Types of Plays: Bluffing Plays
When it succeeds, the bluffing play (also known as the “Poker Bluff”) is arguably the most admired play in poker. While the intent is to get the best hand at the table, you don’t need the best dealt hand if you can get the player with a better hand to fold.
Bluffing, in simple terms, is to bet and/or raise when you have an inferior hand. Bluffing can also refer to body language to give off an impression that you have a winning hand. A simple example would be to give a slight smile after being dealt a card. In short, bluffing is psychological warfare, and your job as a bluffer is to intimidate your opponent.
Bluffing comes in a few different styles. The first one that comes to mind is the “Pure Bluff”, or “Stone-Cold Bluff”. This is a bluff of desperation because you have a hand with little to no chance of improving. Since you probably won’t win with that hand, the best you can do is to get your opponent to fold. After they fold, reach over and slide those winnings toward your side of the table.
If you have a hand that has a reasonable chance of winning, you may want to perform a “Semi-Bluff”. With a semi-bluff you’re trying to minimize the number of players who could have better hands. At the same time, you’ll continue to receive cards and you just might get that card you need.
Bluffing is a tool like any other poker strategy, and knowing when to use it can make an incredible difference in winnings. Here are some general suggestions to keep in mind when bluffing:
- It’s better to bluff with a high pot since a small amount isn’t worth bluffing over. Why waste a bluff and possibly give off key body language over a small amount?
- Also, the number of players in the game is a factor. With a small amount of players, bluffing becomes ideal since it reduces the number of people who must fold to give you the winning hand.
- If you’re in a game where some cards are dealt face up, you may wish to bluff when you get a “Scare Card” (usually a high card, or a card that really helps what you already have showing). That Ace of Spades could look very intimidating to other players after you throw out a big raise!
One final note - always remember to watch your own body language when you bluff. Don’t smile, tap fingers or give the other players a clue to your real intent. If you want to be sneaky you could always switch around your body cues, and keep your opponents guessing. Might as well take every advantage you can get!
Good luck out there, partner!
