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Bluffing Strategy
All successful poker players must be able to make a well-timed bluff. The bluff is probably the most talked-about poker concept, although it is not used as often as people believe. Still, to exclude bluffing from poker would result in an uninteresting game: If you never bluff you become too predicable and will not be able to maximize your winnings, much less win at all. You bluff when you have no chance of winning the pot or when you are trying to steal the pot before all the cards are dealt. In a cash game, it is possible to calculate whether a bluff will be profitable or not. To do this, you compare the odds of making a successful bluff to the size of the bet and the size of the pot. Therefore, an important skill is the ability to determine the likelihood that your opponent/s will fold.
The following are some factors to consider when deciding whether to bluff or not:
Type of opponent:
Do not bluff weak opponents who call with anything (referred to as "calling stations"). This is the most common mistake. Be sure that your opponent is a good enough player to fold a hand.
Number of opponents:
In general, do not bluff a field of three or more players, especially not in Limit poker. A bluff is much more likely to succeed against one opponent, not only because it is just one player but also because the pot is usually smaller, which makes it less desirable.
Your "reading" skills:
If you "read" the game well and are able to put your opponents on likely holdings, you will be able to identify good bluffing opportunities. This is probably the hardest and most important skill to master.
Pot size:
Your opponents will be more prone to call if the pot is big because they get better pot odds. On the other hand, if you make a successful bluff in a big pot the reward will also be bigger. This is when good judgement comes into play.
Playing Position:
If you are sitting in late position, you will usually have more access to information regarding your opponents' hands and, thus, will be in a better situation to bluff. For example, if it is checked to you, the board looks favourable and there are few players in the pot.
It is crucial that you consider all of these concepts when deciding whether to bluff or not.
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