Bluffing is one section of poker that truly separates the veteran
pro from the inexperienced beginner. Anybody can bluff, but knowing
when a bluff is your right play can be the difference between a
winning and losing session. Below are several standard rules to
bluffing. By applying one or more of these principles you greatly
increase your odds of a successful bluff.
1. Occasionally a busted bluff isn't a terrible thing. You do not
have to win each bluff to make it worth your while. Think of bluffing
as risk vs. reward. In most cases, your risk in a bluff is one bet
to win several. So a single successful bluff makes up for 1 or 2
unsuccessful attempts. Even when you do get caught, it may get you
a few additional callers the next time you really do have a solid
hand.
2. Be aware of how many people have to fold. If you are thinking
of bluffing with 4 or more people still in the hand, think again.
Unless you’re trying to scare out several players and protect
your hand, you should limit the majority of your bluffs to hands
involving 3 or fewer players. You might be able to drive out one
or two. Any more than that and you’ll usually get an “I’ll
keep you honest call” which are words you never want to hear
when bluffing.
3. Know whom you can and can not bluff at the table. You should
have a good idea of the types of players you’re up against
before attempting to bluff. Keep your bluffs aimed at mediocre players.
If they are horrible they’ll call no matter what. If they
are great, they are more likely to call for future reference (to
get a read on how you play).
4. Be sure you’re in a position to bluff. Holdem is a game
of position. If your opponent has already checked, you are in a
much better position to bluff. Keep in mind to watch out for a trap
or re-raise if a strong player checks to you. There’s nothing
worse than trying to bluff and getting check-raised. Once again,
remember rule number three.
5. A semi-bluff is always better then a total bluff. Consider bluffing
with a draw or mediocre hand. That way, if your bluff does not drive
out your opponent you still have a chance to make your hand and
win the pot. Most of your bluffs should not be true bluffs, but
semi-bluffs.
Lastly and most importantly, use bluffing sparingly and only when
the situation warrants. No matter how loose or tight the game, if
you try to bluff to often you will never claim another free pot
again. People who over bluff get calls they normally wouldn’t.
This is fine if you have the right hand, but in cases when you are
just barley ahead or someone is on a draw, being labeled a frequent
bluffer will just give other players an excuse to call and draw
out on hands they would normally lay down.
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