This isn’t about reading tells. This is about the situations where
bluffing is plausible, and when other players will do it. You can
generally look at the reasons YOU should bluff and apply them to
other players. Of course, you also have to know the player, and
evaluate it from there, but here are some ideas.
A. They are betting aggressively despite a poor flop.
If they bet pre-flop from a poor position, and the flop is something
like 4, 5, 5, they are probably just trying to keep momentum going
and bluff their way out of this hand. They probably have
genuinely zero drawing chances with over-cards or maybe an
over-pair, but a re-raise could have them rethink that strategy. It
might also give you a betting round or two to try and make YOUR
hand.
B. Pot Odds are in their favor.
Insiders Secrets To Texas Hold’em Poker Online by Theo Cage 151
If everyone folds on the turn with a big pot, like when an obvious
draw was missed, expect a bluff. It’s almost certain that anyone
will bluff against a big pot. With the pot odds the way they are,
you probably want to stay in those hands also.
C. It’s between you and them.
The most common time to bluff is when you CAN pull it off. It’s
very easy to trick just one person. Use your skills at evaluating the
previous rounds and the board to determine what they might
have.
D. The flop doesn’t have any draws.
Sometimes someone will bet in this case to eliminate the ability to
acquire a draw, sometimes because they have a good hand. You
really have to know the player in this case.
E. They bet on the Flop, checked on the turn.
If there was a draw, and it didn’t hit, they are probably just buying
a free card. Bet back against them and take the initiative.
F. Bet on the flop, bet on the turn, checked on the river.
Same as before, but they bought another turn. Might as well bet
back at them.
G. They bet and tell you to “save your money”.
If they really wanted you to save your money, they wouldn’t have
bet. Sometimes players say that just to create the opposite image,
so look out. Few are that crafty though, so tell your opposition that
he’s bluffing and re-raise.
Rob has been plying online poker for over 6 years. Click Here to visit his site where he shares free tips and news on how to play online poker like a professional.
Tags: bluffing, bluffs, online poker, poker, poker strategy, poker tips, poker tricks
