10 Bluffing Tips for Texas Holdem Poker

Bluffing is a unique feature of Poker. Unlike other games it is not only what you have in Poker that counts, but what your opponents think you have. In bluffing, you act as if you have a stronger hand than you really do.

Poker experts are as adept in bluffing as they are in keeping expressionless faces (the "poker face."). However they are also quite versed in reading and seeing through bluffs. If you're a beginner, we caution you not to bluff too much.

Now for some tips on bluffing.

10 TEXAS HOLDEM BLUFFING TIPS

- DO NOT bluff novice players. They may be too inexperienced to even notice your bluff.

- DO NOT use bluffing in low-limit Holdem. If the bet isn't that high, nothing will keep your opponents from paying to see your hand at the end of the round.

- DO read the board before bluffing. If the board says someone may have a winning hand, you can bluff. For example, if the third in a sequence of cards shows up, somebody may have a Straight.

- DO bluff against tight players. The easiest to bluff are those who can fold at the drop of a hat. Make them think you have a winning hand and watch them fold.

- Some players just won't be bluffed. If a player habitually calls a bet, it's no use bluffing them.

- If you are caught bluffing, do not bluff again immediately unless you have a strong hand. Players will remember your bluff. If you have a good hand, the other players may call your bet and you'll get the pot eventually. (Remember the story of the boy who cried wolf?)

- It's easier to fool a few than many. It's easier to bluff when there are fewer players in the pot.

- When you bluff, act as you do last time the other players saw you with a winning hand. This helps convince them you do have a good hand again this time.

- It's common to bluff when you're in late position and all other players have checked. Other players may know this kind of bluff too well.

- Players may call your bet when they know you're bluffing, just to let you know they know! This is keeping the bluffer "honest."

No matter what the bluff is, a veteran Texas Holdem player may see through it. The most important thing about bluffing is to know your opponents. The more you know their Poker habits, the better you will be able to bluff them. Some players make easier bluffing targets than others. Others are too risky to fool if you're only a novice.