Learning how to play poker is a bit like building a block tower: every poker tactic you learn adds another brick to the structure, until you have a solid strategy you can't easily tear down. One of those tactics you should learn is slow playing, which can be used while playing live or online poker – as long as you pick the right time to utilize it.
What is slow playing? When should you use this particular poker tactic? And what are some of the best tips that can help you make the most of slow playing at the tables?
The Definition of Slow Playing in Poker
Also known as trapping or sandbagging in the poker community, slow playing is a deceptive move where players bet weakly and passively with a strong hand.
Why Slow Playing is a Good Poker Tactic
Slow Playing is designed to confuse your opponents, luring them into growing the pot in cases where they might have folded if they thought you had the upper hand.
Deliberately underplaying the value of your hand might sound easy, but it should only be used when you are sure it will help you make a profit without damaging your future hands.
But slow playing shouldn't be used too often, as your opponents will catch onto you and will stop playing along, which means you won't be able to make a profit. Instead, you should try to alternate between slow and fast playing, which basically means you play aggressively to show you have a strong hand and try to intimidate your opponents into folding.
If you switch tactics from time to time, you will be harder to read, therefore your opponents will fall into your trap more often than you think.
How to Slow Play When Playing Online Poker
There are very specific rules that dictate exactly when and how to use a slow play tactic.
First, you must have an extremely strong hand that you are almost 100% sure will beat your opponent's hands. DO NOT try to slow play a top pair on the flop, as your opponents can easily get a better hand by the river.
Secondly, you have to make sure that the community cards are appealing enough for your opponents, so they think they might have a chance of winning, which will encourage them to add more money to the pot you are trying to grow. If you get ♥3, ♦J, and ♣10 on the flop – your opponents might be hesitant about growing the pot if they have an extremely weak hand. Therefore, you should wait for the right moment to strike.
Once the cards on the table prove to be helpful to your deceptive scheme, you can put your acting skills to the test. Start playing passively, pretending you don't have a good hand, trying to grow the pot as much as possible. This move mainly works if the starting pot is not that large, as players with mediocre hands won't feel they must fold when the stakes aren't that high.
As the pot reaches a satisfactory size, you can start playing more aggressively and reveal to your opponents that you actually have a strong hand. If you are lucky, they will fold before the river, allowing you to collect your wins without contention.
But remember! Slow playing can be risky, as it relies on your opponent having a decent hand, but one that is inferior to yours. If your opponent shows strength or aggression, they might have the upper hand, so be prepared to fold to avoid losing a large pot.
Are you Ready to Use Slow or Fast Play Strategies?
Winning in poker is all about being able to adapt to different situations at a fast pace. You should be able to read the table, analyze your chances of pulling off a sloe play move, and execute it flawlessly at the exactly right moment. Are you up for the challenge?