Safe, Secure, Established: The Largest Tournament Schedule, Welcome Bonus, and Fastest Withdrawals – Since 2001
Online Since 2001

What is a Trap in Poker?

Home » Poker Terms » What is a Trap in Poker?
What is a Trap in Poker?

What Does Trap Mean in Poker?

A trap is a deceptive play where a player with a strong hand acts weakly to entice opponents into betting more, maximizing potential winnings. Learn more about strategies in online poker.

When You Might Hear Or Use The Term Trap:

“I decided to trap him because I knew he would bet big with his aggression.” It’s commonly used in situations where players want to exploit overly aggressive opponents.

In-Game Example:

You hold AA on a 27K flop. Instead of betting, you check to your aggressive opponent, hoping they’ll bet into you, allowing you to extract more value later in the hand.

Strategy / Tips:

  • Best Practice: Use traps against aggressive opponents who are likely to bet if checked to.
  • Common Mistake: Overusing traps, leading to missed value if opponents check behind.
  • Pro Tips: In online play, look for timing tells or quick bets that indicate aggression; live, watch for physical tells.

Differences Playing Over the Table vs Online:

Live players can use physical and timing tells to set traps, while online players must rely on betting patterns and timing.

Alternative Names:

“Sandbagging”, “Slow play”

FAQs:

Q: What is the main goal of trapping in poker?
A: The main goal is to induce bets from opponents with weaker hands, maximizing your potential profit from the hand.

Related Terms:

Select the software version that is right for your Mac

How to find my chip architecture?