When to Slow-Play Your Strong Hands

Listen to this episode from Upswing Poker Level-Up on Spotify. Get 25% off elite poker courses & tools during the biggest sale of the year right now! Click here to shop now! You might be tempted to slow play the next time you have a monster hand, but that could be a huge mistake! Mike Brady and Gary Blackwood discuss how carefully choosing when to take your foot off the gas is the best strategy to ensure maximum profitability. Don't play another hand until you've listened to this episode! Audio version available on all major podcast platforms. View the episode transcription here. 00:00 Welcome to the Upswing Poker Level-Up 01:04 Preflop Slow Playing Strategies 03:59 Distinguishing Slow Playing from Pot Control 06:23 Avoiding Slow Playing Strong Hands in Position 07:49 Slow Playing from the Big Blind: Specific Scenarios 09:50 Fast Playing Monsters Out of Position 12:14 Adjusting to Opponent Bet Sizes When Slow Playing 14:06 Slow Playing in Three-Bet Pots: In Position vs. Out of Position 17:25 Trapping as the Preflop Aggressor 19:01 Adapting Strategies for Low Stakes and Passive Players 21:02 Black Friday Sale Reminder Welcome to another poker strategy podcast episode, where hosts Mike Brady and Scottish poker pro Gary Blackwood break down everything you need to know about slow playing. If you’ve ever wondered when to trap your opponents with monster hands—or when to avoid it altogether—this is the episode for you. Dive into advanced poker strategies starting with preflop slow playing, such as why you should sometimes call a four-bet with pocket aces or kings to maximize value. The discussion also covers the delicate balance between slow playing and pot control, helping you recognize when playing passively protects your stack and when it costs you money. This poker strategy podcast also examines the risks and rewards of slow playing on different board textures. Gary and Mike explain why betting three streets with strong hands is often the best move, but also reveal rare exceptions—like checking back top set on ace-high boards in single-raised pots. As the episode progresses, you’ll uncover key tactics for fast playing out of position, the importance of reacting to opponent bet sizes, and how to adjust your strategies for three-bet pots. The duo even shares practical advice for adapting these solver-approved techniques to real-world games, including low-stakes live poker. Whether you’re a beginner learning to recognize profitable traps or an experienced player refining your edge, this podcast delivers actionable insights on every aspect of slow playing. From appreciating your opponent’s range to identifying key moments for aggression, you’ll leave this episode with a stronger grasp of the nuances that separate amateurs from pros. Plus, don’t miss the Black Friday sale at Upswing Poker, where you can get 25% off courses and tools designed by the game’s top players. Level up your poker IQ today and join us as we explore the art—and science—of slow playing in this exciting episode!