Bluffing is betting or raising with a hand that isn't likely the best, aiming to make opponents with better hands fold.
Bluff = Betting to make better hands fold
| Type |
Definition |
Example |
| Pure bluff |
No equity if called |
Betting 7-high |
| Semi-bluff |
Has outs if called |
Betting flush draw |
| Reason |
Explanation |
| Balance |
If you only bet value, opponents fold |
| Win uncontested |
Take pots without showdown |
| Maximize EV |
Some spots are +EV bluffs |
| Unpredictability |
Keeps opponents guessing |
| Factor |
Helps Bluffing |
| Tight opponent |
More likely to fold |
| Scary board |
Hard to call with weak hands |
| Credible story |
Your line makes sense |
| Blockers |
You block strong hands |
| Bet Size |
Need Folds |
| 50% pot |
33% |
| 75% pot |
43% |
| 100% pot |
50% |
Semi-bluffs are the best bluffs:
| Advantage |
Explanation |
| Win now |
If they fold |
| Win later |
If you hit your draw |
| Two ways to win |
Fold equity + equity |
| Draw |
Outs |
Notes |
| Flush draw |
9 |
Common semi-bluff |
| OESD |
8 |
Great with fold equity |
| Combo draw |
12-15 |
Often favorite! |
| Gutshot + overs |
10 |
Good semi-bluff |
| Street |
Bluff Frequency |
| Flop |
Highest (widest ranges) |
| Turn |
Medium |
| River |
Lowest (must pick carefully) |
| Spot |
Why |
| Wet board turn brick |
Draws missed, can rep |
| Scare card river |
Flush/straight completes |
| Opponent shows weakness |
Check-check line |
| You blocked their value |
e.g., have A♠ on flush board |
| Spot |
Why |
| Calling station |
No fold equity |
| Multi-way pot |
Someone has it |
| Your story makes no sense |
Incredulity call |
| You've shown bluffs |
Credibility lost |
| Mistake |
Problem |
| Bluffing calling stations |
They don't fold |
| Too many river bluffs |
Unbalanced, exploitable |
| Bluffing without blockers |
They have their hands |
| No credible story |
Line doesn't make sense |
Good bluffs have fold equity, a credible story, and ideally some backup equity (semi-bluffs). Choose bluff spots carefully based on opponent, board texture, and blockers. Bluff enough to stay balanced, but not so much that you're exploitable.