Playing Backwards
Playing Backwards sounds really cool but it is a trap you do not want to fall into with your poker game. Basically, playing backwards means you are doing the opposite of what is expected. In poker that most commonly means you are betting when you should be checking and checking or calling when you should be betting. Now playing backwards is an aspect of the slow-play and it is an effective strategy when you are trying to keep your opponents guessing about your betting patterns.
The problem comes when you fall into a pattern of playing backwards. So, instead of using the move infrequently, you are playing backwards every time it becomes an option. One of the most common actions that fall into this category is checking after you play a small or medium pair and you flop a set. Yes, this can make you some money when someone else bets into you, but it also will give flush, straight and two pair flops a free card to beat you.
Also you want chips in the pot when you have a good hand; you are after all, trying to win more chips. The slow-play is one tactic but you should not fall into the trap of being a great slow-play expert because that means you are playing backwards way too often and it will trap you enough times to win you many small pots and lose you several big ones.
-this is Beginner’s Poker Blog Post #174
