Underplay
To underplay a hand is to make a small bet with a strong hand, in the hope of drawing other players into the pot. You bet less than the hand deserves.
The simple explanation
If you have a very strong hand and bet small, opponents with weaker hands may call, and more players stay in the pot. This builds a bigger pot than a large bet that would scare them away.
A closer look
Underplaying is related to slow playing and trapping. It works when opponents call small bets with many weak hands, or when a big bet would end the hand at once. It can be dangerous if the board allows draws, because a small bet gives them a good price. Think about the size that gets the most from worse hands.
A practical example
A player flops a set and bets only a quarter of the pot, hoping that several players call.
Full explanation
To underplay a hand is to make a small bet with a strong hand, in the hope of drawing other players into the pot. You bet less than the hand deserves.
To underplay means to bet small with a strong hand.
The aim is to draw others into the pot.
It is similar to slow playing.
It can give draws a good price.
Alternative spelling: under-play, under play