"So how much do you have left?"

When they ask this... sure they want to know the answer... but they will be looking for more than an abstract number that any good player can estimate from 25 yards away- they are wanting to get a feel of how good your hand is.

Are your frustrated that you have to count chips?

Are you displaying signals that counting your chips is worth it for you or them?

It takes time, and during that time they are putting you on a weak or strong hand from your body language and voice tone- it is no more simpler than that.

If you play in tournaments- or want to go far in this game- you have to have a chip count routine (like a preshot routine in golf or basketball) where when someone asks you for a chip count you are mechanical for the two or three minutes it will take you are neither displaying weakness or strength. One of the best professional poker players is Chris Ferguson.

There are rare occasions when this is asked so the player has more time to think of pot odds, etc. but rest assured they are also focused on you.

This is 100 times more effective than the stare down.◦

"So how much do you have left?"