Many players have long campaigned for the use of play clocks in tournaments
The Triton Poker Tour has introduced a new timing system designed to speed up play and create a more balanced environment at the table. The change debuted during the current stop in Jeju, where officials launched a system known as Triton Tempo.
I’ve been wanting to see this implemented for a long time, an innovative game changer for poker.
Shot clocks help, but chess clocks are a much more fair and equitable system.
Bravo 👏 https://t.co/riRJGnOVYH
— Daniel Negreanu (@RealKidPoker) March 15, 2026
Tournament director Luca Vivaldi explained that the new system uses a fully connected chess-clock format. Instead of relying on traditional shot clocks, players receive a total time bank for the entire tournament. They can manage that time however they choose during hands.
Whenever it becomes a player’s turn to act, their remaining time appears clearly on a display visible to the table. The screen shows the player’s name, seat number, and how many seconds they have left. This approach lets players use small portions of time when needed instead of spending large blocks.
Players who register earlier in the tournament begin with larger time banks. Additional time is also added as competitors advance deeper into the event. The system is designed to reward steady play while preventing long delays during key decisions.
Another feature allows fans and players to follow the timing situation through the Triton Plus mobile app. The app displays each player’s remaining time bank, giving viewers insight into who might feel pressure during important hands.
Reaction from players has been largely positive so far. Daniel Negreanu praised the new system and described it as a major step forward for tournament poker. He has supported the idea of chess clocks for years.
Negreanu believes the format is more balanced than standard shot clocks. Traditional systems allow players to extend their time with special chips, while the chess-clock model gives each competitor the same overall time to manage.
Other professionals have also welcomed the change, including Jason Koon, who called the system a smart addition to high-stakes tournament play.
