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When you “slow play” a hand, you don’t bet, or bet like you have a weak hand. This is done in order to hide a strong hand. If you get carried away, you can make a mess of a good hand.

A slow play can work well at times. There are times when it’s the right move. But, many times, players use this tactic when it’s just not worth it. Let’s look at a hand that shows this.

Here is a classic bad slow play. You have AA. It’s early in the tournament and everyone has plenty of chips. You make a small raise looking for action. You get a couple of callers, and the on flop out comes A 6 10 rainbow.

You continue with a small bet to disguise your big hand. One opponent calls you. The turn card is a 9. You make another small raise hoping to keep him around.

Now, you get what you think you’re looking for. He throws in a big fat raise. You call, and the river brings an innocent 2. Now, your thinking, how much can I bet and get a call. You bet that amount and hope he calls. To your surprise he goes all in.

You’re surprised, but thinking you’ve got this in the bag you call. You are shocked when he shows 7 8, making a straight. Did you just do that?

The small bets, with your big hand, seemed to have backfired on you. You got someone to stay in the hand long enough to get yourself beat. When you get to the end you can’t fold, you’ve really out smarted yourself.

Were you a victim of bad luck? Or was it bad play? I think you already know the answer.

When you made your first bet you invited a lot of players into the hand. When you bet small on the flop, you keep players around. When he goes all in at the end you call planning to see two pair, or a small set. You wouldn’t have to slow play to keep these hands calling.

When you get beat by his straight you should see the folly of the slow play. If he had a made hand, as you hoped he had, he would have called a big bet after the flop. A player with a gut shot straight draw should fold. This is even more pronounced if you raise more pre flop. Then when you make a strong bet after the flop it is a lot more chips to risk on a gut shot.

Slow playing has its place. But, as you can see, it has its dangers. Usually by betting your good hands you will make more chips, and get busted less often.

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