What Does Sandbagging Mean in Poker?
Sandbagging is a deceptive tactic in poker where a player with a strong hand plays weakly to mislead opponents into betting more. It’s a common strategy in online poker to maximize profit against aggressive players.
When You Might Hear Or Use The Term Sandbagging:
Sandbagging is often mentioned in situations where a player checks or calls with a very strong hand, allowing opponents to bet into them, creating a potential trap.
In-Game Example:
Imagine you have A A on a board of A 7 2. You check instead of betting, allowing your opponent who holds K 7 to bet, thinking their pair of sevens is good. By sandbagging, you entice them to commit more chips.
Strategy / Tips:
- Best Practice: Use sandbagging when you’re confident your opponent will bet if you check, especially if they tend to be aggressive.
- Common Mistake: Overusing sandbagging can make you predictable, as opponents might catch on and only bet when they have strong hands themselves.
- Pro Tips: Employ sandbagging more frequently in games where opponents are likely to bluff or bet aggressively when checked to.
- Differences playing over the table vs online: Online players might rely more on betting patterns due to lack of physical tells, making sandbagging an effective strategy if your timing is unpredictable.
Alternative Names:
Slow playing, trapping.
FAQs:
Q: Is sandbagging considered poor etiquette?
A: While controversial, sandbagging is a legitimate strategy in poker aimed at maximizing profits. However, overuse can annoy opponents.
Q: When should I avoid sandbagging?
A: Avoid sandbagging against passive players who are unlikely to bet unless they have a strong hand.
Related Terms:
- Slow Playing
- Trapping
- Check-Raise
