Slowplay on the Turn

  Slow play either describes the style Eric Clapton favors when playing his Stratocaster, the act of pretending your poker hand is a stinker when it really isn't, or the speed at which Ron "The Hedgehog" Jeremy's engine idles at this point in his life. For the purpose of today's discussion we will be focusing on option B: playing possum with a good hand.  If you are dealt a hand like a pair of Kings, there is always the temptation to hem and haw. By pretending the decision is a difficult one, you will give the impression that you are not working with a very strong hand. This will be supported by the fact that you are simply calling a bet instead of raising. If you are under the gun or are one of the first to act, it is a good idea to check in order to sell the idea that your hand is strength challenged.  Before the flop is the best time to attempt a slow play tactic, but when should you stop?  Well let's say the flop produces the following: K-3-3. This matches up with your pair of Kings nicely, and gives you a tough hand to beat. In order to get the pot that a full house deserves, the most logical course of action is to stop slow playing after the flop.  If you are dealing with a shorthanded situation, consider the fact that your opponent had enough confidence to bet before the flop. If we use their past behavior as a guide, there is no reason to think that they won't follow through at the turn. Chances are pretty good that if they are trying to build a hand, the river is the place where they will fold. If you let them off the hook at the turn, you are costing yourself money.  In a multi-way pot this is even more true; the turn is the place to put your foot on the gas, not go into your shell. This is where the most money will be made.  Good Luck!