As you progress through the skill sets and learn how to play hold em poker, you want to continue to enrich your style to include some of the more advanced poker strategies. An exceptional poker strategy to learn is known as the Trap.

Trapping your opponent in Texas Hold’em is the process of doing exactly that, trapping them into a situation where they are forced to over-commit with a weaker hand and lose a sizable portion of their chips. Executing a perfect trap when you play Texas hold’em can easily propel you to a lead, especially in an online poker tournament.

The trap requires several situations to be in play in order to maximize your wins. These situations include the set-up, the weak play, and the takedown. When you play Texas hold’em, use the following guidelines and allow your opponent to easily fall prey to your trapping skills.

The Set-up

Usually when a new player begins to learn to play poker, they typically follow the same style that they are accustomed to as a player. In other words, you can set up your opponent by playing a strong hand pre-flop as though you are weak. For example if you have pocket 9’s and just limp into the pot, you are starting the set up of your trap.

In any hand that you get an opportunity to limp with, you should always keep in the back of your mind that a good trap would net you more chips than over playing a strong hand. Therefore, in many cases, when you choose to limp, do it with the hopes of trapping.

The Weak Play

When you play Texas hold’em, most players take a check as a sign of weakness. Therefore, if your pre-flop hand hits the board and produces a monster hand, this is your opportunity to allow your opponent to try and steal or make a play against you.

In the example above, your preflop hand is pocket 9’s, let us say the flop is K of diamonds, 4 of hearts and 9 of clubs. This is a perfect scenario for trapping. Check to your opponent hoping they will bet, and if they do as is common in Texas hold’em, you should just call.

On the turn, as long as no draws exist, play the same way and check hoping for a bigger bet from your opponent. However, if the board creates a situation where you may become victim to a suck out (a flush draw, straight draw, etc) you may want to raise your opponents bet here.

The Takedown

The takedown is the most rewarding part of the trap; you have convinced your opponent that you are weak just by smooth-calling the flop and the turn. The river card is where you can likely get the most action for your hand, especially if the river does not put out any hand that may cause your opponent to fold (like a straight or flush).

If you are first to act on the river, now would be a good time to make a value bet, usually ½ the pot up to 2/3 of the pot is good. If your opponent actually had a part of the flop or turn, they will likely call the value bet. If you are last to act after the river, you can make a lot more if your opponent bets out first. When they bet, make a value raise, about 2 and ½ times their bet or 2/3 of the pot whichever is greater.

If you play Texas hold’em with the skill of a pro, you will soon find you are getting deeper into tournaments and reaping greater cash rewards. Use the trap as your way to play Texas hold’em and win!

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