Bluffing!

Pick your spots when bluffing

Far too often you see players looking to bluff from the first card that hits the felt. This is the wrong poker strategy to employ and also creates an image that could be very hazardous to your stack as play continues. I totally understand the fact that poker is a game of aggression. No one is going to argue that point. However, you do not want to be aggressive simply for the sake of being aggressive.

This is why it is important to allow the bluff to come to you instead of trying to force the bluff in situations that do not warrant the play.

Most players today are fairly savvy and are aware of most situations that present themselves within a poker tournament or cash game. A good bluff is the result of studying the players that are sitting in your particular poker game and understanding their tendencies. It is only then that you can determine what situation is best suited for that particular player.

For instance, if I know I am playing against a tight player that tends to always raise with high cards and the board comes down [2][7][T] and he checks after raising then I am going to bet. On the other hand you may not make this play against a player that raises pre-flop and is known for trapping with big hands.

These kinds of plays can be executed successfully because you understand what your opponent is capable of. Simply making a big bet post flop and then again on the turn to show how big a bully you can be will get you busted in no time. Players that bluff for no good reason often provoke other players to call them with mediocre hands which can lead to trouble for the bluffer. They also tend to be trapped a little more than others because they refuse to fold when their opponent shows aggression against them. Be smart and pick your spots to bluff. Your game will be much better off for it.


source: do-or-die-poker.com