Every true-blue poker player knows it: poker just wouldnt be poker without bluffing. Surely, there is nothing like taking down a huge pot knowing that someone should have gotten it.
Bluffing in poker is an art form in itself and though it has been highly glamorized by the media on TV tournaments and even movies, getting away with it can also be tough so remember that it should also be done judiciously as well. However if used properly and wisely, bluffing can also lead a player to enhance poker profits and even win big in the process.
Here are a few tips for bluffing in your poker matches:
Pay attention to other players. The keener you are with the players who are in the same match with you then the better. Novice players have a tendency to bluff often thus they are easy prey. But it isnt them who you need to watch out forturn more of your attention to the professional players since they are the ones you need to be watching out for.
As said earlier, be careful of how often you bluff. If players have seen you bluffing recently, they will register it. If you try to bluff again too soon then someone is likely to call you. Of course, this can be used to your advantage. If you find yourself with a good hand after being caught bluffing, odds are players will call your bets.
Dont bluff too early. Its better and more advantageous if you bluff at a late position possibly when everyone is checking, calling, or folding in front of you, it’s a good time to try to get the pot. It’s not a good idea to bluff from early position, because you have no idea of other player’s hands.
Bluff when you think your opponent will fold. By betting, big and making them think you have something they can’t match; you can remove them from the game.
Bluff against small stacks. If your opponent has a small stack, they are unlikely to call a raise unless they have hit the flop hard. But you have to be careful, as it will be rare for a short stack to simply call when bet into, they will either fold or push. Again this is where practice makes perfect, and you will know when your opponent is more likely to fold than push based on their stack size.
It is important to remember however that to win in poker doesnt mean you have to bluff all the time. As you play more poker, you will get to understand this as well as learn other useful stuff about bluffing.
Bluff if you will but do so with confidence and reason.
