Poker strategy: Bluffing

If everyone knew everyone's cards at the poker table then the best hand would always win and it would be a rather boring game to play, but that is not the case and the best hand doesn't always win, making bluffing a big part of the game.

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Beginner poker players love to bluff to try and win as many pots as possible. Professional and experienced players, while understanding how important bluffing is, also understand that a good bluff means doing it sparingly and in the right position.

Here are some good situations when to think about bluffing.

Small amount of players – The fewer people in the game, the more effective bluffing is. After all, it is easier to fool a handful of people rather than a greater number.

You are on a tight table – Tight players will usually only be in a pot if they have a good hand, and they will generally fold if they don't hold a hand which is, or is close to being, the nuts.

River play – When the last card is dealt players who actually have a bad hand will fold to a bet. If you have got this far without bluffing then the chances are you will have half a hand anyway, so put in a bet and find out where you are.

You are the last to act – If the other players have all checked, this means that they could be holding a weak hand. (Or they could be trapping, so beware!) Put in a strong bluff, this could mean re-raising a re-raise in some instances because the bluff is a common strategy in this situation.

You miss the flop – You get dealt Ace King and you raise pre-flop and when the flop comes it is 6 high. Put in a continuation bet to try and take the pot down there and then.
 
Table image – If you have recently won a pot or won a number of hands, the other players may well respect your play. Use their fear of you against them.

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