Slow playing

Poker is a game of strategy and bluffing. One such strategy is slow playing a hand. Slow playing means to play a strong hand weakly. This allows more players to stay in the pot, creating a bigger payout. You call instead of raise, and check instead of bet. This makes other players think your hand is weak, and they will hopefully start betting heavily.

To slow play, a hand should be really big. Two of a pair or better is optimal, but it can be done with one pair. In an early position you may check it and hope that someone bets. If no one does bet you want to put in a small bet on the turn. If someone bets on the flop, you would call instead of raising him or her.

Another method of slow playing a hand is to under bet the pot. If the pot is $1000 you would bet $250. This keeps play going and gives other players a chance to bet and increase the winnings. One problem with slow playing in this manner is that another player may also be slow playing. You may miss out on winning a large pot if another player makes a big hand. If you both check and flop and only bet a small amount on the turn, you may not be able to justify raising on the end.

If you decide to use the slow playing strategy don't overuse it. Many beginners go through a phase where they play all their strong hands weakly and their weak hands strongly. Most good poker players can see right through this strategy. It is better to win a small pot then none at all.

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