Browse > Home / Poker Strategy / The Art of the Bluff in Poker

The Art of the Bluff in Poker

April 25, 2008

Many people refer to poker as a bluffing game. Certainly the bluff is one of the most notorious parts of the game, and is something every novice delights in trying. Attempting a bluff is simple as it doesn’t require anything more than the chips and the chutzpah to try to pull it off. You can bluff at any point in the game regardless of your hand, and with a well-timed and well-executed bluff you’d be surprised at the pots you can win. For many players, the thrill of winning big with nothing is incomparable.
The best time to bluff is when you suspect the entire table has weak hands. Betting just because you have a weak hand is reckless and nine times out of ten if you’re bluffing without reason your bluff will get called by someone only playing strong poker hands. A good bluff is not usually enough to cause someone with a good hand to fold, so use your bluff only when observation suggests a weak table.
How do you spot a weak table?

 Betting is always a good indicator. A player with a strong hand is usually quick to bet and build their pot. If players are slow to bet and quick to check, their indecision shows a lack of confidence in their cards. This is an ideal time to test your bluff. To bluff convincingly though, you must be consistent. Be prepared to bet aggressively before beginning your bluff or no one will buy into it.

A good bluff is really just a good story, like the fish stories you’ve heard your friends tell and have probably told yourself. You’ve got nothing, but the way you play is saying, “My hand is thiiiiis big.” Timing can go a long way toward making your story believable. For example, if there are two of a suit on the table and you check, and a third of the suit is turned, a bet now tells the other players you are holding a flush. Ideally they will fold on your first bet, but it is important to your story that you continue to bet should they call you.

This can also be done early in the game, but is easiest for the player in the last position. If everyone before you checks before the flop, you know their starting poker hands are weak and can take advantage of their vulnerability with a strong bet. If anyone calls, carry your bluff to the next turn. Your first bet laid the foundation, and your second bet suggests to your competitors that you bettered your hand with the flop. This is usually enough to shake off any players that are on the fence about their hands.

Once you’ve learned how to time your bluffs, the one thing you need to remember is to remain consistent. If you use your bluff sparingly and well, your opposition has no reason to doubt what your bets are saying about your hand.

We also recommend 4kingpoker.com for everything about online poker &
milliondollarpokerguide.com for more poker strategy articles & poker guide. 

Written by rob · Filed Under Poker Strategy 

Comments

One Response to “The Art of the Bluff in Poker”

  1. Poker Strategy on pkrpokerreview.com | 4king poker blog on April 28th, 2008 3:30 am

    […] The Art of the Bluff in Poker […]

Got something to say?