All good poker players should know when to bluff

All good poker players should know when to bluff during a poker game. I think that the concept of bluff is the most discussed one. Even people who have never played poker discuss about bluff or using it in other contexts. It has become a part of every-ones life. During an actual poker game a bluff is not something so common. It happens very rarely for a good poker player to use a bluff. Despite not being used to often the concept haunts every poker game. Without its existence the game could be very boring and without any excitement. In case you never bluff you can be in danger of becoming a predictable player. This will have as a consequence the fact that you will loose money. You won’t be able to increase your winnings. Generally a bluff is used by players who have realized that they have no change left to win the pot. They use the bluff when they try to steal the pot even before all the cards have been given. In a cash game it is possible to calculate if a bluff will or will not be profitable. To do this you have to compare the changes of a bluff with the value of the bet and the value of the pot. Therefore it is very important to realize if the other players will keep playing or renounce their hands.

A few factors to consider before using a bluff : 1. The type of adversaries 2. The number of players. 3. The view on the game. 4. The skill of the other players of “reading” your behavior. 5. The board. 6. The value of the pot. 7. Your position at the table.

Type of adversary

Do not ever bluff against calling stations, those are weak players that call in any situation. This is the most common mistake of poker players. You have to make sure that your adversary is good enough to realize when to call a hand and when to not.

The number of adversaries

It is better not to bluff in games with at least three players or more. This is especially true in No Limit poker games. The bluff is very successful when you are playing against one player, because the value of the pot is smaller and therefore it is not something for which somebody is willing to risk a lot.

The view on the game.

The bluff will not be a success in case the game is easy and passive. If you were caught the last time you attempted a bluff, in the future your adversaries will call your bluff, although you can use reverse psychology to your advantage. For example, in case a good player realizes that you are bluffing and considers that you are a good player, he may think that you will not dare to bluff again.