The Action Clock is in Play

Photo:  The Action Clock is handled by an electronic tablet that sits flush with the table in the dealer’s tray. Each player receives four of the yellow Time Chips, which extends their time by 30 seconds each.

Like all Main Tour WPT events this season, the Action Clock by Protection Poker will be used as the field nears the Money Bubble. Here’s how it works:

When action is on a player, a 30-second clock is started by the dealer, and players have 30 seconds to make each decision on every street. If they are facing a bet, the clock doesn’t begin until the dealer counts out the bet and announces it. Every bet except for all-ins will be counted and announced automatically, but if a player requests a count of an all-in, then the Action Clock will be paused for the count.

Each player has been given four Time Chips, which can be used any time the action is on them. (Unused Time Chips are forfeited at the end of each day, and players will be given a fresh set of Time Chips each day.) Each Time Chip gives the player an additional 30 seconds. If a player throws out the chip, the dealer will tap a button to add 30 seconds to the Action Clock.

When the clock reaches the final 10 seconds, a subtle bell rings from the Action Clock. If a player hasn’t acted when the Action Clock reaches zero, one of their Time Chips will automatically be deducted and they will be given an additional 30 seconds to act. If the player is out of Time Chips, their hand will be declared dead.