Normal Poker Streamer Has 4-5 Minute Delay
Q: Why Do Poker Streamers on Twitch Stream With a Delay?
A: When the majority of poker streamers stream on Twitch.tv, they do so with a delay of 4-5 minutes.
So, when you are watching your favourite poker streamer, you are usually not watching them in real-time. Instead, you are watching hands that were played 4-5 minutes ago.
This is why poker streamers will ask people not to spoil results - if you are watching the streamer while they actually play on their tables, you would be able to spoil the results for the people who are watching on the stream.
![The reason for delay of poker streams is revealed by the King. It is done for the protection from sniping. Illustration.](https://www.poker-king.com/images/articles/anti-sniping-delay-03.jpg)
The answer: so people can't see their cards.
If you were to stream in real-time without a delay, anybody watching would be able to see your cards (if you didn't cover them somehow, of course).
This is why there is a delay in almost all poker streams.
There is always a worry that streamers will be "sniped" - meaning, an opponent will use all of their time bank to try and see what the streamer was dealt in a big hand.
If these "snipers" can delay long enough, they are hoping that they will be able to see what the streamer was dealt 4-5 minutes ago.
This results in streamers instituting longer delays for really important tournaments in order to avoid being sniped.
-
So, the quick answer to why poker streamers delay their streams - so people can't see their cards.
Back to Answers