To Bluff or Not to Bluff?

[Gilead]

bluffing is a powerful tool in poker, but it must be used wisely. What signs do you look for to decide if a bluff will work?

 

[dorsk]

Bluffing is a powerful tool in poker, but it must be used wisely. What signs do you look for to decide if a bluff will work?

Generally bluffing works best against tight players, i.e. on a dry board with no paints. Conversely bluffing a loose passive player isn’t the best idea. He has a hard time folding. In a MTT I tend to bluff middle stacks. Short stacks can push on your bluff, whereas a big stack has the leverage to make a move on you.

 

[R.Holynskyi]

Bluffing is a powerful tool in poker, but it must be used wisely. What signs do you look for to decide if a bluff will work?

In order for a bluff to be effective, it is first of all important to understand who your opponent is. If you know who your opponent is, then you will be able to draw conclusions about the situation in which your bluff will have the greatest chance of success.

 

[monkeytilter]

Sweating, shaking and crying are all good signs.

 

[christovam]

You have to be careful to know the right times to bluff. However, most plays will not be bluffs.

 

[dannystanks]

Bluffing is a powerful tool in poker, but it must be used wisely. What signs do you look for to decide if a bluff will work?

For me, there are lots of things to consider because this is a pretty complex game. A couple of things I first look is my stack size. The bigger it is the more I can bluff. It’s easier to run a triple barrel with 100 BBs than it is with 15BBs.
I consider what position I am in. It’s easier to bluff from later positions than from early/mid positions.
How many players are in the pot? If I am heads up it’s easier to bluff than vs 2 or more players.
How is my table image has a lot to do with if I can successfully bluff. If I have been tight it will be easier to bluff than if I’ve been playing loose.
Then the bigger one for me is the table image of my opponent. His/her style of play is important. If they are calling everything no matter what sizing you choose then I’m never bluffing that person. Find a person that knows how to fold that’s your target.
Size up and make that bluff meaningful to them.
Good luck! Remember the bluff doesn’t have to work all the time to profit.

 

[bowserdon]

I never bluff LOL

 

[PoorGypsy]

Bluffing is a powerful tool in poker, but it must be used wisely. What signs do you look for to decide if a bluff will work?

I always semi bluff if I have a draw and try to do it against people who are folding more often then calling.

 

[PoorGypsy]

Sweating, shaking and crying are all good signs.

some people can have it when they have a strong hand

 

[Stringy]

Always bluff. Everyone is weak. You are better

 

[gustavofuentes2]

That is a easy 1. Just see id it is me that is playing and you know that you can bluff or if I bet then you know that I am bluffing. So sick I really have to stop doing that. LOL

 

[phuchoidey1]

I think you must understand who you play with pro or noob I think all pro is usuAlly play with strong hand not bluff

 

[sibkaz]

For a profitable game, you really have to bluff sometimes, but it's better to bluff with a draw, of course...)

 

[phuchoidey1]

Bluff when you have something, it doesNt mean you bluff anytime

 

[dreamer13]

Bluffing doesn't have to be creative. Bluffing is part of the game and it is necessary.Take a little risk for a decent reward. This is often a bluff bet on the flop, potentially double barreling on the turn, but playing very selectively on the river. Once players call the flop and turn, they are often too committed to their hand to fold on the river. This is the biggest difference between winning and losing players.