why ask for a chip count when the opponent has even millions and you have a lot less.i know outs and pot odds?

Question

in texas holdem the pros must have a secret formula for calling raises or all ins.why would they ask for a chip count when the opponent has much more money than they have. i know how to use pot odds and outs.there has to be another reason.they ask to frequently. if any one knows there formula please let me know.

Answer 1

1 - stalling for time
2 - to get a read on the opponent - see if opponents hand shakes, see how willing he is to count it - etc
3 - Pot odds are real important here
4 - How much will you be left with if you call? This is the key factor as well. If it is a tournament, how much your stack will be in relation to the blinds and antes if you lose may make you fold even if you think you have the best hand and the pot odds are good

Answer 2

First off, whenever you ask a player that question, it is for information. It is not just their chip count, but their reaction to the question, whether their voice quivers when they respond, how they handle the chips when they count it out and so on. If the player asking is obviously covered by the other player, it may also be to check if the other player will have enough money to call the all-in and, if the other player loses, have enough to continue playing without being too short. If I have 10k and you have 20k, it's a lot different than if you have 35k. With 20k, if you lose, I have 20 and you have 10. With 35k, if you lose, I have 20 and you have 25, so you still have the advantage. The question may also be important because you can compare a player's stack with the other players at the table. This will also affect the other player's decision to call you or not. Final reason, you may do this just to be an annoying jerk. It might throw the other player off or give you more time to think, but you don't really care about the answer as much as you do asking the question.

Answer 3

Its funny i often wondered the same thing when i first started playing and watching hold em on tv. most of the time its the big stack asking that question,,,but either way i am pretty sure most players do this to try and get a read on their opponent. It doesnt seem like it would make sense for someone who is covered 3 to 1 to ask that question but you would be suprised that many will flinch when they are put on the spot like that. giving your opponent a reason to think he or she may get called could get just the reaction your looking for to make the call...also its something to make a mental note of for the next time you might be in the same situation with the same player. Thats all i can figure,,if your covered your covered!

Answer 4

2 reasons. the ultimate tell. how did the play the last several time. so just replaying in their head what they did 90 minutes ago. also, if you have absolutely nothing and have no intention of calling it is really funny to sweat him and make him wait 3 or four minutes

Answer 5

All what said above and also to send a message to the opponent :
"If you want to play against me, you might have to play for all your chips. "

Its intimidation, especially if the action is still on flop.

Answer 6

stalling for time to think. got the best hand and you know it, bluffing or just trying to irritate your opponent.