The Art of Bluffing

Written by MarkBonington Saturday, 16 April 2011 07:53

Editorials - Poker Editorials

Bluffing is one of the most popular phrases which springs from the poker world. Many people use it while not quite realising truly what it means or how to execute it successfully. Successful bluffing in the live circuit truly is an art itself, but for most players it is an adornment only; a technique to add to their arsenal. Like the trill in classical music, when used infrequently it is beautiful and (often) highly successful. Over-use it and you may well find the rest of your technique falling around you like, well, a house of cards.

Timing. A bluff must be exceptionally well timed. Also remember a bluff should be on a hand you are probably not going to win on. Otherwise, it is not a true bluff (see below). Many amateurs become deeply infatuated with the romantic notions of the bluff, having seen it too often in Hollywood films and TV. As with so many things, less is often more, and even seasoned professionals have admitted that their game vastly improved when they let go of the urge to constantly bluff. Specifically, you should usually not try bluffing against an opponent who has just played a strong hand, as he will probably not fall for it. Ideally, to achieve the best chance of success you should have just played a strong hand, and your opponent a weak one.

A Bluff must be a bluff. Players should only bluff with hands which do not stand a chance of winning outright. Watch, and let your opponents make the mistakes. Many professionals have admitted that their results improved when they did not try and bluff too much or too often. Bluffs are often much more effective when used to mop up the smaller pots, which compliment the overall stack, rather than trying to use the bluff to snatch a big pot.

A failed bluff is not necessarily a fail. Bluffing is a beautifully masked deception. If you are caught bluffing, it can actually serve you well in the future. Your opponents will begin to paint a picture of what they think you are in their heads, and will begin to associate certain labels with you – 'loose player' 'tight player' 'slow player' 'aggressive' 'passive' etc. If someone has a label on you, mix it up and start to play differently. They will become confused and unable to predict your actions.

Know when to back out. Usually, if a player calls your bluff three or more times, they have a good hand. In this instance, you would be well advised to back out and fold; they are probably going to call your bluff, even if you were to push all in. Naturally this would spell disaster for you as a bluffer. Every deception fails sometimes, and better to quit and live to fight another hand.

No “Hollywooding.” This is a term used in the poker world for players who try to pretend they have a great hand by consciously sending out body signals to others around the table. This rarely (if ever) works, and it is best not to try it, even if you consider yourself a good actor.

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