Poker Bluffing

Many beginning poker players think that poker bluffing is a great way to play and bluff on almost every hand. There are, however, some very specific times in a poker game when it’s appropriate and even advisable to use a poker bluff.

When Poker Bluffing Can Help You Win

A poker bluff may work when:

When there aren't many other players in a pot

With fewer hands out there’s a better chance that no one has a good hand. Bluffing is common in this situation so you’ll have to be persistent over two or three betting rounds. This can be costly if they don’t fall for your poker bluff.

When you're up against tight players

Tight players fold more easily and are the best targets for poker bluffing. If tight players don’t fold when you bluff you may not want to continue poker bluffing—there’s a good chance they have a good hand.

When you're in late position and everyone else checked

This is another common poker bluff, and many players will stay in just to see if you’re being honest.

You bet pre-flop and missed

You’re poker bluffing here because they don’t know you missed. This can be dangerous though.

When there is a pair on the board.

If the pair is 88 lower the chances are good that these cards were folded or are still in the deck. Again, a tricky time to poker bluff and you really have to know your players.

Keep in Mind…

These are all common reasons to poker bluff and most people will know what you’re up to. The best advice is simply to know your players and not poker bluff so often that it doesn’t work.