What exactly does "time" mean?

[goofyballer]

When mulling over a decision in a live game sometimes I hear a player say "time," and the dealer will usually acknowledge it by saying "time" or "player requests time." What's the official meaning of this? Is the player just saying "hey, I might be thinking about this for a bit?" If so, why does the dealer need to acknowledge this?

[franknagaijr]

The decider has either 30 or 60 seconds to act or their hand will be declared dead.

[whorasaurus]

it means the floor is coming over shortly to sic the clock on yo' ass.

[dizzle98]

It does not mean the player is calling the clock. I believe OP is saying the person who's action it is is saying "time" which is an indication they are thinking. They are saying it and the dealer is repeating it so that everyone is clear on where the action is and what's going on.

[goofyballer]

[ QUOTE ]
I believe OP is saying the person who's action it is is saying "time" which is an indication they are thinking.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yeah, sorry I didn't word that more clearly. It's the player whose turn it is to act saying it.

[DJ Sensei]

I think it has something to do with running and running to catch up with the sun. Unfortunately, its sinking.

[pfapfap]

As was stated, it's a quick way for a player to say, "yes, I know the action is on me, I'm thinking for a second, please bear with me," without distracting the player or being unnecessarily verbose. The dealer repeats it as an acknowledgment to the player that it was heard, and to let the rest of the table know that action is paused and they shouldn't all start to act out of turn.

Keeping a low stakes game running smoothly can sometimes be like herding a bunch of 4-year-olds while chasing after housecats. Since nobody is sure who hears what, if you're taking time to make your decision, please say "time"... especially if you find the dealer is constantly staring at you or reminding you that it's your action, or if people are frequently skipping your action. And ESPECIALLY if you're wearing sunglasses and are prone to use those subtle balla hand-gestures.

[Gonso]

It's also to prevent problems when people start acting after you by accident

[that_pope]

When it happens in limit games at Casino AZ, it usually means a player has a tough decision, and is just being polite to the table by acknowledging that it is on them, and they are pondering their options. It isn't them calling a clock on themselves or anything dumb, just a courtesy that they are figuring out what to do, and not dumbly wasting peoples time.

Edit: Dizzle was more to the point than my rambling.

[QuadsOverQuads]

It's a courtesy to the table, and it helps everyone remain clear on the action.

The player informs the dealer he needs time -- this is done so the dealer knows that the player isn't just zoning out, but is actually considering a tough decision.

The dealer repeats this to the players -- this is done so the players know that dealer isn't zoning out either, but is holding the action for a specific player who is weighing a specific and difficult decision.

The table now knows where the action is, why it's holding, and that the dealer is on top of it. Out-of-turn action is prevented, and unwarranted prompting of the player and the dealer are avoided, as well.

This is what happens at a good and courteous table [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]


q/q