January
2010
Trap Attack
poker online players love to set traps and ensnare a victim that keeps feeding more online poker chips into the pot because they are “pot committed.” A trap play entices other players into the pot with small value bets. Basically, a player who has a big hand, most likely the nuts, such as flopping a full house, is going to slow play the hand to trap. Generally, a trap only works when another player has a hand too or is on a good draw. There is a saying in poker that goes, “The best hand is only as valuable as the second best hand” because that is the player who will contribute to the pot. Often poker players holding the second best hand, perhaps the flop brought a card to make trips or two pairs, become blind to the fact that they might be up against a better hand. This is how players get trapped. Always study the board texture to ascertain what is the best hand possible, and how does your hand stand in relation to that. Analyze your opponent’s actions to understand if you are facing the better hand. When holding the second best hand possible and facing a value bet, a re-raise will get you the information you need. If called or re-raised, your second best hand is probably beat. Don’t fall victim to the trap because your strong hand is vulnerable to a better one.
