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Slow Playing and Check Raising

 

This section may initially appear too advanced for the new player. However stick with it; it is important for you to understand the difference between the two. Both are ways to play a strong hand weakly in an attempt to trap your opponents and win a larger pot than you would have, if you simply bet as normal.

Slow-playing

Slow-playing is to disguise the strength of your hand by betting less than the common value, or smooth calling a bet where you may have raised. The intention is to take the pot in a later betting round.

The type of hand you slow-play should be much stronger than one you check raise, as by doing this you allow the other player(s) more cards.

If you slow play your hand with cards yet to come;

  • You must have a very strong hand, preferably one that cannot be beaten.
  • The pot should not already be too big; if it is, take it down early.
  • You must believe that everyone would fold if you bet the normal valued amount.
  • The free or cheap card you give should have little (or even better) no chance to improve your opponents hand to one that can beat yours.

Check raising

A check raise is a simple poker trap. You consider you have a good hand, better than your opponent(s), but one that can be beaten.
  • You must have a strong hand, preferably one that is hard to beat.
  • The pot should not already be too big; if it is, take it down early.
  • You must believe that when you check another player will make a considered bet.
  • If there are more cards to come; you are intending to end the hand with your raise. If Making this play on the river; you are not intending to show your cards.

From the cards on show combined with your conclusions from the betting, you believe if you bet, everyone will know you have a good hand and will fold. So by checking, someone else will make a bet that you can raise. Your intention is to end the hand instantly, so your raise must be large enough to take the pot.

Some believe check raising is deceitful, and you may find 'house rules' ban the check raise.  if playing live, make certain that it is allowed.

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