Trapping, also known as check-raising, is one of the most recent Texas Holdem poker strategy ideas to hit the internet chat forums. In this strategy move, a player checks early in the game and then raises later on. While it can work in specific situations, there are serious problems with trapping that need to be examined before you include it as part of your Texas Holdem repertoire.

First and foremost, trapping makes you look like a conservative poker player. This is great is you are playing among conservatives, but not so good if you are at a table of aggressives. I am sure you can image the scenario where you are the only conservative player at a table where high bets and bravado are par for the course. You would stand out like a sore thumb and your beautiful trapping strategy would fail.

Another significant problem with trapping when you play poker online is that it relies on the fact that the other player will stay in the game. However, if he thinks that you are a conservative player who is moving forward with a good hand, he could just as likely fold. In this case you would be out of the pot money. Make sure that you take into consideration the potential flaws of trapping before you try it out at the table.