I've been playing poker for just under a year. I use online poker games as I have no friends to play with (they don't like the game) and I'm underage to play at a casino anyways. I haven't really studied the game much so I'm not sure if I'm using a strategy that is good or has a name already but I was wondering if it's a good one to use and what it's called.

When I get a hand on the flop that I know is going to win and I'm starting. I like to check. Then I allow other people to bet and I'll call. I'll continue this until the river. I check again and allow them to bet. This is when I either move all in or raise, hoping that they'll not want to fold after putting in their money already or folding and giving me the pot. Is this a good strategy?

Alright, thanks Steve-O. That's reassuring.

if you do this will ALL of your better than average (top pair, 2 pair, set, and above) hands, this is a bad strategy.

if you flop a monster and think somone will bet 3 streets, then its a wonderful way to trap somebody.

Thanks for the welcome Alex. I definitely plan to start looking around the forums. TA, I don't use this plan with a pair. I'm talking, like you said, a monster. When I know it'd be nearly impossible to be beat.

Originally Posted by Okyre

Thanks for the welcome Alex. I definitely plan to start looking around the forums. TA, I don't use this plan with a pair. I'm talking, like you said, a monster. When I know it'd be nearly impossible to be beat.

this is a good tactic to throw in every once in a while, but if people start playing with you often they will pick up on it and check behind.

however, alot of the times its correct to bet right out. your goal is to build the pot by the river and commit somone to the hand. if it goes check check check on the flop, you have probably lost money in the long run.

Originally Posted by Okyre

When I get a hand on the flop that I know is going to win and I'm starting. I like to check. Then I allow other people to bet and I'll call. I'll continue this until the river. I check again and allow them to bet. This is when I either move all in or raise, hoping that they'll not want to fold after putting in their money already or folding and giving me the pot. Is this a good strategy?

This is what is called a slow play, it is one of the weapons you can definitely use that will get you extra chips but it also come with a risk.

Some players will bet, call it a blocking bet, just a cheaper way to see the next card, so while your calling his small raise your in fact giving him what he wants... to see the next card. This isn’t always so bad if you have a set and he hits two pair but if he hits his flush, straight or a higher set... you're in trouble which you yourself have created.

Like what has been said, slowplaying (what you're doing) can be effective. However, it is not always the best course of action, especially when there are a lot of people in the pot, drawing. If a flush or straight draw appears along with your top pair good kicker, the object is to take the pot right there. Don't let drawing hands get another card for cheap, or even worse, for free. Make them pay to see the cards. Only slowplay if you flopped a monster, or if you have an amazing read on your opponents. But generally, only slowplay a monster.