What is a Slow Rolling in Poker?
You will often get an adverse reaction if you slow roll in poker. This is because the act is considered bad poker etiquette and should thus be avoided.
Slow rolling is standard poker slang for taking a long pause before revealing your winning hand. Taking a long pause before calling with a strong hand, especially post-river when holding the nuts, is also considered slow rolling.
Slow rolling is thus a deceptive tactic. This is because the aim of this behavior, in this case, is to induce opponents into thinking they have a chance of winning. Deceiving opponents in this way could lead to other players making larger bets resulting in a larger pot for the slow roller. For this reason, this tactic is considered unethical and frowned upon by the poker community.
Slow Rolling Vs Slow Playing
It is important to note that slow rolling differs from slow playing; slow playing is a legitimate and often-used poker technique. This is because slow playing does not involve intentionally misleading opponents or hiding a winning hand.
Can Players Slow Roll Before the River?
Poker is, to some degree, a game of deception; hence players apply several techniques, including bluffing, to stay in the game and win the pot. Although slow rolling in poker is considered poor etiquette, slow playing or ‘hollywooding’ before the river is accepted.
Players with a strong hand can thus take their time to call, and this is not considered slow rolling.
Can Players Slow Roll Playing Online Poker?
Yes and no. If you are playing live dealer online poker, you can be slow rolled. Slow rolling would, however, not occur when playing software online poker. If the game is slow, it might be due to a network problem or a technical error, but that’s not slow rolling.
How to Avoid Accidental Slow Rolls in Poker
Several poker players will admit that they had slow rolled at some point. You might be one of them, but this should no longer be the case. So here are our tips on how you could avoid slow rolling:
- Double-check your cards before the showdown.
- Immediately muck your hand when you see you have lost.
- Be the first to turn when you have the nuts.
Slow Rolling in Poker – Conclusion
A slow roll in poker is a deceptive and unethical tactic that goes against the principles of fair play. It is widely regarded as bad behavior and should be avoided. To build a reputation as a fair player, it’s best to prevent slow rolling. You should also avoid being too hard on yourself. It is okay to take your time to think if you are a new poker player.
