Shot Clock

What Is a Poker Shot Clock?

A shot clock in poker limits the amount of time a player has to make a decision on each action. Popularized by major tournament series like the PokerStars Players Championship and Poker After Dark, shot clocks keep the game moving and prevent excessive tanking.

Standard Shot Clock Times

• 30 seconds: Common in online-style live events. Forces quick, instinctive decisions.
• 45 seconds: The most popular live tournament setting. Enough time for basic calculations.
• 60 seconds: Allows deeper thought for complex spots. Often used at final tables.
• 90 seconds: Generous time for major decisions. Used in high-stakes cash games.

Time Bank Rules

Each player starts with a limited number of "time bank chips" — extra time they can use for tough decisions. When the main shot clock expires, a player can use one time bank chip to get additional seconds. Once all chips are depleted, the player must act immediately when the shot clock runs out or their hand is folded.

Typical setups give each player 4-6 time bank chips of 30 seconds each. Some events replenish one chip at each break.

Using This Timer

This shot clock is designed for home games and informal settings. Set your preferred action time, configure the time banks, and start the clock when it's a player's turn. Enable "Auto time bank" to automatically use a chip when the main clock expires. The visual urgency indicators (green → yellow → red) help everyone at the table see how much time remains at a glance.