Run the ClockHow-to

Pausing and adjusting blinds

When to pause, how to adjust, and what not to touch mid-hand.

The blind timer drives everything in a running tournament. The director has full control, but most adjustments should happen between hands.

Pausing

•Dinner break not on the schedule? Pause the clock.
•Major dispute needs to be resolved? Pause.
•Player bathroom break during a critical hand? Usually not worth a pause.

Adjusting levels

You can advance to the next level early or roll back to the current one. Never roll back mid-hand — players who bet based on the current blinds have locked that money in.

If you realize the structure is moving too fast or too slow, extend the current level rather than jumping around. It's cleaner for everyone.

Keep learning

Calling the clock

The mechanics and the etiquette. Used right, keeps a game flowing.

Handling disputes

A common-sense playbook for the most frequent disagreements.

The live controller, explained

The one screen you run the whole night from, and how it’s organized.

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