Types Of Texas Poker Bluffs

A key element of Texas poker is deception and theres no better way of doing it then by bluffing. Bluffing is a term used for someone who bets or raises (representing a good hand) when they actually have nothing at all or a weaker hand then they are representing. For a bluff to work, the other players have to think that you actually have the hand that youre representing, which can be a little difficult. Figuring out when to bluff can be a little difficult so we compiled a few scenarios where bluffing could be an option.

When there isnt that many players left in the hand:

The reason for this is because its a lot easier to fool a few people than an entire table. This is because the fewer people there are in the hand, the more likely no one has mad a decent hand. This is probably the most common type of bluff; many experienced players with halfway decent drawing hands will just stay in the pot to keep you honest. That being said, make sure you know whom your playing against and think before you make that bluff.

On fifth street:

Its usually a good idea to bluff on the river when all drawing hands have missed. Any player who missed their draw is more susceptible to tossing away their cards when faced with a high raise.

When playing against a tight player:

Now this can be fun (at least for me it is). Tight players can be so obvious; they only play a few hand here and there and when they have a good hand they make it known with ridiculous raises and bets. Players who tend to fold easily are more likely to fold to your bluff. Once youve think you figured out who the tight players are, feel free to toss out a bluff here and there, they will usually fold their hand if they dont have anything. If, however, you bluff and a tight player calls or raises you, you might be in a little trouble, they most likely have a playable hand or are just keeping you honest, its up to you to know who your playing against.

When youve established yourself as a good player:

Once youve played a few hands through without any luck and without bluffing, players will start to fear you. Once the other players start seeing you as a formidable player they will become more likely to fold to your bluff. Make sure when bluffing youre playing the hand the same as other hands youve played and won with.

These are just a few common poker bluffs that you will see on an every game basis. Bluffing is an essential part of a poker and every poker player should know how and when to bluff. The most important part of bluffing is knowing your players and knowing how they perceive you.