Bluffing
Bluffing is the poker equivalent of robbing a
bank armed with a banana in your coat pocket. Sure
it’s profitable if it works, but if you get caught,
not only are you in trouble but you’ll look
ridiculous. That being said there are a few easy tips
you can keep in mind to greatly improve your chances
of bluffing successfully.
1. Sometimes
a busted bluff is not a bad thing. You don’t have to
win every bluff to make it worthwhile. Think of
bluffing in the same manner as pot
odds, risk vs. reward. In most cases, your
risk in a bluff is one bet to win several. Also, even
when you do get caught, it may get you a few extra
callers the next time you have a strong 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 a few players and protect your
hand, you should limit the majority of your bluffs to
hands involving 3 or less players. You may be able to
drive out one or two players, but any more then 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't bluff at the table. If you’ve read
our article regarding profiling,
you’ve already determined what types of players
you’re up against. 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. Hold’em 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 3.
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.
These
tips will help you overall, but if you attempt to
bluff other players to often you will be labeled a
“loose plsyer” and scoring any future freebies will be
almost impossible. Use your bluffs sparingly and with
a little luck no one will ever know you just pulled
the oldest trick in the book.
