In a column featured in a recent issue of the Sunday Los Angeles Times, Alex Outhred, a career poker player and coach, reviewed a fairly interesting theme: players favor long intervals of playing Texas hold’em hands. He didn’t explain it, but it could be a really valuable message. The theme immediately caught my attention. To the minimum, I’m curious; so I decided to do an analysis.

Is that a “long interval?” What does that mean?

The world’s popular poker guru, David Sklansky (Pustaka Hold’em Poker; spread back in 1976 by Club Gambler’s Book) describes long intervals as 15 seconds or more before placing a call. Sklansky really looked like one of the greatest poker players alive. He has written many poker books and has won three bracelets in important poker matches visit dewapoker. He is a much sought after speaker on poker ideas.

In his column, Outhred has the opinion that the long interval “recommends if he (your opponent) is considering an increase in wages.” On that foundation, you will make it strong. Of course, that could be valuable information for you as your hands grow – assuming that interpretation is correct.

Outhred is a poker coach and career poker player with several big game wins over his installments in his last 13 years.

Contrary to Outhred’s interpretation, according to Sklansky, the long interval shows “he (your opponent) is almost still calculating to fold.” And he added, “It’s really rare to see an opportunity to hand a stop so far.”

Now what do you understand, do you know? Two poker pros with diametrically opposed interpretation of long intervals. Which of them is correct, or not?

My response is to explain that it is common for players to pause for a moment to ponder over the rules while playing the hand. Multiple calls, “time.” I often do that when I make difficult decisions. This situation can create a big inequality.

In my opinion, the length of the interval really depends on the skill level of the player. The less skilled players just sit and (as if) think. (I’m sure some players like that are numb.) There is no way an unskilled player will stop more than a few moments.

On the other hand, the more skilled players have the opportunity to try to analyze the situation before taking action. It takes time. We can’t blame it because it took a little extra time – 15 seconds or more – to account for the situation; a lot of money can be bet. Win or lose!

For example, suppose that our hero, a fairly skilled player, is in a limit game, and the enemy to the right of our hero has awakened in turn; currently betting two for the hero. 2x the more chips have the effect. What is the prospect reward in effect? There are several elements that are important to realize. It can easily take more than a few moments to contemplate – perhaps, long intervals.

If our hero decides to say after the interval, based on his reading of the recently raised enemy, chances are he has a good hand, but one who could easily be 2nd best. On the other hand, if the hero returns after a long interval, therefore there are two chances: (1) He has strong hands – monsters, and gets nuts; or (2) he bluffs, hoping to force the enemy to get their card.

To tie – the length of the interval is hard to deduce. Of course, that was not reliable. There are several elements that need to be realized.