What Does Set a Trap Mean?

What does the term "set a trap" mean in the world of poker? What is meant by "setting a trap"?

In poker, to "set a trap" is to disguise the strength of your hand so that you can induce your opponent into making a foolish move on future streets.





For instance, let's say that you are dealt pocket Aces on the button in a cash game at a local casino. There is an early raiser. You just call holding Pocket Aces, while the SB and BB both fold. There is nobody else in the hand other than you and the raiser.

The flop comes A-K-2, which is obviously a perfect flop for you. Your opponent leads out with a bet and you elect to call.

The turn brings another King, so the board now reads A-K-2-K. Your opponent pushes all-in and you immediately call. Your opponent looks at you with surprise as you flip up your pocket Aces, while he sheepishly shows his K-J.

In this case, you "set a trap" for your opponent by just calling both pre-flop and after the flop.

Setting a trap can also backfire. In the hand listed above, the flop may have come K-K-2 and your opponent would have flopped trips.

As with any strategy in poker, mixing things up is the best approach.


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