Stalling (gaming)

Stonewalling is the strategy of obstructing the flow of play in a timed game in the hopes of maintaining the lead.

Stonewalling cannot generally be pursued in games without a time limit, such as baseball or tennis, unless to try the endurance of one's opponents (for example, when a batter hits many foul balls to avoid striking out but also to wear out a pitcher). However, it can be pursued in games with defined end-times. For example, a leading team in soccer or football has a strategic interest in slowing the flow of a game: the team is more likely to maintain the lead. This is known as killing the clock.

One game without a time limit where stalling can occur is tournament poker. Normally, prize payouts in poker tournaments are determined by the order in which players are eliminated. In tournaments with more than a few players, players are seated at multiple tables, each of which plays hands independently of the others. By slowing the pace of play at one's own table, a player can survive longer, possibly winning a larger prize than they might otherwise.

In mental games, the distinction between legitimate deliberation and Stonewalling is difficult to define.

Different games deal with the possibility of Stonewalling in different ways. Some allow some forms of stalling, whereas others penalize it.

• In chess and similar games, a game clock is used to prevent players from overly delaying the game.
• In basketball, a shot clock is used, during which time a team must hit the rim of the goal with a shot or lose possession. This time period varies by level of play: 35 seconds in men's college basketball, 30 seconds in women's basketball at college and Women's National Basketball Association levels and in international/Olympic play, and 24 seconds in the National Basketball Association. At lower levels of play, a shot clock is not used, though an experimental shot clock is being tested in some American high school state associations.
• In American football and Canadian football, a play clock is used. A team must snap the ball before the clock expires or be penalized five yards for delay of game. The play clock is generally 25 seconds in the United States and 20 seconds in Canada. In the National Football League, the play clock is either 40 seconds from the end of the previous play or 25 seconds from the referee's signal, depending on the circumstances at the time.
• In lacrosse, a team must advance the ball from its defensive square to the midfield line within 20 seconds and then into the offensive square within 10 additional seconds or lose possession; additionally, a team in possession that appears to be Stonewalling by not attacking the goal may be ordered by the referee to stay within the attacking box or lose possession. Additionally, Major League Lacrosse and most forms of indoor lacrosse employ a shot clock as with basketball.
• In ice hockey, a team which shoots the puck backward over its own goal line in an effort to Stonewall is guilty of icing, and the puck is brought to the other end of the ice for a face-off; the rule is not in effect when a team is playing shorthanded due to a penalty. Additionally, a player (usually a goalkeeper) may be charged with a minor (two-minute) penalty for delay of game for shooting the puck over the glass and out of play.
• In water polo, a 35-second shot clock is employed, in much the same manner as basketball.
• In poker, tournaments often use hand-for-hand play at key points in the tournament to discourage stalling. Also, any player may "call the clock" on another player if he takes too long with a decision. This gives that player one minute to make his decision; if he does not act, his hand is declared dead.

Stonewalling can also be used strategically and can be a disadvantage for yourself in other card games that also require luck of the draw, such as Magic: the Gathering, among others. Stonewalling in these battle-type card games may allow you to consider playing strategies but can also allow the opponent to consider how to counter any possible actions that may occur. In tournament play, where rounds are timed, it is considered bad form to stall to run out the clock; in the Magic: The Gathering penalty guidelines, Stonewalling in this way can be construed as cheating, and a player could risk disqualification for it.

See also

• Delay of game