Set a Trap
To set a trap is to play in a way that creates a false impression, which you can use to win in a later hand or later in the same hand. It is an act of deception.
The simple explanation
If you play a strong hand weakly, the others will think that you are weak. When you later show strength, they will pay you. That is setting a trap.
A closer look
Traps work against opponents who pay attention to your actions. You can set a trap for the long term, by showing a few bluffs to get paid later, or for one hand, by checking a strong hand. The same word is used for slow play. A trap works only if the opponent will react in the way that you expect.
A practical example
A player checks a set on the flop and lets the opponent bet. He has set a trap.
Full explanation
To set a trap is to play in a way that creates a false impression, which you can use to win in a later hand or later in the same hand. It is an act of deception.
Setting a trap is creating a false impression.
It can be for one hand or a longer period.
It is related to slow play.
It works if the opponent reacts as expected.
A trap
No-limit Hold’em · Blinds 1/2 chips · No rake
The blinds are 1 and 2 chips. Heads-up, the dealer (D) also posts the small blind.
Read the example transcript
Player A has the button (BTN) and posts the 1-chip small blind (SB). Player B posts the 2-chip big blind (BB).
- Preflop · Pot: 3 chips
The blinds are 1 and 2 chips. Heads-up, the dealer (D) also posts the small blind.
- Player A BTN / SB QQueen of clubs (Qc)JJack of diamonds (Jd) · Stack 199 · In this round 1
- Player B BB 1010 of diamonds (Td)1010 of hearts (Th) · Stack 198 · In this round 2
- Preflop · Pot: 8 chips
Player A raises to 6 before the flop.
- Player A BTN / SB QQueen of clubs (Qc)JJack of diamonds (Jd) · Stack 194 · In this round 6
- Player B BB 1010 of diamonds (Td)1010 of hearts (Th) · Stack 198 · In this round 2
- Preflop · Pot: 12 chips
Player B calls. Each player has put in 6 chips.
- Player A BTN / SB QQueen of clubs (Qc)JJack of diamonds (Jd) · Stack 194 · In this round 6
- Player B BB 1010 of diamonds (Td)1010 of hearts (Th) · Stack 194 · In this round 6
- Flop · Pot: 12 chips
Player B flops a set of tens, a very strong hand.
Board: 1010 of spades (Ts)66 of clubs (6c)22 of diamonds (2d)
- Player A BTN / SB QQueen of clubs (Qc)JJack of diamonds (Jd) · Stack 194 · In this round 0
- Player B BB 1010 of diamonds (Td)1010 of hearts (Th) · Stack 194 · In this round 0
- Flop · Pot: 12 chips
Player B checks to set a trap: he plays a strong hand as if it were weak so that Player A will bet.
Board: 1010 of spades (Ts)66 of clubs (6c)22 of diamonds (2d)
- Player A BTN / SB QQueen of clubs (Qc)JJack of diamonds (Jd) · Stack 194 · In this round 0
- Player B BB 1010 of diamonds (Td)1010 of hearts (Th) · Stack 194 · In this round 0
Cards are shown for learning; totals are displayed before pot collection.