Bluffing
May 31 2008
Bluffing is a fundamental tactic you must perfect if you hope to become a winning poker player. Bluffing isn’t about luck. It’s about timing and knowing how much to bet to get your opponent to lay down their hand.
One important method of bluffing is the semi-bluff. A semi-bluff is different from a normal bluff at the pot, because all is not lost if someone calls your semi-bluff. Here’s how it works.
When you make a semi-bluff you believe you do not have the best hand at the table, but you do have a possible draw that, if made, could improve into the best hand at the table. Here’s a simple example to explain it.
Let’s say you have K-J suited spades:
The flop is showing this:
On that flop your K-J probably isn’t the best hand at the table right now. But if a spade or a 10 fell on the river, your hand would improve into a flush or a straight – most likely giving you the best hand. By betting into this flop you are making a semi-bluff. You don’t have the best hand, but you could if you catch the right cards on the turn or river.
By betting you are making a play for the pot and you could force your opponent to fold, ending the hand right there with you scooping the pot. Even if they call you still have the opportunity to make one of your draws or make another bluff later on the turn or river. One thing to remember about semi-bluffing: Always be cautious if your opponent calls because you don’t want to go too far and lose a lot of chips if you don’t make your draw.
Learn all about the
art of bluffing in the Bodog Poker Guide.
