The Net’s Most Wanteds

Poker is a game of deception and one time-honored deceptive tactic is the slow play. The slow play tactic is when a player has a monster hand or the absolute nuts and does not bet out big, but simply calls or makes minimal bets to keep other players in the pot.

Slow playing can be dangerous because it allows other online poker players to continue to see more cards, and can set up the bad beat scenario. This deceptive play has to be used selectively and only when the right opportunity occurs.

Sometimes you make a monster hand on the flop – a full house or hidden straight (when your connected cards are in the middle of a straight). This is when you can slow play to lure more bets into the pot. These are easy decisions.

Other times, you may have a strong hand, like hitting a set, but the board texture can make the slow play dangerous. If there are two cards to the flush on the flop, or if the board is straightening, then your set is at risk. The only way you hand is assured to win is by betting it out big and making others fold.

Slow playing doesn’t mean you must bet small or check. You should stick to your usual type of betting action. A loose online poker player who suddenly tightens up is sending off a strong hand signal.