in Tournaments?

Among the many changes and innovations brought to tournament poker over recent years has been the introduction of a “shot clock” or (more appropriately) an “action clock” that sets a limit on the amount of time players have to make decisions.

After years of experimentation with action clocks, it has now become a common feature on several tours, especially in high rollers but also in main events (such as on the World Poker Tour).

Recently an action clock was employed in the 888Live Poker Festival London Main Event. From that tournament Parker “Tonkaaaa” Talbot discussed with us a tricky hand involving Niall Farrell in which the action clock appeared to play a meaningful role.

In the hand —…