Sandbagging Poker [Meaning] - MasterTerms.com

Sandbagging Poker

Sandbagging in poker refers to the strategy of playing a strong hand passively to deceive opponents into thinking they have a better chance of winning.

This tactic often involves checking or calling rather than betting or raising when holding a strong hand. By doing this, the player aims to encourage opponents to bet more, allowing them to maximize their potential winnings. Sandbagging can be particularly effective in situations where the player believes their opponents may overvalue their own hands, creating an opportunity to trap them.

Sandbagging Poker Example

For example, a player holding a pair of aces might choose to check instead of betting when they flop two more aces, hoping that an opponent with a weaker hand will take the bait and make a sizable bet.