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Step 1
Understand the odds. If you're playing heads up or with only a couple opponents, then slow playing works better. If you're at a large tournament table, then you cannot afford to slow play. The more players involved in a single hand; the more opportunities there are for someone to catch up.
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Step 2
Mind the board. If you flop a set and there are two cards to a flush or straight, then you should bet the flop. You always have to be aware of the possible hands your opponent may have.
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Step 3
Know the people that you're playing with. If you have a call station at the table, then it's time to bet--no need to slow play.
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Step 4
Slow play huge hands. If you flop quads, then there is nothing wrong with slow playing your hand and hoping that one of your opponents makes their flush or straight. Or, perhaps they will think you're weak and move their chips in. If you know you have the absolute nuts, no doubt about it--slow play.
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Step 5
Mix up your game. If you keep the same patterns in poker, good players will pick up on them. For example, most amateurs play the opposite of what they have. They play strong hands weak, and weak hands strong. Instead try overbetting a strong hand; this may throw off your opponent who simply thinks that you are trying to pick up the pot on a bluff. The opposite is also true. Try underbetting a big hand to trap players into thinking you're weak.
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Step 6
Pull the trigger on fourth street. If you've flopped a big hand and checked it, then you need to cash in on the turn. The time for slow play is over. Either make a player commit at this point or make them fold.
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Step 7
Know when to fold 'em. It may pain you to no end to flop a set only to have four hearts come up on the board and your opponent betting aggressively. You cannot simply play your cards; you need to have some sort of idea where your opponent stands at all times.
