How many times have you been trapped by a more
experienced or tricky player?  We all fall into these
traps from time to time… but why?  How can we detect
a trap and avoid it?

First, what is a trap?  A trap play is where an opponent
with a strong hand represents weakness, luring their
opponent into overplaying their hand.  For example, I
hit a nut flush (Ace-high flush) on the flop.  I have the
best hand at the table now, unless the board pairs
(such that someone could pull a boat or four of a
kind – not likely).

So, instead of betting it big, I might throw out a smaller
bet or even check it (slowplay).  Another player holding
big slick (A-K) pairs up with an Ace on the flop, thinking
he’s got the best hand so far.  Another player has a
small pair (e.g., 4’s) and picks up a set on the flop
(assuming flop was something like 4-A-J).

Now, had I bet really big or raised back too early, the
player holding the Ace would realize he’s trouble and the
small pair would’ve likely folded pre-flop.   Since
I just checked it down, no reason to be afraid of me,
since I’m obviously on some kind of a draw…

The person with the three of a kind (the 4’s) tosses out a
bet of 4 times the blind.  The guy with Aces calls it.  After
delaying slightly, I go ahead and also call it (why not,
I’m getting decent enough pot odds).

So, I’m trapping them both at this point, letting them bet
into me and just calling their bets.  The same thing happens
again on the turn, except the player with Aces drops out. 

Now it’s just me and the set of 4’s.  They bet big again, this
time the size of the pot.  Again, after a slight pause, I just call
them “reluctantly”.  Then comes the river, and they go all-in. 

I immediately call them…oops!  They’re sunk!  What happened
here?

These players never asked themselves two simple questions:

1)  Why is he calling that raised pot (on the flop and turn)?

2)  What hands might he be holding?  What could he be
up to by calling my bets like that?  Trapping?  On a draw?

It’s crucially important to THINK before you ACT by understanding
what the other players are actually doing.  It’s also very
important not to underestimate your competition, as there are
some very wily players out there…

There’s a potential flush showing on this flop, and since I’m
kind of “lurking” in this hand, it’s very suspicious behavior,
and unlikely I’m on a draw calling those kind of big bets.

Unless you’re playing against a beginner or a drunk, there’s
no reason to believe someone will likely call a raise that’s 4
times the big blind on a draw.  That’s the first mistake -
assuming another player has no hand and not realizing why
they’re behaving as they are.

Second, the board is showing a possible flush – and both of
these players aren’t holding it!  Just because I didn’t bet
on the flop does not mean I don’t have it!

Had either of these players slowed down and considered
my betting (calling) behavior, and asked themselves these
questions, they’d probably have realized what was going on.
Whether the player with the set of 4’s could fold them is
another story

Aside from a trap, what else could have kept me in this hand?

Traps aren’t easy to detect.  When a good player calls a big
bet, there’s a better than average chance they are trapping!

Good players don’t usually call bets – they usually raise/re-raise
with strength or fold.  They don’t often waste their money on
draws, so if they’re lurking there with you it isn’t out of
curiosity…

Nevertheless, if you aren’t spending twice as much time thinking
about what your opponent’s hand might be, based upon their
betting (calling) pattern and position, you should be. 

Your own hand strength is quickly and easily determined.  Spend
more time on your opponents, learning to read their normal
betting patterns, then when they do something that doesn’t
match that pattern, slow down and ask yourself why.

I hope this helps you become a better trapper (and avoid
falling in yourself

Rick

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