Many have never heard of slow playing.  It is a very widely used strategy that poker players use when they have a strong hand.  They simply wager low or make flat calls.  Slow playing is also known as passive play and is used in order to decoy opponents to check, bet, or raise, when they otherwise would not.

This can be very profitable for the player that uses this poker tactic properly as the pot can significantly raise from the temptation that the opponents feel.  They put more into the pot because they feel that you have a weak hand.  However, one should know that this poker tactic is just as unsafe as it is profitable.  You lose your hand security during slow playing.  If your opponent realizes what you are doing, you may actually come out on the bottom side of the deal rather than the top where you had anticipated from this move.

Slow Playing Guidelines

So, since this can be just as risky as profitable, let’s take a look at a few basic guidelines that will help you know when the slow playing tactic should be used so that it is more profitable instead of perilous.

First of all, you should never embark down the journey of slow playing unless you have a strong hand.  In addition, the current size of the pot should be small rather than large.  Since slow playing is a passive tactic play, you should believe that if you were to play aggressively that your opponent would back out and not play at all; hence, the reason to slow play passively.

You also want to ensure that you have a safe board.  If there is potential that your opponent could receive a card that could enhance his or her hand to a better one, then you should back off and not slow play.  It wouldn’t be very profitable in this case and you should concentrate more on protecting your hand rather than risking it.  If you know you can win, then go for it; otherwise, sit back and wait for a better opportunity.

In addition, you should also make sure that prior to this hand, your opponent has not been bluffing a significant amount, as slow playing may not be a lucrative move.  It actually is probably better to throw an aggressive play rather than a passive one as your bluff may be called.

Two Common Slow Plays

Check Raising – This is a very powerful slow play if you can get your opponent to call your raise when there is a marginal hand at play.  Moreover, it’s not a bluffing tactic as your raise may just be called and the pot simply may not be large enough for your play.  Unless you are certain you have the upper hand, a check raise is not recommended.

Flat Call – This is a simple slow play and one that is used pretty often during play.  A flat call simply means that the player will check and call all bets to make it seem as if they have a weak hand or possibly even behind.  They make it seem as if they are not paying full attention to the game.  The flat call is also used when players feel that their opponent may possibly be bluffing their way through the game.

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