Slow Playing High Pairs

i was eliminated from two online WSOP satellite qualifying tournaments today, by players that slow- played high pocket pairs (Aces and Queens) I've noticed this trapping technique being used in several other instances by online tournament players. More often than not these hands lose because other players are allowed free draws and win the race. When trapping works, the trapper often amasses a large amount of chips. When I was trapped by Aces today, the trapper allowed me to play with Ace-Ten suited and the Flop gave me two more cards of my suit to yield a nut-flush draw. I bet the turn ( a mistake, except he showed no strength) and and my opponent called. The Turn card was a Ten, giving me top pair, top kicker. The River was a rag and of no help to my hand. I made a medium-size bet, and the trapper moved all-in and I called. Of course I was beaten and knocked out of the tournament. The trap worked perfectly. This time, the trapping gamble paid off. Of course, if Aces would have moved in pre-flop, I probably would have folded.

In live, brick and mortar poker, I don't see nearly the amount of trapping ploys, that I see online. For the most part, it's a poorly-conceived, over-used technique, because if you don't protect high pairs with a raise, they're often cracked and you lose. It might seem like a cute and a clever trick, but you often end up on the short end of the stick when you slow play high cards. Avoid the words "Bad Aces" when the dealer calls out your hand!

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