There are many reasons for betting…You can bet to see where you are in the hand, bet for value or bet to bluff someone out of a hand.

With all the intricate ins and outs of how people play Texas Holdem Poker you are not always going to be right. Like I was always told when I was growing up: that is why there are backs on the cards!

The key in this game of incomplete information is to use your tools (chips) to make the best decision as possible to maximize your profits. The decision in the end may have you folding, even if you have raised to see where you are. You have to just remember that you need to follow your plays and trust what you think your information is telling you.

In my honest opinion, you are much better off using slow playing tactics in a tournament than in a cash game.  The reason being this:

In a cash game, slow playing easily gets you into trouble, and you are risking a lot more money in these circumstances.  The long term gains of a cash game are relevant based on what happens over the next year, not necessarily what happens in a few sessions.  Bet all your strong hands strong, and you will get paid off in the long run.

In a tournament, your money is already invested.  Chips are generally managed more strictly and therefore; you have to take the best opportunities to build your stack gradually without risk.

Keep in mind my previous post however (Flopping a Monster).