There are certain strategies in poker which usually provides great impact to successful and aspiring poker players. One of these strategies is “slow playing”, which can be used successfully in online poker or live games. Most players would often associate slow playing with bluffing but both terms have very different meanings. Both terms also don’t have the same use and the same outcome so it is important that you understand how the strategy works before you execute it in your games. This article will provide you with an overview about slow playing and the risks of using this strategy.
All about Slow Playing
Slow playing, also called sandbagging or trapping, is a misleading trick that is usually the opposite of bluffing. Most players would often play passively with very strong hands, instead of betting aggressively with weak hands. The primary objective of using slow play is to lure your opponents to your trap. By using slow playing, opponents will be forced to make a call or raise in moments when it is timely to fold. Although slow playing has great outcomes when executed properly, there will definitely be serious risks so you need to consider these situations before using slow play in poker.
The first thing you should consider when using slow play is your poker hand. You must ensure that you have a strong hand before executing a slow play. Your second-best card must also have an edge over your opponents. You must make sure that your opponents will not have any chance of improving their hands for the next rounds. You must also remember to play aggressively if needed. In case your opponents stay in the game, you should be ready for your next move. Lastly, you must ensure that the pot has not yet reached its maximum amount.
Furthermore, you must consider the relationship between bluffing and slow playing. If you think that you’re dealing with aggressive opponents, then slow playing will less likely works. However, if you think that you’re dealing with “deceitful” players (using slow play), then bluffing is definitely less important.
The Risks of Slow Playing
For players who are just starting out, it is quite important to use slow playing wisely to avoid any disasters. Players would often use tactics to deceive their opponents but most opponents are cunning and slow playing would often be too obvious for them. If you let your opponents see your cards after the flop, you might risk losing a big chance to win the pot. So if you have good cards, you should not put them to waste. You have to be aggressive and make a move. Slow playing is definitely a very effective tactic but if not put to good use, this might lead to very terrible outcomes.
