Hi Spence,
In actual fact, your question about tracking is a valid one, and probably the biggest hurdle that adding a time bank to an event currently faces.
I am happy to tell you that in order to activate such timers is relatively very straight forward indeed.
Each table has a small programmable clock that is able to store preset times. In the instance of Speed Poker, we have each player 15 seconds to act, so in order to make the whole idea work, the dealer simply counts down the first 5 seconds in their head when the action is on a player, then if the player has not acted yet, THEY (the dealer) calls time, and says, "10 seconds".
If a player is facing a bet and times out, their hand is declared dead. If they are not facing a bet and time out, it's a forced check.
Here is an example of a timer that could be used.
http://g02.s.alicdn.com/kf/HTB1j_teGFXXXXb8XVXXq6xXFXXXz/221379965/HTB1j_teGFXXXXb8XVXXq6xXFXXXz.jpgOne addition you might want to add for each player is a time extension button. This can allow players to have an additional minute or 30 seconds, depending on the event you are running.
Speed Poker works because what ends up happening is that players now no longer take more than 5 seconds on hands they know they wont be playing.
It's high time events started adding the shot clock to tournaments, I am disappointed that it wasn't added as an amended rule to this years TDA Summit, as I strongly believe that NOT having a fixed amount of time for players to act is one of the biggest issues facing tournament regulation today.
If you have more questions, I am happy to answer, I hope this helps.
Regards
HUX