To Bluff or Not to Bluff

So hopefully by now you have gained a pretty solid understanding of the game of poker. However, it is time to learn a little bit about bluffing and body language. Regardless of how good a player you are, at some point in time you are going to have to bluff in order to be a consistent winner. On the other hand (no pun intended) you will need to learn how to recognize when players are bluffing against you.

The way you are percieved at the poker table is extremely important. It is essential that you have a solid grasp of how players perceive your play in order to successfully pull of a bluff. Even if you are normally a solid player that rarely makes a bluff, it is necessary to mix up you game in order to get action when you play a hand. Although the world of bluffing is extremely immense and will vary from situation to situation there a few easy tips that you can learn to help you on your way to mastering this aspect of the game.

When to bluff: They say timing is everything in poker, and the saying is true. If you decide to bluff, make sure that it is in a hand that is worth winning. There is no point in risking a lot of your poker chips to pick up a pot that you don't even need. So make sure that if you are going to bluff at a pot, the pot is big enough to take the chance.

Never show your bluff: If you are lucky enough to pull off a successful bluff, never show your bluff to your opponent. Some advanced players will show their bluff in certain situations, such as when they are trying to get inside the head of the other player, in order to put them on "tilt". This strategy, though fairly effective, is for advanced players who know their opponents fairly well.

Never bluff bad players: Remember that normally you can not bluff bad players. Since bad players who don't understand the game very well, will not even realize when they should fold, bluffing them is generally a loosing venture.

Don't hesitate: If you decide to bluff, don't hesitate! Decide that you are going to bluff, and follow through. Since hesitating is normally a tell that indicates a poor hand, do not hesitate.

Bluffing in position: The best time to bluff at a pot is when you are position. Normally the best positions to do this are when you are acting on the button, or on the cut-off position which is the position right before the button. Most blinds that are stolen are stolen from these two positions.

Remember your actions: When you decide to make a bluff, remember how you acted when you had the nuts, and mimic those actions such as the amount and manner in which you bet.